Does anyone else walk for fitness?

[Alleycat]

I have started to go for walks again back in Sept since I have some extra time after getting laid off from my job. I finally got around to timing my miles and am doing about an 18 min mile sometime 18 min 30sec. I was on some fitness websites which say that a 15 min mile is normal, but I am hoofing it at 18 min. Thought I was doing fairly well now I feel that I am not going fast enough. I cover about 4.25 miles in 1 hour and 20-25 min. any others out there who want to share?

[Denninmi]

1. I started back in August.

I wouldn't worry too much about your speed right now, the important thing is that you are doing it.

I switched to biking because I really trashed my foot. Biking is great, I love it.

[Alleycat]

4. Like biking too but...

my mountain bike is not in the best shape. I also usually bring a 4 year old (my grandson) with me-he rides his bike I walk.

[Tobin S.]

2. I drink beer for fitness. Keeps me in shape- a pretty round one.

I've heard that as far as walking and running goes it's the distance that matters as far as getting a good calorie burn in and not necessarily how fast you go. I'm thinking that means that you'll burn as many calories walking a mile at a leisurely pace as jogging it. You have to pick up the pace, though, if you want to get a good cardio workout in.

[Alleycat]

5. Yes I think they said to aim for at least 1 hour.

... if you use a heavy glass maybe your arms could get a good workout!

[AngryOldDem]

3. Don't worry about the time.

You've only been doing it a month. If you keep up with it, your time **will** improve.

But that said, the most important thing is that you are being active. That is the main thing. Ignore the fitness sites and their time frames, at least for now.

From what I read, you're doing great! Keep it up!

[Alleycat]

6. Try to do it everyday...

gets me out of the house and my mind off other things.

[AngryOldDem]

17. Exercise is wonderful therapy.

I, too, get out most days (I run). It is nice to just concentrate on what I'm doing and to just be outside. Right now where I live the trees are at peak color, and some of my routes are just gorgeous.

Again...don't get caught up in what others say you "should" be doing. Just keep on keeping on, and you'll see results sooner than you think. I promise.

[Alleycat]

20. The leaves are great here also.

[Blue_In_AK]

7. We walk

Three miles in about an hour, but I'm always stopping to take pictures. I'm sure we could do it faster.

[LNM]

8. Your time will improve.

I had been walking/jogging quite a bit, but I've been off it for a while. I go about 4 miles and have done it in 48 minutes, but that's mostly jogging. 50 minutes is more typical. When I started I was doing about 15 minute miles and that was very difficult then. I think the main thing is to get your heart-rate up. Good luck and keep it up. I need to get back to it.

[Old Troop]

9. keep it up

As you make it an integral part of your life, you will find that your times go down. The important thing is to enjoy it. Look around and take in the beauty of your surroundings.

[byeya]

10. You are going fast enough - for you. Remember, this is something you will be doing the rest

of your life and there's no need to push it. Most people who quit exercising do so because they try to do too much too soon and burn out.
Take it easy,your pace seems fine. You might, in a few weeks, want to add short stretches where you walk as fast as you can, then slow back to your normal pace.
Best of luck!

[shadowrider]

11. No

but I tell others who're walking to do a couple extra laps for me. I need the exercise..

[pokerfan]

12. yes

about 15 miles/week, usually every other day. My knees can't take running anymore so I walk. I wouldn't worry about your speed. I've been walking regularly since February and I'm faster now than I was.

The health benefits of regular physical activity are far-reaching: reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases; lower health care costs; and improved quality of life for people of all ages. Regular exercise provides the opportunity for health benefits for older adults such as a stronger heart, a more positive mental outlook and an increased chance of remaining indefinitely independent—a benefit that will become increasingly important as our population ages in the coming years.

[nolabear]

13. I JUST started, after a long time being very sedentary. I say do what works.

A step is a step. Your body (and mine) improve with walking. Keep it up, and so will I.

[Alleycat]

19. That the way I look at it too

[Arugula Latte]

14. Sometimes I'll do a fast walk for a workout.

I like it -- I really get into the music on my iPod.

About your time ... I guess it partly depends on whether you are at a relatively good weight or if you are overweight. If you're carrying some extra lbs. it is understandable that your miles would be slower.

[Alleycat]

18. Good idea with the music...

Will try that the days I don't have the little one.

[Alleycat]

15. Could it be my height?

A friend suggested that since I am short (5'4&quot I may not be able to go much faster walking and should transition to jogging. I hate to jog or run, all I feel is the jarring bounce everytime I land. I can even feel it in my eyeballs! So I will stick to walking and see how things go the next month. I enjoy it and if I enjoy it I will probably continue, short legs and all!

[alarimer]

16. On a treadmill my walking pace is around 17 minutes.

Running my normal pace is about 11 minutes. Both of those paces feel okay to me. Now, I have short legs and maybe I am not the speediest person on the planet, but I think that 15 minutes is only a guideline. You will probably improve the more you do it, though, so do not get discouraged.

[HopeHoops]

21. No. I walk from the handicapped space to the store with my service dog.

[femmocrat]

22. I used to!

Can't do it anymore, but I used to walk 30 min. a day. It was great exercise and I miss it. I have a hyper little dog now who would enjoy those walks.