Ok I have just gotten my treadmill 3 weeks ago and I am trying figure out how much walking is enough, yet not too much so that I can benefit from it.

So how much cardio do you gals do? How long? How far? I would love to hear your exercise routine for inspiration and goal for me to work towards!

Any advice, words of wisdom, or comments would greatly be appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!

hi Laurie
It sounds like you are headed in the right direction. I think that exercise is a personal thing though. Different for everyone. No harm in asking where everyone started though.
There was a post on this board not too long ago about which was harder the exercise or the new food changes. I was surprised to find for most it was the food. Being overweight my whole life, I don't think my food intake was that bad, My choices were yes but I think if I had just exercised I would have saved myself a lot of grief. I've yoyo-ed before many times, losing as much as 100lbs before only to gain it back and then some. I barely exercised those times. This time I promised myself I would not only exercise but I would challenge myself.
I started slowly with a 1 mile walk outdoors each day. I know at first I struggled and I wondered if it was enough but little by little I worked to 1 1/2 miles and even now 3 months later and 60lbs lighter I still only do 2 miles. Not very much compared to some of the gals on here. About 2-3 weeks ago I started doing Denise Austin in the morning. Some mornings 30 mins, some 60 minutes. Most of the maintainers on here will call her a lightweight for exercise but I get a good workout. I also just got a stability ball and love those video workouts too. I am thinking if I get a good exercise bra (hard to do at my bust size) I am ready to start jogging. I keep feeling the need to pick up the pace when out there walking. I am incorporating new exercise little by little but I see a difference and I feel soooo much better.
Do it at your pace. I think challenge yourself just that extra push each time and in no time you'll be doing twice what you do now. It takes time though. You cant run 5 miles today if youve never done it.
Good luck!!! You can do it!!

Kim

well I am up to walking 1.5 miles so I figured I would work on this and up it when that just doesn't feel like enough! Thanks for your input!

Hi Laurie,

I lost the majority of my weight with treadmill walking as my main source of exercise. I started off very slowly (think the first time I went about 0.8 mph) and tried to walk a minimum of 30 minutes each time. I gradually increased the speed, but usually kept it to 30-45 minutes. One thing I really loved doing to keep be interested was to check out books on tape from my library and only listen to them while walking. It was a great way to pass the time and it kept me motivated to keep it up day after day, especially when I was really interested in the book.

Now I have a new love, my Gazelle (you know, that thing on TV from Tony Little). I got it when my beloved treadmill finally gave out on me. Who'd have thought, me, the eternal couch potato wearing out a treadmill, ha! Anyway, I use it twice a day and it's so quiet that I can watch my favorite TV shows while I use it.

Back to the point, I agree with Kim, the amount of exercise you do is a personal thing. As long as you're doing what's best for you, that's all that matters!

Beverly