Q&A for How to Start Walking for Exercise

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  • Question
    Is there a correct way to walk?
    Monica Morris
    ACE Certified Personal Trainer
    Monica Morris is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of fitness training experience, Monica started her own physical training practice and gained her ACE Certification in 2017. Her workouts emphasize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching techniques.
    ACE Certified Personal Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Everybody is a little different, but yes! Your hips have a natural movement as you walk. So when your left hip is moving forward with your leg, your right shoulder should dip back a little bit. The reverse is also true; when your right hip moves forward, your left shoulder should dip a little. When it comes to your feet, make sure you touch the ground with the tips of your toes and your heels. Treat your foot kind of like a spring so that you're extending off of your tiptoes to propel yourself forward.
  • Question
    How do I lose weight by walking?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Walking burns calories, which will be taken from your fat stores and fat will be burned as fuel, as long as you don't consume more food than normal. For the best weight loss results, reduce calorie intake as well.
  • Question
    Does it matter if I walk clockwise or counter clockwise?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Most tracks are flat, so it doesn't make a huge difference. To balance out the lengths of your strides completely, it would be better to do equal numbers of lengths going each way.
  • Question
    Why have my shins started to hurt after five weeks of walking?
    Community Answer
    The pain is probably your muscles developing small tears and rebuilding themselves as you gain more muscle mass in your legs. This is a perfectly natural process. Then again, you may be developing shin splints, so look up some stretches and/or corrective exercises for those if the pain doesn't go away or continues to increase.
  • Question
    Should I bring water with me on my walk?
    Community Answer
    Water is important in keeping you hydrated, so take it with you if you're planning on a longer walk. If you're just going out for 20 minutes or so, it's probably not necessary, but longer than that it would be good to have water with you.
  • Question
    Is it okay to split my hour's worth of walking into two segments, thirty minutes in the morning and thirty minutes in evening?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely, especially if that's what works best for your fitness level and daily schedule. Splitting your exercise that way has the advantage of keeping your metabolism up throughout the day and may even help you to clear your head before settling in for the night.
  • Question
    When is the best time to go for a walk?
    Community Answer
    Morning walks can help you feel fresh for the day, but the best time to walk for exercise is whenever you can fit it in.
  • Question
    What is the best time of day to walk?
    Community Answer
    Anytime is fine as long as it fits with your schedule. Many people prefer a brisk morning walk to get the blood moving, while others prefer an after-dinner walk to aid with digestion.
  • Question
    Can I walk just after dinner?
    AbigailAbernathy
    Top Answerer
    You can do a light walk, but a moderate or heavy walking exercise is not advised.
  • Question
    Will walking reduce belly fat?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the increased exercise and calories burned will reduce fat all over your body, including your belly, as long as you're eating a healthy diet.
  • Question
    Can I have a walking partner and talk while walking?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    What are some basic items needed for walking?
    Community Answer
    A pair of comfortable athletic shoes and breathable clothes are definite necessities. You should also consider taking some water if you want to go for a longer walk. Also, you might want to take a pedometer or something else that can measure steps and/or distance.
  • Question
    Do I need to rest after walking certain distance?
    Community Answer
    Take a rest when your body is telling you it needs it. This may be after one block or many miles, depending on your physical fitness level.
  • Question
    What should I do if there are no good places nearby for me to walk, I don't have space for a treadmill, and I feel too anxious about going to a gym?
    Community Answer
    You don't need any specific type of place to walk. Walk anywhere; it makes no difference. Walk around your house if you can't stand the places outside.
  • Question
    What would be a good amount of time to walk?
    Community Answer
    About 45 to 60 minutes would be good. If you aren't used to walking that much, start with whatever you are comfortable with, then add an extra 5 minutes of walking each day.
  • Question
    What should I drink before walking to burn fat more efficiently?
    Community Answer
    Try drinking 8 - 16 ounces of water about 30 minutes to an hour before walking. To increase chances of losing weight, add a slice of lemon or lime to remove all the toxins and work your bowels, which contributes to weight loss.
  • Question
    I walk for 15 minutes every day, followed by stretching and yoga for the next forty-five minutes. Shall I balance it to another time-ratio, or is it suitable in terms of fitness?
    Community Answer
    Sounds like you're doing great. Variation is key to good exercise. Every other workout, try stretching for 15 minutes and walking for 45 minutes to keep your muscles from getting used to a routine. You can also try altering the pace of your walk for maximum benefit.
  • Question
    Should I walk fast or at my normal speed if I want to burn fat?
    Community Answer
    The faster you walk, the more fat you will burn, but start out slow and work your way up to faster speeds.
  • Question
    How much time should I wait after eating lunch to walk?
    Community Answer
    The answer really depends on the person. Some people can walk quickly and comfortably just 20-30 minutes after eating a light meal. Others need more digestion time. If you have a larger, heavier meal, you'll probably want to wait at least an hour.
  • Question
    How do I stretch before walking? What am I doing wrong if my feet hurt?
    Community Answer
    Try gently stretching the hamstrings; maybe try some jumping jacks just to get your blood pumping. Make sure your shoes are suitable and comfortable.
  • Question
    Is it good to walk 5000 steps in the morning and 5000 steps in the evening?
    Community Answer
    Of course! It is always great to split your exercise time.
  • Question
    Which is better, walking or yoga?
    Community Answer
    They are two different forms of exercise, so it's impossible to say which is better. Walking is cardiovascular, while yoga is geared more toward stretching and strengthening. They're a good complement, actually.
  • Question
    Would carrying a light weight dumbbell help with strengthening?
    Community Answer
    Rather than carrying dumbbells, try wearing ankle weights while walking for the same strengthening effect and greater convenience.
  • Question
    Is it okay to walk before eating dinner and after sunset?
    Community Answer
    Yes. When you walk is irrelevant, as long as you walk.
  • Question
    Do I need to stretch before going on a walk?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to, but it's always a good idea to stretch your muscles before any kind of workout, including walking.
  • Question
    How far should I walk at one time if I am recovering from back surgery?
    Community Answer
    That depends on a lot of factors, including what surgery you had, how long ago, your general health and age, weight, etc. It would be best to talk to your doctor or surgeon about this.
  • Question
    In a busy high school life, how can I reduce my belly fat?
    Community Answer
    Eliminate junk food and soda (even diet soda), and start by simply walking for 20 - 30 minutes per day as a break from your homework. There are plenty of things you can still be doing on your phone while walking, such as texting friends or researching your next project.
  • Question
    Is it OK to walk for exercise in my room?
    Ravenwolf123
    Community Answer
    You can walk in one place if you like. Doing this is sometimes referred to as stationary walking.
  • Question
    How many days a week is good to walk?
    Field_hockey_superster
    Community Answer
    It is best to engage in physical exercise between 5-7 days a week, although the more days a week you can do it the better.
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