Walking Tips

Setting a pace with a taller (or shorter) partner This has driven me crazy for years. A walking speed of 4 miles per hour is considered a great workout speed for most walkers. But, at 4 miles per hour on our treadmill, my husband is taking a nice slow stride, while at the same speed I’m almost running! He is 6′ 1″ and I am 5′ …

Walk faster, speed up weight loss? I walk three miles four days a week with a group of coworkers. It takes us about 40 minutes. Last week, my usual group was unavailable, and I walked with a different group. They walk much faster (5 miles/45 minutes). I had to kill myself to keep up with them! My question is, is walking faster the key to …

I walk five miles in 50 minutes every morning, carrying the two-pound hand weights. I have heard this burns 40% more calories. How many extra calories do I burn walking with hand weights? Walking with hand weights If you are walking ten-minute miles you are burning a heck of a lot of calories. For most people, moving faster than 12 minutes per mile requires quite a …

I’m a new member of a walking club. I stopped smoking a year ago and gained 30 pounds. I started walking to meet my goals and the walking club helps me. I can walk for 30 minutes to an hour, depending how my day goes. But how do I calculate the time I walk into miles? Thanks for all your help! Congratulations – you stopped …

When walking causes foot cramps I’ve been walking for two weeks now and I am having problems with my feet! I find that they fall asleep and when I try to walk over 3.5 mph they have severe cramps. What’s wrong? I don’t know what’s wrong, but I would suggest several things. Check your shoe size. Do you have a shoe that is really wide …

I have severe tendonitis in my right heel area. When I walk it starts to bother me, so my walking isn’t all that enjoyable. I’ve inserted supports, and heel cushions in my sneakers but nothing seems to alleviate the pain. My orthopedic doctor said there is nothing to help tendonitis but time. Do you have any suggestions? Walking with tendonitis Ask your doctor if you …

I recently purchased a new pair of walking shoes. I like them, but there is one problem – I have blisters. Can I correct the problem by using insoles or thicker socks? I read that the best socks are those with a little wool for wicking moisture away from the skin. Any comments? It’s hard for me to comment on your blisters without knowing where …

I have severe leg cramps in my lower legs (side of the leg, above the ankle, radiating to the mid calf) when I walk for any distance beyond two blocks. Stretching before walking hasn’t helped, nor has a new pair of shoes. The cramps dissipate after several minutes at rest. I love being outdoors and would love to have walking as part of my exercise …

How do airwalkers and fast tracks rate? What do you think of Fast Tracks and Airwalkers as part of a walking program? I have both and also walk four miles 4 to 5 days a week, but I’m still not losing any weight. How long would I have to work out on these walking machines to get the same benefits as outdoor walking? I have …

I usually find it easier to take three or four 10- or 15-minute walks each day. Do I get any health benefits from this, or should I strive to do a 30- or 60-minute walk? Recently, my schedule has been very hectic and I too have been finding short walks easier to fit in than one long one. Recent research suggests that not only is …

Walking off ERT weight gain – I had a hysterectomy a year ago, began estrogen replacement therapy and have gained a lot of weight. What is the best way to lose weight while on ERT? I am so discouraged and tired of being fat! Please just give me a few ideas of loosing all this post menopausal weight! Walking off post menopausal weight While it is …

I had total left knee replacement four and a half months ago (due to age and an old injury). Two weeks ago I began walking a mile a day very successfully. Half the mile is straight down the hill and the other half is back up. Am I risking too much wear & tear on the old knee? Would it be safer to walk a …