Just starting out

Hi Folks

I'm a 45 year old male. 5'8" and 280 lbs. Non smoker.

I've just started walking after pretty much a lifetime of sitting on my ass, I'm taking it pretty slow to start but I don't have much experience to judge anything by. I was hoping somebody here could let me know if I'm even doing anything.

I've cut junk food form my diet. No more candy or cupcakes, but I do still drink a can of soda per day and a 6-pack per week.

My exercise at the moment is just a short walk; by google earth I'm walking from 1115' above sea level for 0.16 miles to 980', then another 0.16 miles back to 1115'. this takes me about 10 minutes for the round trip.

Hitting the bottom of the hill I feel fine, but when I get back to the top my heart is racing and I'm completely out of breath. I have to grit my teeth to make the whole walk without stopping. It takes me about 5 minutes to breath normally again.

I've been doing this walk 1 time per day for two weeks now. My thought was whenever I am able to reach the top with some breath left, I'll head back down again right away. So far, I've not noticed it getting any easier; but then I never thought it would be a quick process to lose a lifetime of fat.

My questions then;

Is this a good walk? Would longer over a flat area be better?
How to you calculate calories lost on a climb like this?
How long does it take to build stamina?

Thanks for any help.

You could use a multi function pedometer to check the number of calories burnt and steps walked. Most smart phones have pedometer programs you can download or you could buy a hip pedometer from a health/fitness store.

Originally Posted by Argent

Hi Folks

I'm a 45 year old male. 5'8" and 280 lbs. Non smoker.

I've just started walking after pretty much a lifetime of sitting on my ass, I'm taking it pretty slow to start but I don't have much experience to judge anything by. I was hoping somebody here could let me know if I'm even doing anything.

I've cut junk food form my diet. No more candy or cupcakes, but I do still drink a can of soda per day and a 6-pack per week.

My exercise at the moment is just a short walk; by google earth I'm walking from 1115' above sea level for 0.16 miles to 980', then another 0.16 miles back to 1115'. this takes me about 10 minutes for the round trip.

Hitting the bottom of the hill I feel fine, but when I get back to the top my heart is racing and I'm completely out of breath. I have to grit my teeth to make the whole walk without stopping. It takes me about 5 minutes to breath normally again.

I've been doing this walk 1 time per day for two weeks now. My thought was whenever I am able to reach the top with some breath left, I'll head back down again right away. So far, I've not noticed it getting any easier; but then I never thought it would be a quick process to lose a lifetime of fat.

My questions then;

Is this a good walk? Would longer over a flat area be better?
How to you calculate calories lost on a climb like this?
How long does it take to build stamina?

Thanks for any help.

Thank you for posting this information!)

Hi,
Welcome to the forum and thanks for joining this discussion board.
It is a good place for the discussion. Here you will get all necessary help for you exercising and fitness matters.