if i don't even break a sweat? How about house cleaning? same thing, I don't break a sweat. I don't have the money or time to go to a gym and I detest workout videos. But, I like walking. So, say I buy a pedometer and walk 10,000 steps a day but still don't break a sweat? Is that still considered cardio? and is it melting away calories or fat?
2006-11-18 02:00:00 · 9 answers · asked by crazytown 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
I have no medical evidence to support this, but this is my view, and has been for some time.
If you raise your heart rate significantly (say, an extra 10-15 beats per minute) for 10 minutes or more by walking - you will gain benefit from it. If you don't, then its not much worth.
So, walk briskly!
2006-11-18 02:02:44 · answer #1 · answered by Vluersdantine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order for it to be an aerobic-cardio exercise you need to get your heart rate up and sustain it for about 20 minutes. House cleaning is exercise, but usually not aerobic I am afraid. It is great to keep you toned and your heart well maintained, but to actually work your heart and body past what is called the basal rate, you need to step it up a notch.
When I vacuum the stairs from down in the basement, all the way to the second floor, I break out in a sweat and it usually takes me 20 minutes from start to finish. That I consider aerobic-cardio exercise because I do break out in a sweat and I definitely go pass my comfort zone with my heart rate up.
With your walking, just step it up a notch. Walk a little faster for a specified 20 minutes and try to sweat a little. Power walking is really great on the body and heart. Increase your stride and feel the burn of the butt, and pump your arms up and down and feel the heart rate go up. I use to power walk when I was pregnant instead of jogging. My legs toned up more with the power walking than with the jogging! Save your money and buy some music to accompany you on your walks!
2006-11-18 10:15:27 · answer #2 · answered by Dart 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is cardio if you get your heart rate elevated. It is actually more effective then running you can go longer and it is more benificial to your body. Running tends to tire you out more quickly then walking. Get a pair of headphones or bring your cellphone and the time will go by before you know it. You don't always need to sweat. Sweating is a sign of dehydration and it is your bodys way of trying cool itself also. If you can walk for 45min to and hour you will get much more of a benefit. After I had my daughter in one summer I lost 30lbs walking everyday and it was not at all strenuous. You will be able to do it; just be consistent.
P.S. I am not a big fan of working out either.
2006-11-18 10:19:05 · answer #3 · answered by pattiof 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes
Maybe
maybe
maybe
maybe
depends
Your question seems to ask all the wrong questions to determine whether you are getting any benefit.
First, any exercise you do is better than no exercise. But what about intensity?? No, sweating is not an indicator of intensity.
Second, I assume your walking is continuous and within a single frame of time. Good. Housework, maybe, if you do it continuously without major interruption, can be aerobic.
Raising your heart rate is the key, length of exercise, and intensity. To burn fat, your body needs to do aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes, THEN it starts to burn fat.
In summary, any exercise is good. Burning fat means you need to exercise longer than 30 minutes. Good Luck
2006-11-18 10:13:59 · answer #4 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, as long as you get your heart rate up into the target zone and maintain it there for 20 to 30 minutes. Walking is great exercise and is easier on the joints than running or jogging but you need to get up to a quick pace and maintain it and a little sweating doesn't hurt. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your walks to get the full benefit.
2006-11-18 10:05:00 · answer #5 · answered by notaxpert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is considered cardio and you should do it. As you keep doing it you will do more steeps and start to break a sweat. You don't now b/c you body can handle that much walking. Also try jogging.
2006-11-18 10:06:27 · answer #6 · answered by devin102791 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yep. Sweating is not the method to judge. House cleaning is cardio also. Anything to get you off the couch...
2006-11-18 10:02:27 · answer #7 · answered by just browsin 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
maybe, but if you want to get sweat, just eat and eat peppers
2006-11-18 10:15:21 · answer #8 · answered by ryan g 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yup cutie
2006-11-18 10:05:14 · answer #9 · answered by Richa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋