Hello from Ohio

[aunkster]

Im a new member checking in from Ohio.Im 46 years old 3 kids ,Like motorcycles ,guitars,drums .I have been a Paramedic for 20 years now .
I wouldnt call my self obese but I know I am a few pounds over weight and I have cut back on all sugars and breads ,
Trying to stick to mainly protein stuff but for a person who dont like chicken its tough.
I have a question about walking.
I have been starting to walk at our loacal park its a 2 mile course.
Im hearing now that just walking is a total waste of time unless I like the scenery.
They tell me my heart rate needs to be doubled and I really need to run .

Are these true facts?

Thanks

 

[g8r80]

Im a new member checking in from Ohio.Im 46 years old 3 kids ,Like motorcycles ,guitars,drums .I have been a Paramedic for 20 years now .
I wouldnt call my self obese but I know I am a few pounds over weight and I have cut back on all sugars and breads ,
Trying to stick to mainly protein stuff but for a person who dont like chicken its tough.
I have a question about walking.
I have been starting to walk at our loacal park its a 2 mile course.
Im hearing now that just walking is a total waste of time unless I like the scenery.
They tell me my heart rate needs to be doubled and I really need to run .

Are these true facts?

Thanks

First welcome! There are a lot of 40+ somethings on this board, including me (48).

Second,

Im hearing now that just walking is a total waste of time unless I like the scenery.

Not true! Walking will burn calories, albeit slowly, and will elevate your heart rate some, but not nearly as quickly or effectively as aerobic exercises, and I don't consider walking aerobic.

Third,

They tell me my heart rate needs to be doubled and I really need to run.

Not necessarily true. Instead, aim for your target heart rate, which can be approximated by (220-46)*.7 - .85. In my case (and yours too as you are near my age), my resting heart rate is 54 so doubling that only gives me 108, which is well below my target heart rate of 70 - 85% of max heart rate (i.e., about 130+). Whatever you do to get your heart rate into that THR zone will serve your heart well (cycling, running, swimming, tennis, etc...)

 

[aunkster]

First welcome! There are a lot of 40+ somethings on this board, including me (48).

Second,

Not true! Walking will burn calories, albeit slowly, and will elevate your heart rate some, but not nearly as quickly or effectively as aerobic exercises, and I don't consider walking aerobic.

Third,



Not necessarily true. Instead, aim for your target heart rate, which can be approximated by (220-46)*.7 - .85. In my case (and yours too as you are near my age), my resting heart rate is 54 so doubling that only gives me 108, which is well below my target heart rate of 70 - 85% of max heart rate (i.e., about 130+). Whatever you do to get your heart rate into that THR zone will serve your heart well (cycling, running, swimming, tennis, etc...)

So I will lose thought it will be a very slow process,even if I pick my heart rate up ..Correct??

 

[samalw]

If I can add my 2 cents, get a pedometer (I have an inexpensive "Omron" that clips onto your waistband and works great!)...and walk with intensity...tightening your stomach muscles, and make those glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves work. Lengthen your stride by making the hips rotate with the stride. Vary the stride length and pace. It makes it less boring and more productive. Walk on a hilly course so you will use muscles at different angles. A good 5-6 mile walk will do wonders and the pedometer will give you a goal to shoot for...personal best time for a particular course, etc.