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 hate walking for walking's sake. I need a reason and a destination.

I used to be a member of a gym that had a big cardio room that was in the dark (apart from a large screen playing music videos). I have always been very self-conscious, so getting hot and sweaty (and I go beetroot red) without anyone seeing, was fab.

I often muse on this. I walk a lot at the weekends. I’m a reluctant gym member doing weights. But I’ve never done running or cycling at a gym…but have outside. I live in a beautiful place where being outside is safe and easy. Though the weather can be shit.

Equivalent in what way? Total calories burnt? I actually have no idea.
Benefits to the body? They benefit the body (and mind) in different ways.

I think doing both is best. I live in a beautiful part of the country and hill walk in the woods (steep hills about 8.6 miles in total) generally once a week. I also live on a hill and walk the kids up and down it a lot plus go the gym (HITT classes) about 2 to 3 times a week. The combination works best for me.

See for me, going to the gym is exercising for exercising's sake - strength.
Getting outside is paramount for me. It's just fortunate that what I love (running and racing) is good for me physically. If I had to crochet or play chess to keep fit I'd be very unfit, or do it very begrungingly.

It doesn't make you as happy. I love the gym, I'd go every day if I could.

I also like walks in the fresh air. It's not an either or thing.

Both have their merits. Of course it's good to be outside to hear the birds and get some vitamin D, but I get my heart rate up properly at the gym and feel much happier / more relaxed after a hard workout compared with a walk. Different if I'm doing an actual hike!

Each to their own. I can’t walk so no it’s not better for me. I love strength training at the gym. Why are you so invested in dying on a hill that is basically smug and judgemental?

I do both 😀 they both serve different purposes

I think a combination of both.

Cardiovascular exercise at the gym followed by weights leaves me feeling so much physically fitter.

A walk in the fresh air is great for the mind.

I assume most people manage 10k steps a day??

Define 'better'.

I like walks but would not get the body changes that I am after by going for walks. I go for walks in spring, summer and autumn when the weather is nice. I go to the gym all year around.

Good for you if you prefer walks. But it sounds like you are trying to get validation for your decision not to visit the gym.

Don't get me started on '10,000 steps' routine though. A nonsensical waste of time only of use to the exceptionally unfit.

@WestwardHo1 exercise and pointless walking bring me no pleasure at all. I understand how important they are for health but I am genuinely not happier either doing them or when I've done them.

Have you tried resistance bands and doing squats at home? Few press ups too. I've been doing this and walking and feel much better. I'm getting stronger.
Do you take any vitamins for energy?

How do people know what to do in the gym? I’ve joined a few times and I never last long. I hate exercise but want to be healthy. There’s only about 3 machines I feel I can use and it feels pointless. I’ve had the inductions where they show you but it never sticks.

Classes. There is a class for everything these days I think.

Walking doesn’t get my heart rate up like a gym session does, which I think is important for health. A good walk in nature does good things for my mental health though. I find running outdoors is best for me.

Going to the gym has improved my core and able to lift heavier things for longer.

Before I went to the gym, I could not lift a crate of loose bananas to the top shelf - they weigh about 21kg - bananas and crate. Within 4 months of the gym - going 3 times a week and more if I had annual leave, I was able to lift the bananas to the top shelf.

Plus improvements to my core has made it easier to womble in more difficult areas.

Walking is the best thing to do if you have MH issues.

I signed up with a personal trainer. She drew up a plan for me & I trained on my own most of the time, but had a session with her once a month for six months to make sure I was on track. She’s left the gym now, but I’m confident enough to carry on solo.

I’m fortunate enough to have lots of common land and safe streets to walk in right where I live. I have also recently got a new rescue dog which can’t be let off the lead but has to have a lot of exercise. I walked my other dogs before, but I have been astonished how much stronger my arms are after 3 months of walking for 2 hours a day with about 16 kg plunging about at the end of one arm or the other. The new dog is also large enough that I have no worries about going out alone with him at any time of the day or night- it’s rare to see another pedestrian after dark anyway. I wasn’t unfit before, but this much walking has made a huge difference to my fitness, and I’m almost 60. Surely it must count as resistance training, too?!

No, most people don’t manage 10k steps a day. There’s been various studies done and the average Brit’s steps are quite a way off 10k a day.

Although I’d guess that the people on this thread, where we’re debating the merits of walks outside vs gym sessions, do more steps per day than the average person.

You don't get this view in the gym

I know some very large and sedate people who go on about doing 10k steps a day... when in truth it is pottering about the house, and going to the shops.
I always thought you had to walk briskly, and get your heart rate up.

I do have a dog, but walking her is no exercise for me. She is old and her walks are of the sniffy type.

Hills definitely get your heart rate up. Luckily where I live we have cliffs and a huge forest with hills. Plus visit the lakes and dales a lot.
Resistance bands press ups and squats help with strength.

I tend to do both.
Active rest is what I call walking. Moving, being in the fresh air etc.
The gym is for classes and weight training. Serves a different purpose.

You can love both.
Not one or the other. Neither is better or worse. It's what you choose and have time to do

You don't get that view in my City either.

Sama as I thought when someone said how lovely it is to get out along the seafront - I'd have a loooooong drive to be able to do that.

Although, as it happens, the view when I am on the treadmill is rather lovely.