[mbolst]

I found out I average 3 miles an hour when walking. What is the intensity of this? i just started walking the hubby, 2 miles a day. Not a lot of hills, but there is some up hill walking. So what is considered slow, moderate, brisk, etc.?

[Tig]

The following are what I use. They are more based on the individual's response to the exercise.

Light - no sweating, able to talk and sing. Examples: stretching, walking at a leisurely pace.

Moderate - sweating after 10 minutes, breath more often, can talk, but can't sing. Examples: walking at a fast pace, biking.

High - sweating after several minutes, more rapid and deeper breathing, can talk in short sentences, but can't carry on a conversation. Examples: jogging, swimming.

[beach-chick]

Are you comfortable at that pace? Meaning, are you used to it and feel it is "light" by Tig's examples? If so, increase your pace to "moderate". You will burn more calories at a 4 mph pace. It doesn't have to happen overnight, just work up to it.

p.s. That is so cute, "just started walking the hubby" When I say "let's walk" mine runs in the opposite direction!

[Ilene]

Intensity is in the eye of the beholder.... Know what I mean?

For me walking at 3.0mph is nothing, but for someone just starting that's a major accomplishment... So what is good for one may not be good for another...

You should be walking at a leasurely pace for YOU and Hubby... then after a few minutes a little faster, then maintain that for a good 20-30 minutes, then cool down with a slower pace again... Everytime you go out your intensity will change and as you get in better shape what once seemed difficult will be easy and so on....