h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I walked to work today. It's a couple of miles and it took me forty minutes. I timed myself for a minute and did 120 paces. So that's 4,800 paces. I'm walking home too. Another 4,800 paces. That means I will have virtually done my 10,000 paces. I've fallen out with my car - not that there's anything wrong with it but I don't want to 'comfort myself to death' with it.

I'm going to cancel my gym membership I think and stick with the serious walking. Is anyone else into this, or thinking about it? I'd be happy to share notes with them. I need to lose a huge amount of weight and riding around in the car won't help.

If you haven't been thinking about doing anything like this how about trying it with me?

Walking actually burns up the same energy as running does, that's why I like it so much! I have a 15 minute walk to the bus stop every day but walk fast so's to get the blood pumping. I think the experts recommend 30 minutes of brisk walking three times a week, so the weight should fall off in no time - for both of us

I lost five pounds my first year living in my apartment, simply because I had to walk a half mile to get to my first class! I didn't realize it until I bought a pedometer and measured it myself!

I never had a weight problem when i walked. Used to walk everywhere asides those places I took the push bike to cycle too, Never seemed much at the time, but a low mileage day I'd have done 10 miles cycling, and probably half that again walking Used to do a lot of hiking too, averaging 25 to 30 miles a day Doubt I could even manage that now, though I do walk most places when I've the chance (except those too far for on foot...)

I don't have a car, so I walk everywhere, but I'm still unfit and more than likely overweight.

D

My main exercise now is walking; walking to the pub

i'd love to join you vestie. but i figure its aout 10k to my school, which starts at 8:15 i the morning i'd have to get up so early... not to mention the serious back problems i'd have from lugging my backpack around all that way... its huge!

but i've decided that halfway through my homework everynight i'm going to go and get the mail.... its a nice break, and some excersize. i was going to run.. but if walking burns the same amount of caories perhaps i'll jsut walk... is that true?

i dont need to loose weight, but i'm out of shape...

and i probably should have some way to componsate for all the i eat...

I got my physical fitness test back a few days ago- I need to lose 14 pounds.

But my flexibility is good, almost excellent! And my endurance is OK. I think they botched my aerobics test, though. No way can I be able to run a mile (stopping and walking only once for a count of ten) and be that out of shape!

Well I walked both ways and got blisters on my feet and had difficulty walking the next day! I'm gong to have to rethink in the footwear department. Someone lent me a pedometer for the walk home and my guess of 4800 paces was not too bad - the pedomaeter said 4706.

In the UK there's a health promotion campaign that says walk 10,000 paces a day. My 80 minutes walking (every day) would just about make that with the aimless wandering round the office and the trip to the sandwich bar at lunchtime but it is a lifestyle change. I was doing 30 minutes in the gym 3 days per week. By the end of the session I was very hot and sweaty. I lost the rhythm of it during the summer - so I'm looking for a sustainable alternative. I think ditching the car is probably my best bet.

My older brother died a couple of years back and that was due to lifestyle. He was the nicest bloke you could care to meet, but like me he was big.

You take care of yourself, Vestboy! We want you around for a good long time! CHOPPERS wouldn't be the same.

Thaks for the kind thoughts Scandrea. I still have to make a will bequeathing the vest, so I don't intend to go just yet!

I'm in the same boat as you on the lifestyle issues- my dad's side of the family runs the gamut, from obesity to heart disease to weight related diabetes. That's why I feel like I have to get healthy now, so I don't run into those kinds of problems later.

Very wise. My dad was diabetic and so was my brother. Just a note to tell anyone you know who has diabetes. The biggest danger is not sugar levels it's blood pressure. They must get their blood pressure checked regularly.

Traveller in Time on his bicycle
"I wonder if using the bicycle has the same effect.
I use it to get to and from my work, after walking the kids to school.

I remember the days I went to college. It took me twice as long using the car compared to the bicycle. "

It takes me twice as long by car than just by walking! No parking spots!

I used to get those but if you use the right cream they heal up.