Best exercise for weight loss - is walking enough??

westerngirl

Hi guys & girls.

I'm wondering if i could get some advice on what you think is the best form of exercise for weight loss?

I recently started eating healthily and while the food part is going well i really need and want to step up the exercise as i want start seeing results.

What are your opinions on it?? Is walking enough do you think? I think im too heavy and unfit for running at the moment. I could join a gym and go that way im just unsure as to what would work the best.

I was on the internet and saw things like bootcamp and different things so now im very confused.

I am a complete novice so any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks

AntiVirus

Walking is a good start, its just a bit time consuming

seamus

Keep it simple. Bootcamp, curves, etc, are all fine. But they require your continued attendance. If you drop out of your bootcamp class, you won't be able to do the routine on your own (at least not at the same level). You can't do the curves circuit without access to the equipment. So for the moment pick one type of exercise and focus on it.

Although you think you're too unfit for running, it would be worth looking at the couch to 5k plan. http://www.c25k.com/
Since you've already set time aside for walking, moving to this plan won't consume any more time and you won't find it significantly more difficult than a brisk walk.

The point of the plan is is in title - it's designed for someone whose current fitness involves getting on and off the couch, with the goal of having them run 30 minutes (or 5k) in nine weeks.
It's insanely popular because it works and because so many people have no idea how to start from zero fitness.

I always found it difficult to exercise on the basis that I'm burning calories. Exercise doesn't actually burn that many calories (when you consider the effort that it appears to take), but it does have other benefits.

In terms of exercise, I've always found it easier to push for non-weight related goals - so being able to run non-stop for 5 minutes today, 6 minutes tomorrow, 8 minutes next week and so on. So even if your weight isn't changing that much, you still know that you're getting fitter.

JudyD

I think walking is definitely the best place to start. Its really good for both weight loss and toning and all you need is a good pair of runners. Personally I don't think the gym is a great place to start as a novice as it can take a good few weeks to see results and also you need to be sure that you'll get value for your membership!

Swimming is also a really good cardio activity or sign up to a local class of whatever takes your fancy: zumba, circuit training, aqua aerobics. Alot of places do 'pay as you go' systems so you're not spending a lot of money upfront when your not sure if you'll stick at it.

My best advice is try a couple of different things and find something you like and will stick at.

Also second Seamus on non-weight related goals. Best way to stay motivated is keep challenging yourself and bettering yourself! Good luck!

westerngirl

Thanks a mill for all the advice!!