Walking is often seen as the poor relation to running but is that fair?
As a 22 stone heffalump, walking to the corner shop was more than enough exercise for me and building a little routine into the process was all that I required to start shifting some of the weight and regaining some fitness. It was only after I’d shed 4 stone that I ventured into the more hardcore running arena.
Even now I’m quite content to mix up my routines and go for run/walk sessions over 10k. I think it’s fair to say that you expend a similar amount energy whether walking or running over the same distance. The only problem with walking is that it takes so much longer.
I’ve been asked to gather some attitudes towards walking and fitness and would be really greatful if you’d answer the following 5 questions by leaving me a comment below. I’ll kick it off.
Questions:
1. What would motivate you to walk more often?
2. Do you believe that walking can actually be a workout?
3. What stops you from going to the gym?
4. What would prevent you from walking as a workout?
5. How can walking be more social?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
1. I’d be motivated by a walking related gadget with a hint of social competition. So GPS logs or step counters with targets and leader boards.
2. Walking is as good as running over a given distance. Walking 3+ miles is good exercise.
3. I don’t much like gyms, they are inconvenient and costly and have people in them – usually on the piece of kit I want to use.
4. I don’t get the same buzz from a working workout as I do a run and it takes a lot longer.
5. Lunchtime working groups or commuting groups between stations.
1. What would motivate you to walk more often?
Nothing really, I don’t like walking.
2. Do you believe that walking can actually be a workout?
Yes, if you go far enough and fast enough.
3. What stops you from going to the gym?
Uni assignments, and hangovers mostly.
4. What would prevent you from walking as a workout?
I’d rather run or go to the gym.
5. How can walking be more social?
Walk with friends to the pub.
After thoroughly enjoying my new year running programme, I’m back to walking having dropped a Le Creuset casserole lid on my foot on Saturday afternoon. I love walking as long as I can get a good pace going.
1. Beautiful landscape on my doorstep
2. Absolutely and I have the aches and pains of this weekend in the Peak District to prove it !
3. It’s feels like too much effort – effort to join, effort to get there after work and a load of effort when you are there
4. The effort of finding somewhere to walk and that it feels like you would need to walk really fast or really far for it to do any good as a workout rather than a pleasant amble
5. Walking can easily be very social – just invite some chums and make sure the route ends up at a cosy pub
1. I love walking but suffer from time constraints so it has to fit in with something I’m already doing like walking to work.
3. I hate the gym and would much prefer to be out and about.
5. Walking could be social but if I’m going for a power walk I can’t bear to dawdle so I need the right walking companion! That said I’ve been with my Dad on one of his 5 mile social walks and it was fun. They go once a month and each person chooses a route with a venue at the end for
1 Somewhere nice to walk to from my front door
2 Yes absolutely. Makes you feel good
3 Hate the whole idea of gyms.. paying some capitalists just to move your body!
4 Just that it’s not very pleasant walking in the city/in the dark
5 It can be very sociable if you walk in smallish groups. I think walking in a nice place really liberates the conversation and you get to talk about more interesting things (in my experience!)
1. living within walking distance of station
2. not really a work out but definitely helps fitness
3. nothing.
4. feeling not as much workout as a run. for me walking is more social/fun
5. like many other commenters, a good pub en route
1. A walking buddy, someone to share the experience with and to chew the fat with.
2. I have to because I don’t do workouts! No I really do, you can push yourself on a challenging walk.
3. Dying of boredom!! Hate hate hate the gym.
4. Nothing really. I just fail to take the opportunities to walk, even the scenic routes near my house.
5. Walking groups etc. Failing that just making the effort yourself to walk with a friend would be much better than walking alone. I did once borrow a dog and that also makes walking more social as people like to natter to you about your dig.
or even your dog!
Was that my dog you borrowed Cazza?
Yes, the dog that did one in University Park!! Had to socialise with a lot of people that day
1. What would motivate you to walk more often?
People to walk with, and a pleasant pathway to a good destination
2. Do you believe that walking can actually be a workout?
Yes, if over half an hour
3. What stops you from going to the gym?
Lethargy, apathy and lack of fun people at the gym
4. What would prevent you from walking as a workout?
Don’t like doing it on my own
5. How can walking be more social?
People agree to walk together regularly
1.What would motivate you to walk more often?
Social walking, Guided walks incorporating talks about history etc. especially more walks about town. Went on a great guided walk in Bath looking at all the buildings.
2. Do you believe that walking can actually be a workout?
Yes
3. What stops you from going to the gym?
Everything about them, competitive, sweaty, expensive, boring
4. What would prevent you from walking as a workout?
Boring. Walking for walking’s sake or for fitness is just deadly.
5. How can walking be more social?
See above, also might consider Walking Women’s holidays as they do gentle walks for couch potatoes like me which usually end up in a country pub. ( They also do intermediate and strenous walks but I’m not interested in those)
1. What would motivate you to walk more often?
Having somebody to walk with! It’s a good way to catch up with friends instead of sitting around drinking tea or coffee
2. Do you believe that walking can actually be a workout?
There is a lot of difference between a good powerwalk and a casual stroll. I believe a good daily powerwalk is sufficient exercise although a few weights wouldn’t go astray either!
3. What stops you from going to the gym?
I have a small baby and finding time where he is happy to sit by himself for any length of time is hard and when it finally does come, I have a million other things to do! Chucking him in the buggy and going out for a walk/run is much easier because he’s quite happy to sit in there and take in the new surroundings
4. What would prevent you from walking as a workout?
It is very weather dependant. During summer it’s excellent, especially early in the morning but during winter when the rain comes in it’s not the ideal exercise.
5. How can walking be more social?
I’d have to refer back to question one. Having a walking group instead of a coffee group making walking more enjoyable and you kill 2 birds with one stone!