What do you guys/girls think is better for your overall heath, weight loss, etc. I currently run about 3 miles on the treadmill at 6 mph. I do this an average of 3-4 times a week. Not too fast, but it's all I can manage right now. But I'm wondering if results would be better if I just slowed it down to a fast walk, allowing me to go maybe 5 miles or so?
In my experience, it's best to mix up the workout, whether it's running or fast-walking. Most treadmills have a feature to vary the speed. (It's usually called "weight loss") You also may want to slow down the speed and up the elevation. Another thing to consider (if you have the equipment) is to vary the cardio--ride the bike one day or do the elliptical. Varying the workout keeps the body from being conditioned to the same one. Hope this helps.
I agree with Holli about mixing it up while running. I posted why in Bumrush's thread here: http://forums.thephins.com/showpost.php?p=576973&postcount=24 I honestly don't think jogging for a couple of hours 3-4 times a week is good for your health, as there have been quite a few recent studies that document the accelerated deterioration of the knee and ankle joints in habitual runners, not to mention the cardio benefits aren't that great comparatively with the amount of time spent on this steady-state, low-intensity activity. *Note: I define 'health' as "Free from disease and malady." 'Fitness', on the other hand, is "What is required to raise one's level of exertion beyond a resting rate." I think what your are looking for is overall good fitness, not health- at least, in this sense.* I would suggest going with one of the interval programs on the treadmill, for no more than 30 min., 3x a week. Or, to save the pounding on your knees, the bike or elliptical. Elliptical would be my first choice. Swimming is also a good exercise for gaining in fitness and preserving the joints. Just some suggestions. **Edit: I had a conversation the other day, and it made me realize something: If running is something you enjoy, then by all means keep doing it. It's no worse than playing contact sports competitively or rock climbing or any number of other activities that will come back to bite you as you get older. I'm sure my hands will be riddled from arthritis after years of rock climbing, but I enjoy it. I figure just about everyone here is an adult, so as long as you know the risks and are willing to accept the consequences, then keep doing what makes you happy. Just thought I'd add this as an addendum.**
Yes, get an eliptical machine. If possible put it in fron of a television or some form of entertainment. We have a huge projection movie theatre at the gym I work out at and if you "get into" a movie you can really go some distance. Fatigue is real but 75% mental.
