Am I overdoing the cardio? page

[afsjesse]

I've recently increased my cardio walking and am wondering if i'm doing it? I've been walking 2 miles on an incline of 5-7 at a speed of 4. Did this twice so far. It's a great workout, but i'm wondering if it's more like jogging or bad for cortisol/muscle growth? Any thoughts?

[TigerLily]

Move at a slow pace.

Level 4 is not a slow pace....unless you are 7 feet tall with a stride the size of Bigfoot's.

Plus, try to get outside amongst the trees. Treadmills on inclines under fluorescent lights? Bah!

[Meg-a-Tron]

I agree with TigerLily on the second point- as I've never used a treadmill I can't comment on the first. Why walk on a machine inside, when you can go outside and get a much better range of benefits? Even in a city it's still better than being on a treadmill.

[Setabas]

I walk outside when I can, but a couple times a week I find myself on a treadmill (weather, work schedule or various other reasons). Regardless of the setting (speed, incline) watch your heart rate. I am 39 and use 3 mph with a 10 degree incline and that puts me at 65%. Depending upon your age and condition, those same settings could put you much higher or lower on you MHR.

[theholla]

It really depends on your level of fitness. I walk about 3-4 miles daily on slightly hilly terrain at a speed of 3.5 mph or so without breaking a sweat (I'm 5'4", so my stride is probably shorter than yours), just to get from home to work and the grocery store. I'm sure that Grok walked much more. Assuming you are decently fit, I can't imagine that your workout would be too stressful.

[Grumpycakes]

Plus, try to get outside amongst the trees. Treadmills on inclines under fluorescent lights? Bah!

Completely agree.

[afsjesse]

I'm 214 lb, 6' tall. I easily break a good sweat with what i'm doing. My heart rate really gets going and I am tired when i'm done. Maybe I should lower the steepness to 3-4.

[Grumpycakes]

Maybe you should go for walks outside.

[afsjesse]

Maybe you should go for walks outside.

Already do, but I want something more physically challenging. Plus, winter is almost here and I will be forced to do the gym whether I like it or not, Grumpy.

[iniQuity]

Already do, but I want something more physically challenging. Plus, winter is almost here and I will be forced to do the gym whether I like it or not, Grumpy.

lies!