Is there a big difference, losing weight wise, between running (slowy) and walking (quickly)

[cocolepew]

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I was unaware of the profound metabolic changes?

I was aware that a lot of people overestimate the no of calories burned during exercise and in the period post exercise.

I never count exercise calories into any equations I make as they aren't large enough numbers to be significant.

Not sure about the weight loss side but I suppose that walking, even fast, has a natural speed limit therefore a natural calorie burn limit, running too has a speed limit but you'll hit the walking limit loads before the running.

Hope my garbled logic makes sense.

Ron, alot of it is tied up with improved insulin sensitivity which leads to improved body composition, but physical activity has far reaching benefits, I liked this article although it's a few years old
harvardmagazine.com/2004/03/the-power-of-exercise

coco your joints should be fine with weight training and it is really important, especially as you age and after a hysterectomy because the hormonal changes that lead to deterioration of muscle tissue. This will lead to a slower metabolism (muscles burn more calories) and less than desirable changes in your figure, eg flat bum and middle aged spread.

Build and maintain your muscles with resistance training and you will prevent all kinds of horrible diseases such as osteoporosis, you will look much fitter and toned and be able to eat more!

Cardio also has its place of course and ideally you should do both but given the choice, I would say resistance training offers more benefits.

Oh and walking with hand weights won't really cut it, you need to lift really heavy things, like your own body or barbells/dumbells. Trust m, you won't bulk up!

Thanks Sleepwhenidie, I'll have to look into it.

I agree with Sleep. You need to find some weighted exercise that will avoid your vulnerable areas but actually be tough enough to build some muscle. This is much more important than mere weight loss, it is the thing that will keep you active and independent into your seventies and beyond.

Here are a few interesting articles if you want to read a bit more...

women's health

guardian

Shape

Also, whilst there may not be a huge difference between running very slowly and walking - weight loss wise- if you push your body closer to its limits by doing a combination of running/jogging you will get fitter and therefore gradually become more comfortable running longer and faster.

Once you can run at a decent pace there is a big difference between running and walking, calorie and fitness wise (ie you will, providing you don't have joint problems get more out of a 3mile run, calorie and fitness wise than you would from a 3m walk). So its worth looking at the longer term picture and beyond pure weight loss .