Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Is Walking Really Exercise?

Yesterday I went to the YMCA in the afternoon. I started out by setting the timer on the treadmill for 25 minutes. I got so wrapped up into my own thoughts and the music on my mp3 that I didn't realize my 25 minutes was up until I went into cooldown. I was pretty upset by that because I didn't want to stop at 25 minutes and I like to see the total numbers. I decided to turn off the treadmill and restart it for another 25. After about 15 minutes of walking, I had a thought. You see, I usually use the "fat burn" setting on the treadmill. With speed and elevation, the treadmill tries to keep me at a target heart rate of 119 beats per minute. This is supposed to be be optimum heart rate for losing weight for my age and weight. I generally walk at around 2.4 to 2.6 miles an hour. Well, back to my thought I had. I wanted to kick up my speed just a bit and not worry about the target heart rate. I was feeling good and I wanted to move more, faster, harder. I wanted to move as quickly as my mood felt I needed to move. I wanted to really sweat. So I kicked up the speed and I ran for a bit ( I think 4.1 or 4.2 miles an hour), then I backed down to a hard walk then back up and jogged a bit then back down to a speed walk. I did this for about 10 minutes. It felt really incredible! I really felt like I had worked out.

But now to today. I decided to not go to the Y today. I had a ton of stuff to do at home, and I knew that I had this new Richard Simmons video that I hadn't tried out yet. So I thought I would go home instead and workout there. And so I did. Now, I just thought I was working out when I walked on the treadmill. I think I may be wrong. Aerobics are more of a workout than I know what to do with. I was quite fumbly what with this being a new Richard video to me, and I barely made it through most of the moves. When I couldn't catch up, I just kept moving. Richard kept encouraging me the whole way through telling me that I would get it, just hang in there. And I have no doubt that I will. But I know this, I need to start doing a real "workout" more often. I am sure that walking is doing amazing things for me. But I don't know if I can truly call it exercise after what I did this evening. This is really exercise! So I have decided to do this at least twice a week, if not three times. Perhaps Sundays and Wednesdays for now. Yeah.

What do you guys consider a "real" workout?

Thanks for reading,
Rachel

8 comments:

  1. My Rach,

    Do what eveer makes you sweat...The treadmill can be a great workout too..with the high speeds. I walk at 4.0 to 4.4 on the thing and if you do that for 25 to 30 min. you will sweat...also the eliptical is a GREAT work out, but you are right you can really build up a sweat with Richard, just depends on what you are in the mood for...and mixing it up helps with not getting bored of the same ole' same ole' cause it can be alot of fun!!

    Love you, you are doing GREAT!!
    Ur Rene xox

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  2. A "real" workout is when you see a blinding white light at the end and hear angels singing.

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  3. I think if you are working at a pace that pushes the body then you are getting a workout. Don't forget in the early days if you are not very fit, a walk is an excellent workout, but as you get used to it, then increasing speed or intensity is needed. Running is a good step up and keeps the body challenged.

    Keep it up, you are doing very well indeed!

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  4. A real workout is anything that makes you sweat! Even if you are just moving a around...running in circles.

    Thank you for my comment on my blog the other night! I am glad you liked the poem! It's so true...people get upset when they lose only one or less but it's nothing to get upset about...that one pound is bringing you closer and closer to your goal!

    Loveee you!
    xoxo
    Keep on keeping on!
    -Amber

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  5. Walking is one of the best my dear friend. It really is. And I so want my Richard 80's DVD!!! I must order one soon!!! I'm so jealous!!
    Great job on the workouts---you're really geting into a groove that will lead to amazing things---and in a surprisingly short amount of time!!

    My best always---love ya,
    Sean

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  6. Uh, hey friend,

    I miss you.

    i hope everything is going wonderfully. I enjoy reading your updates. When you get the time---punch out a few words. I'm addicted now, you gotta keep me supplied!

    My best always Rach---Love ya
    Sean

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  7. I think so.. as long as it makes you sweat. And walking is good for the heart. :)

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