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Dieting & exercise

Walking

(66 Posts)
Cumbrianmale56 Thu 18-Sept-25 15:39:19

I don't have the clothes for running, but I love to walk for miles every week as it really keeps my weight down. 8 years ago I was overweight, drank and smoked too much and decided to try long walks. In summer, I sometimes walk over 20 miles a week- my record is 35 miles- and always make sure I do over 10 miles every week. Also by not drinking so much, this has helped keep my weight in the 11-12 stone range, far better than 14 stone that I was 8 years ago,
Anyone else find walking good for them?

Soozikinzi Thu 18-Sept-25 16:09:27

Yes I walk every day 3 to 4 miles with my dog . Its good for my mental health as well . Can't say its caused any weight loss but I suppose I'd be heavier if I didnt !

silverlining48 Thu 18-Sept-25 16:16:24

I love walking, especially in the countryside. I think cutting down on the drink was the reason for the weight loss, but whether it helps lose weight is questionable but what it does do is raise the spirits and keeps you fit.

Mel1967 Thu 18-Sept-25 16:39:59

I walk with the dog every day too.
Also about 3 to 4 miles.
I too find it’s good for my mental health.
I use the NHS Active 10 App, which tracks your walking & encourages brisk walking.
My clothes don’t seem to get any tighter, so maybe walking does keep your weight down?

tanith Thu 18-Sept-25 16:41:59

I walk everyday morning amd evening. I'm able to country walk since I moved if now I could only find a pair of waterproof light walking shoes in my size so i can walk in the fields through the Winter. It does me good to get out walking rain or shine.

Retread Thu 18-Sept-25 16:44:24

I love walking and will happily walk any time and everywhere. I love the Latin phrase Solvitur Ambulando - "It is solved by walking".

I used to attend a fitness class where the instructor would often say "Walking is the best exercise". I'm sure it keeps weight down.

I love the economy of it all, out the door, you, and a good pair of shoes is all that's needed.

silverlining48 Thu 18-Sept-25 17:04:11

If it’s half hour on a treadmill to work off the calories of just one apple, it would take all day on a treadmill to do the same for 3 meals plus snacks and treats , drinks … etc. and no one can do that all day as there are other things to do.
Even slimming world now acknowledge that walking, while good in so many ways, doesn’t make you lose weight.
But it keeps people healthy and doesn’t gain weight, because you are out of the kitchen, enjoying the great outdoors. Everything to like.

Sago Thu 18-Sept-25 17:31:24

I love walking, we will rack up a good few miles albeit in dreadful weather this weekend in upper Teesdale.
It’s the best exercise and I’m so grateful we are both mobile enough to do some serious hiking.
We have a week walking coming up in the Lakes in November, last year the weather was glorious, I can’t imagine we will be so lucky again this year.
Good for the body and the soul.

seadragon Thu 18-Sept-25 18:17:21

I didn't have the patience to wait for buses as a teenager in the sixties in Aberdeen so got into the habit of walking everywhere. It's still my main form of exercise now reduced to twice round the block with the family pooch. I have remained relatively slim as a result!

Erica23 Thu 18-Sept-25 18:23:03

Yes I love walking. I’m just recovering from a broken toe so building my steps up again. I only started really about a year ago but now really love it.
I go with two friends on a Saturday and I’m looking to join a walking group, maybe once a week just to mix it ip a bit. Do you listen to music or books whilst you out ?

crazyH Thu 18-Sept-25 18:23:49

Good for you all.👍

I walk daily, but goodness me, not as much as you - I’m rather ashamed of myself 😂- must do better !!

mumofmadboys Thu 18-Sept-25 18:39:24

I do a 3 mile circuit every day before breakfast taking in a lakeside walk. I also walk most days with my DH in the afternoon. I have just returned from the Tour of Mount Blanc walk which was 108 miles but this was over 10 days! It takes in France, Switzerland and Italy. Fantastic scenery. Walking is my thinking time and my praying time. I try and sort out my problems walking! It is also a great time for chatting to family and friends

M0nica Thu 18-Sept-25 19:31:05

Walking is good for the health if not for weight loss. people who do not exercise increases their risk of getting many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, and lack of exercise contributes to obesity and mental health issues like depression. It can also lead to a decline in cognitive function, reduced bone density, and a shorter life expectancy, with physical inactivity being a major global health concern.

Jaxjacky Thu 18-Sept-25 20:25:17

Don’t mince your words MOnica not much hope for those who struggle with exercise through no fault of their own!

twiglet77 Thu 18-Sept-25 20:35:27

I walk an average of five miles every day, mostly dog-walks morning, afternoon and evening. My arthritic hip has put paid to more strenuous exercise but as long as I can walk I’m happy.

CanadianGran Thu 18-Sept-25 20:40:27

I like walking as well, mostly with the dog. Normally a 30 to 40 minute walk, so 3 or 4 kilometers. We live in a quite hilly area, so get lots of heart exercise!

I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, so weight bearing exercise is important for my health.

Shirleyw Thu 18-Sept-25 20:59:26

Yes , I walk the dog daily sometimes twice when d/h takes her out , I also run. I’m thankful every day I’m able …I also step count, at least 10,000 daily…

Jaxjacky Thu 18-Sept-25 21:23:15

Have you given up smoking too Cumbrianmale?

GoodAfternoonTea Fri 19-Sept-25 08:54:02

I do half an hour a day of brisk walking and have five different routes by the coast and through the country watching the seasons go by. I hate exercise and it is the only I get any.

M0nica Fri 19-Sept-25 09:02:38

Jaxjacky

Don’t mince your words MOnica not much hope for those who struggle with exercise through no fault of their own!

Part of my post seemed to have removed itself. I wrote AI says before people who do not exercise.... onwards, because it was just that

But whether you can exercise or not does not alter the accuracy of what AI says nor justify not spelling it out in a general way.

shysal Fri 19-Sept-25 09:17:06

I walk between 5,000 and 10,000 steps every day, but cannot describe my speed as brisk, due to RA. I do need to lose some weight, not helped by some of my post cancer medication, but walking makes no difference, I need to seriously change my eating habits to lose. Intermittent fasting works for me, alternate days, but I have to be in the right frame of mind!

mabon2 Fri 19-Sept-25 13:51:49

Walking keeps one fit but I don't find it helps me lose weight. I am 84 and walk three mile almost every day It's what we put in our mouths that make the difference.

Susieq62 Fri 19-Sept-25 14:07:02

I walk as much as possible and recommend Park Walk on Saturdays as it is part of the Park Run event as is great mentally plus socially
I also do walking netball
Plenty to free out there ladies

Cumbrianmale56 Fri 19-Sept-25 14:25:36

Susieq62

I walk as much as possible and recommend Park Walk on Saturdays as it is part of the Park Run event as is great mentally plus socially
I also do walking netball
Plenty to free out there ladies

I've heard of the Park Walk and it's more fun for those of us who can't run far and don't have the clothing.

beachcomber76 Fri 19-Sept-25 14:37:33

I try and walk every day for up to an hour. I started years ago as a single parent and petrol had to be on a budget. I also hate waiting for a bus when it's cold and wet, I'd rather keep moving and keep warm that way. Often getting to a destination before the bus does!

When walking I often think through projects, think a problem through, stomp off a bad mood, think of all the things I'm grateful for etc. so find it good to keep things in perspective and balance.

It's good for bone density, core strength, posture, digestion, good mental health and appreciation of life/nature etc. I don't know about losing weight, just know that a few people I know who are overweight do not walk or exercise and never have. I've been the same weight and size for 40 years though, and believe me I really love my food!