Walking enough and how much???

[kab1278 3]

I have been walking 2 miles a day (banded 8/24 and lost 20 but have gained back 5) and plan to pick up the intensity as now I just walk briskly.

Do you find walking is enough or have you added weights and such to help improve loss? I am always hungry, have gained a teenie bit back, and have to wait 3 more weeks for a second fill to address a constantly rumbling stomach (app. 1000 calories a day).

I drink tons of Water, follow my diet 98% of the time, and am ready to help this band do it's job!!! =)

[kab1278 3]

Sorry! Should have put previous post under "Exercise". Sorry guys!

[Jachut 487]

Its all to do with what you've been used to doing and how much of a change it is for your body at first, and then later on it becomes more about intensity and time.

I think adding handweights will not add much more of a burn and you run the risk of injury too as it is important to maintain good form.

Personally, for me, I was already well able to walk 5 miles or so in an hour before banding, so I started out with light jogging and progressed over a year to a six mile run or so a day - about an hour's moderately intense exercise. I now add in boot camp sessions and interval runs etc for more intensity and variety.

For most people, I think a solid five mile walk in an hour should be enough for weight control and will probably result in good loss for many. If you want to use weights, you're better off adding in a couple of dedicated sessions a week as well as your walks.

[trishfish 1]

adding weigts to your weekly workout routine will help tons. not in just the losing (more lean muscle helps with your metabolism overall) but it will help your toning. saggy skin is a side affect of major weight loss, so toned muscles help the skin not look so saggy. I do cardio 6 days a week and some sort of weight training 4 days a week. I just started the p90x and love it!

[BetsyB 9]

Added weights are not recommended--they throw gait off and can contribute to orthopedic injury.

Walking is my primary form of exercise. I do other things, too--but my everyday cardio is walking. When I need to up the intensity, I work on increasing both speed and duration. For example, when I started walking eons ago, I began with a half mile. By the time I had surgery, I was doing 3.5 miles, in about an hour. Then---because my dog loves me more if I do---I made this a twice-a-day thing. Eventually my body said, "MORE!" So now I'm back to doing an hour at a time. Some days I'm able to do this twice, other days I do an hour in the morning and my 3.5 mile/40-ish minute walk in the evening.

I'd recommend also adding weight training, and something that improves flexibility--but those are more for health purposes than weight loss purposes. A well-rounded regimen includes all three. And of course, all added activity will contribute to good weight loss.

[vlp1968 83]

Walking is great- like others have said gradually increase the intensity/duration of your workouts. I agree with others who have said not to use weights while you walk. However, seperate weight training will help tons. It increases your metabolism all day long. Not to mention you will get nice and toned.

[BetsyB 9]

Adding some flexibility work (even simple stretches) then rounds things out really nicely. Cardio, weights, and flexibility---the triad

[kab1278 3]

I agree about the weights during walking being a no-no. Sorry to confuse you.

I meant doing a bit of light lifting at home...nothing strenuous as I do not want to pay another doctor bill for hurting myself when I still have to pay the surgery off! LOL

I certainly think I am going to add a mile and pick up the pace. After one and a half months of walking a nice, brisk pace, I am ready for more. I guess it is just deciding to do it and then doing it.

I just read some posts about banster hell, and I guess that is where I am and I am trying to work out of it. But I realized it may be awhile, no matter what I do, so just keep going and it will all fall into place when the fills and my body decide they are in a good place together.

Thanks for the help!!! Always appreciate your responses!!!

[LarraineM 6]

Your activity seems more than enough.If you are saying you are hungry all the time then that may be the reason for the gain. When I am hungry all the time its my clue to get back to my Dr for a fill..............