Walking for weight loss

[Bearyhumcrack]

The only time I've managed to maintain my goal weight is 10 years ago when I was running 10km, 3 times a week along with cycling to work.

Circumstances have changed, I have a back injury that makes running almost impossible and I WFH largely.

Currently I always get my 10k steps during the week, walking the dog but in the new year I want to blitz January. I'm at least 3st overweight and whilst I know it's about diet & not exercise, I think I can make the most of the month and at the end I have a fasting and meditation retreat so 1.5st off is reasonable.

I'm a planner so when I plan my 100% detox health kick, how many steps should I be planning on a day?

I have a plan for the food side of life - I just need to see a difference at the end of Jan that will give me the momentum to maintain my efforts.

One of the things my stalker does (other threads) send me pictures of myself as a whale or sea monster. I'm not doing this for her but to spite her.

No 1.5st is not 'reasonable'. That's over 20lb in a month when a sustainable rate would lead to anything from 2-5lb for most people.

You are right that it is driven by diet. Start there. Change one habit at a time

Why not start your journey now rather than waiting until January? It will give you longer to loose the weight you want to and I don’t think you should be trying to loose more than 2lb a week at most.

From what I understand 15k is the optimum number of steps for weight loss in terms of time taken and energy expended. I try to do this every day and hopefully a longer hike once a week on the weekend as much for my mental health as exercise. I try and get outside to walk early before work, a quick lunchtime walk and after work if needed too.

Thanks @Dashel i will make that my goal.

I agree I should start now, socialising in December makes it more difficult than it should be but I can absolutely get the steps in so I'll start that today!

Walking also providing good results in your weight loss goal. So don't worry, try to walk 4 to 6 kms every day.

I’ve lost weight by walking in the past. Fast, with hill elements (footpath on the side of a road, not especially steep). As I improved my fitness I added some ankle weights, obviously it’s your decision if you feel your back will tolerate this. I generally improved my diet by I don’t think I restricted very much. I think I was doing 4-5km per day, fast enough to break a sweat. Music helps to keep a steady rhythm.

I did some research before and there isn't that much difference if any in the benefits of 7500 steps vs 10,000 steps.

Thank you. I feel like it's something I can work into my routine & will set me up for the day.

I've managed to lose weight walking but only when doing regular long distances I think I have the metabolism of a sloth...

Are there any local walking groups you could join @Bearyhumcrack to maintain your motivation/ interest? Or an online group all working towards a target, such as a charity hike?

I'd love to go walking regularly but can only go in the evenings once DP is back, and it's too dark at the moment - when the days are longer I can take the DC out or go out later by myself.

Can I ask what your food plan is so I can steal it and lose the 3 stone I need to as I'm feeling very disorganised at the moment?!