Walking versus running?

[ajpb]

Hi.

I am a 26 year old male. I am "a bit overweight" for my height; 5'6" and a bit under 12 stone. I don't eat terribly, but I don't do enough exercise. I do actually like walking.

I really dislike running, but I do actually like walking.

Now, it's been said to me that walking is no use as exercise because it doesn't really push you, but surely doing (say) a mile of walking per day is better than not doing it?

Or would I be best to join a gym?

Ajpb

[Graeme Marsh]

Walking is good for overall health and wellness, but as a weight loss method it is time-intensive and not terribly effective. Research actually shows that it has little impact on the weight loss outcome of a restricted calorie diet.
Yes, you would be best to join a gym and incorporate resistance training into your routine 2-3 times a week. IMHO running is also not the best method to achieve a good physique.

So, good news is you can keep walking! Sort your nutrition and you will see improvements in body composition.

[rachelk]

Hiya - so you are telling me that I can cut down on my cv work and do more weights and I will get the body I want? Currently I am alternating upper and lower body weights sessions e.g. upper body I am doing lat pulldowns or rows, chest press machine or dumbells, bicep curls, tricep dips and shoulder press with dumbells, reps 12 - 15 for 3 sets. On a legs day I will do walking lunges with 10kg dumbells, squats against a ball with 10 kg weights and step ups on a 20 inch box.

I also walk to and from work once a week which equates to about 8 miles and alternate a running club and korfball once a week. Realistically do you think I need to do any more CV work?

Thanks
Rachel

[nigel]

I am a 26 year old male. I am "a bit overweight" for my height; 5'6" and a bit under 12 stone. I don't eat terribly, but I don't do enough exercise. I do actually like walking.

Who told you that you are bit overweight.
I am 29, 5'9'' and at 13.23 stone to be exact. What do you call that??
Doc says I am perfect for by weight.
I don't there is anything to worry about, However you could start walking at first..., then taking rest at some point and do stretching your muscles.
You can do situps, pull ups and push ups for beginning. Increase number of sets and make some routine work on weights.

[DonnyDarko]

If Alex is trying to lose weight shouldn't he perform more cardiovascular based exercise rather than resistance exercise? Also, if he hasn't exercised before I don't think recommending pull ups is sensible. Exactly how many people who don't exercise do you know that can bang out 10 strict (or sloppy for that matter) pull ups? I think tips like that are simply unrealistic.

[Heart Ace]

i prefer walking.. running is stressfull sometimes...

[SuzyJones]

As what they say, walking is good and I agree with that. Running is more stressful and will get fatigue immediately.