Weight loss question
 

Hi, I am new to this forum, And I think it is a great place to get motivation and support, I don't have much to lose, But recently have gained a little..And I was wondering, If all I did for exercise was walking, Would that even help?

I have a bad knee, and can't run or it will pop out of place, But I was told that just walking wont burn hardly any calories..And suggestions of what I can do that doesn't involve running..


thanks

speed walking can burn plenty of calories i think, as long as you are getting your heart rate up. If walking isnt getting your heart rate up you might want to consider something low impact like using the elliptical, cycling or swimming :)

I agree with Iconised Ghost you should try using the eliptical or do a fast pace walk. Ohhh and welcome to 3FC btw =)

Walking can help. Any exercise and movement is better than nothing. If you can walk quickly even better. I do find for me just walking isn't enough to make a big difference to weight loss but does help me maintain.

I have a bad ankle and can't run but I do manage to do an exercise dvd most days(my ankle is safe to exercise on just evry painful and I'm limited in how I can move it without it swelling/bruising). Maybe you could see a physio if you aren't already to find some exercises that are safe for your knee, or maybe you could look up some uper body exercises you can do sat down maybe with weights? Maybe swimming is an option for you? Just some ideas btu definatly keep up with the walking.

Welcome to 3FC and good luck with your goals.


Hugs
Michelle

There are tons of chair aerobics tapes that give a good workout without using your legs you could try.

There are a lot of ways to make walking burn more calories, but a wonderful exercise for people with joint issues is swimming, especially warm water swimming.

To find out if there is a warm water swimming program in your area, contact your local department on aging and/or disabilities (In our area, it's called the Aging and Disability Resource Center), or local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

Here's info on Arthritis Foundation sponsored water exercise programs.
http://www.arthritis.org/aquatic-program.php

In some programs, you need a doctor's referral to participate, but your knee problems would qualify you. Usually the cost is fairly low, and often insurance will reimburse. Medical savings accounts also usually cover it.

If you've got little to lose it will be that much harder to create a calorie DEFICIT. Therefore the chances of exercise ALONE providing you with enough of a deficit to produce a consistent, steady weight loss could be very difficult.

Have you considered reducing your caloric intake as well as adding in some exercise? Also, strength training. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn just standing still. I think the combination *may* be a more realistic approach.