How far do I need to be walking on a daily basis to loose weight?

Question

I'm at 140lbs now, and I'm 5'6. I'd like to drop to about 115-120 by may. I've got serious ankle problems, so I can't run, but I'm fine to walk. (And I can't afford a gym pass!) About how far do I need to be walking every day to drop that weight in that amount of time? (its about 2lbs a week)

I want to drop that much for bathing suit season, honestly, but the whole healthy bit is definately a plus.

Answer 1

Well you can walk ten miles a day and still gain weight if you don't watch your caloric intake. You will only lose weight if you burn more calories than you eat, so start by paying close attention to the foods you buy. You need to burn 3500 calories in order to lose one pound, so the best way to lose weight is to get aerobic exercise as well as cut back on calories.

http://www.stevenscreek.com/goodies/calories.shtml

That website has a good little calorie calculator that will help you determine how many calories you burn doing various activities. From there, it's just simple math--add up the calories you consume in a day, then subtract the calories you burn with exercise. A negative number means you're burning calories and losing weight. Having a deficit of 100-500 calories in a day is generall safe. You don't want to lose weight too quickly though, or your body will basically get revenge on you.

Answer 2

Any women's health doctor or general practitioner I've ever talked to has recommended walking 30 minutes a day just because it will make you healthier. If you have bad ankles, and especially if you're just starting out, that would probably be a good starting point for you. The quicker you walk the more calories you'll burn and the farther you'll go in that 30 minutes.

The key isn't distance, though, it's about burning more calories than you're taking in. When you start walking, make sure that you're not snacking to make up for any increase in appetite, or that your snacks are healthier, so that your burned calories stay under your consumed ones.

Also consider your reasons for wanting to drop that much weight. I'm almost exactly where you are (okay, was before I got pg) and though I had my problem areas, I still wouldn't have thought of trying to lose that much. You're not overweight, so keep your goal realistic. Also, take it in small steps so that you can reward yourself for getting so far instead of burning yourself out trying to lose a bunch of weight with not markers in between. You could also try some light pilates moves or other easy toning exercises to help it LOOK like you've slimmed down without actually having to drop that much on the scale.
Good luck.

Answer 3

It's not how far it's how long, at least 40 min a day, but I'd try for an hour. Walk briskly, or as fast as you can without hurting your ankle. Don't wear a sweater or anything else just to make you sweat, heat stroke is nothing to laugh at. Yes, you should be sweating a little or a lot depending on you body type. But try to keep yourself cool.

I sweat a LOT, one of the people I workout with doesn't hardly sweat at all, so it just depend on your body. Do as much as you can and not hurt yourself, watch what you eat, drink lots of water, even if you don't lose weight you'll lose fat and look slimmer. I'm at that point now, I getting thinner, but I haven't lost more then a pound or two in the last six month. Less fat more muscle.

Answer 4

start at what you can handle and slowly increase. of course, the more you walk the more you'll lose. after you get fairly advanced you might want to start jogging.
as to how far or how long it will take for you to lose your desired amount, that depends on your own body size- you know some people are "naturally" heavier, if its just excess fat you're losing though, it won't take a real long time, but you'll have to be consistent in your endeavor and realize you'll have to WORK to lose the weight it won't just fall off. i'd say start with a mile a day (twice, if time affords) and build up to longer distances- walk briskly if you refuse to run, and you could try carrying small handweights while walking. legweights-are a no-no. if you walk two miles a day, you could realistically lose the weight in two months-again, depending on your body type and caloric intake. the thing is, you WILL lose the weight if you observe a strict regimen of walking, but it could take a few months

Answer 5

You want a brisk walk (about 16 minutes per mile) for 8-10 miles per day. Break it down to 4 miles before work. Then 2 miles on your lunch break. And finally 4 more miles after work.

Walking is wonderful exercise. Good for you for wanted to exercise and lose weight and be healthy!

Answer 6

hey there...you need to walk at least 45 mins to an hour each day...time is of the essence as is consistency of your pace...i generally do 1 km in 10 mins...and i walk for an hour so i do 6kms a day at least 5 times a week and i lost around 7 kgs in 3 months! all the best!

Answer 7

Just walk for at least 30 minutes ( aprox 2-3 miles). More as you go along. That will get you on your way.

Answer 8

Perhaps a fast paced 2 mile walk?

Answer 9

dont think how far... try for time instead! plan on 1/2 hour to start then 45 minutes to an hour... vary your speed too, walking slower than faster than slower at timed intervals 30 sec to 3 minutes seems to work better than a steady pace... good luck!

Answer 10

I would suggest at least 40 minutes a day, at the fastest pace you can walk without hurting your ankles. Wear a thick sweater and jacket so you can sweat while you walk.