To think getting out for a walk is better for you than the gym?

[lostinthememory]

And this is a hill I'm willing to die on

Yes going to the gym is great, especially if you're lifting weights etc with a goal to building muscle mass. But for most of us, it's far better to get out and go for a nice brisk walk in the sunshine (or even the sleet, as I did yesterday!) and leaves you feeling much better

I agree with you but I can understand why people go to the gym, especially women at this time of year when it isn't safe to walk/run in the dark.

I just don't enjoy the gym, but I love doing Caroline Girvan at home. I just do 20/30 mins 4/5 per week combined with a 5km walk at the weekends and a weights class once a week. I have also being doing a 40 min walk at lunch times (as have been poorly so don't fancy the weights, plus we have had the decorator in and I prefer privacy). I have forgotten how much I enjoy it so am going to try and put that into the schedule 2/3 a week.
So yes I agree with you!
But also recommend weights with Caroline Girvan.
I am not slim but am fit and healthy and have lost 24 lbs in the last few months at least another 24 to go.

Come to Maine for the next couple of months then tell me you prefer walking OP :-)

It currently feels like -12C. It's warmed up from this morning when it felt like -21C.

The paths are currently just icy, but soon they will have 12" or more of snow on them, then that snow will be partly packed down but full of post holes, then the snow will freeze/thaw/freeze and it will be ice that is full of post holes, then we'll have a mixture of slush and mud as everything melts.

The pavements are coated in salt, making them miserable for my dog to walk on.

From January to April I loathe walking outside most of the time.

Since I moved and my dog died, I really dislike walks. I have a great gym and I love my Pilates practice and outdoor pool. Each to their own.

I prefer running at the gym. I can zone out or listen to my audiobook. Running out side there are too many obstacles and people and roads to really focus. That said I don't like either that much Andy only do it for health reasons. I prefer walking but I don't think that's great for getting my heart rate up.

No one ever felt worse from having gone out in the fresh air and got some exercise (unless they get actual hypothermia of course).

Fresh air and daylight need to be valued more. Yeah the weather is crap a lot, but put a coat on.

I mean if it's one or the other then probably yes. If you already get outside plenty then no.

Well the two aren’t mutually exclusive. One can enjoy the gym AND being outside.

But I go to the gym early before work. Sun ain’t up at 0530….

I try and get out for a walk or a run at the weekend, weather permitting, but that won’t help me build muscle.

Both is best for me.
I walk the dog every day in every type of weather and listen to a book or a podcast.
I also lift heavy weights two or three times a week and I love trying different classes at the gym. I feel brilliant after getting a proper sweat on during a hard class.
Bonus that it also has a lovely warm pool so I can swim whenever I want.

No one ever felt worse from having gone out in the fresh air and got some exercise (unless they get actual hypothermia of course).

I have. I’m disabled so it’s painful and difficult for me especially when icy not to mention boring plus if it’s cold then it triggers my asthma. I really hate it.

I think walking is great and being outside has a lot of benefits for mental health. However, it cannot replace the benefits of resistance training. Women should be going to the gym or lifting weights at home, and the older they are the more important it becomes, especially post menopause.

It depends.

I row, lift weights, and do ashtanga or vinyasa yoga. If there's enough snow, x country ski or snowshoe. Since it's winter, I row on my erg. A walk is a nice adjunct activity, but only walking isn't enough to keep my fitness level where it is now.

Walking is good and better than doing no exercise but if you want to optimise it's not enough.
Or do you mean OP that walking outdoors is more enjoyable than walking on a treadmill?
If yes then I agree!!

Why does it have to be one or the other? You need weight training to build/maintain muscle mass (very important as we age) and walking, getting vit D is important too for mood and mental health. If you can, build in cycling/walking rather than driving everywhere into your daily routine and you don’t even have to make separate time for it.

A year ago when I was a gym rat with a sedantary job I'd have disagreed with you, but I became a postie in the last eight months and honestly my mental health has never been better than when I'm out walking all day five days a week. Physically I'm not as toned because I'm not spending as much time in the gym (my calves are dynamite though), but I feel so much better for being out and about. I can also eat more which is a plus lmao.

Nope. Never ever have I had the high I've gotten from a hard cross training session from a brisk walk.

Brisk walks are great, especially with some lovely scenery - but they're not the sand endorphine hit, for me

Fresh air vs sweaty gym? Hmmmm tough one

When I had a PT I told him I didn't like cardio, he suggested walking
I asked if I could do a 45 min spin class instead
He looked bemused and said "you hate 20 mins walking on the treadmill but you want to do 45 mins spin?"
Yes I do, I love it

On my icy street today, it could be a hill I actually die on.

In good weather, a walk is lovely. I don't enjoy walking with DH as I feel like a toddler jogging behind his fast strides but I love a jaunt round the village in the sun. In the sideways rain, snow and sleet, I'd rather go to the gym.

Broken paving, dog shit, no lights on the pavements on the road, street furniture in the way, no pavements, muddy sides to the road, terrible cambers on peoples drive ways.

Did I mention dog shit

I try to walk, Im not a runner and I would never go to a gym. But walking is hard, crossing roads, darkness, traffic splashing puddles at you, no room on pavements, uneven.

I like footpaths but at this time of year its pitch black and muddy so will have to wait until summer

I think they are good in different ways.

I've not been to a gym for more than 20 years but go out for a walk most days.

However I am aware that I've lost a lot of muscle tone in my arms.

I know I need to do some toning exercises at home or use the outdoor gym in the park - but most days a second short walk wins.

For me, yes definitely. I cannot stand the gym, but go for either a ‘brisk’ walk or a run daily. I find it is so so much better for my mental health. I love nature and live in a beautiful area, I often walk by the beach. It was so beautiful today. I find getting out each day also makes me appreciate seasons more! I’m really enjoying this winter.

We are all different though and I have friends who love the gym and going to classes. Sounds awful to me but they probably hate the sound of my walks/ runs!

Whenever I’m in a city and see people running well dodging people I always think you poor sod. I know there are many benefits to living in a city!

Absolutely this.

I am 70 years old and extremely fit. Still ski like a woman half my age. All thanks to my daily workouts at home.

Caroline Girvan for weights, and Growingannanas for HIIT/Cardio. Plus the Bowflex 3-minute plank every day without fail.

All in the comfort of my living room, while listening to Women's Hour or Desert Island Discs 😎

Yes that’s the problem, we need to lift weights although you can do that at home but progressing to heavier weights is easier in a well equipped gym.

the weighted squats you do today is what will let you get on and off the loo unaided when elderly! That’s a real motivator for me.