Power walking - do people still do it?!

[colonelgoldfish]

Hi all,

I’ve been making small changes to my eating to try and get healthier and would now like to become more active.

Eventually I’d love to run but at the moment I’m too big for that. I was thinking, while I get my weight down and become fitter I could power walk. Do people still power walk? I remember it being quite popular at one point but never seem to see anyone doing it. Lots of runners around my area though.

Would this be effective for starting to build up fitness or should I try something else?

Any advice welcome - I’m a complete newbie to exercise for really

You could try couch to 5k? It starts off very gently. And you can always repeat lessons if you don't want to go too quick.

Definitely. My friend has been losing weight for the past year and we go on huge long power walks. Often out in the woods for a couple of hours at a time. She also felt too big to run to start out with. However, after a year of walking she decided to do the couch to 5k and is now running 5k regularly, by still does 2 or 3 long walks a week.

Ps we also have a local class that does the same thing - leads a group on a big March around the common,stopping every now and then to do squats etc. You might find something similar local to you?

I remember 15 years or so ago, 2 neighbours of mine started to go out power walking every night at the start of summer. By the end they'd both lost a noticeable amount of weight!

My first baby is due next month and I'm planning on walking the weight off OP, until I can manage to do more

Would this be suitable Walk Workout

No-one is too big to run! Just build it up very slowly. Run for 30 secs, then walk for 30 secs. I think you will be surprised at how quickly you’ll improve. The first run is the hardest run, it gets easier and easier. Good luck!

Power walking is a good idea. Much easier on your joints than running and just as effective at burning off weight. Lots of people do it. Also check out nordic walking. There is a group near us and it is really social

I was going to say Nordic Walking as well. Group walks, so sociable as well as good for you...

Thank you for all the replies! Very encouraging!

I’ve saved that walking workout link so will give one a go when the snow starts clearing a bit more.

I know people my size probably could run but I would like to slim down a little first to reduce joint problems. I have had trouble in the past with my knee (my kneecap has always had a tendency to ‘pop out’ 😱) even before weight gain so want to avoid doing any damage. Once I have I will definitely be giving couch to 5k a go!

Off to google local walking group. There’s definitely a running one but I’d never even considered there could be a walking group!

I've been doing walk at home with Leslie Sansones found videos on YouTube only 15 minutes long, I normally do a few at a time unless I have work then I jus try and get 15 mins in before I go

If you are very unfit walking is an excellent starting point. It really helps pull your stomach in and increase core strength ready for other forms of exercise. As you've had knee trouble it probably is best to leave C25K until you have lost some weight and got fit enough to brisk walk a couple of miles. Then add jogging in even slower than C25K normally would to make sure your knee handles it.

I do but I just call it going for a walk. I walk fast with headphones on. My fitbit seems to count it as exercise. I sometimes break into a slow jog, too, but generally only when I've got trainers and a sports bra on in order to avoid pain. I then count that as a 'run'. I would just get the hell out of your house and get moving, lady.