running vs walking?

Question
Hi Doc
I have researched this online but cant find an answer to the running vs. walking for weight loss question. So many different opinions, I am hopefull that a doctor can give me some insight!
Like most 55 year old guys I am fighting the battle of the bulge, in spite of eating very healthy, and less total calories per day then when I was younger.
I used to run 30 minutes a day on my treadmill, apparently trhat wasnt good enough so I switched to 'interval training' and all that gave me was very sore feet and tendonitis.
After I recovered I decided to go for long walks. I was a poor  skinny kid but like everyone back then we walked every where.
I have been walking an hour a day for a couple weeks and I actually have cinched my belt in one notch!
BTW in MY neighourhood walking inside in the air conditioning is much safer than outside.
MY neighbor was an old Polish lady and she walked to the market and back every day. She could have gotten a ride or took the bus but this is what she was used to from the old country.
So, is walking, especially at my age, better than running for weight loss, and how much? I can do an hour now before I get sore and tired-should I try to build up to 90 minutes or more?
Thanks!


Answer
Dear Gord,

This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatric Doc of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Bravo for saying to yourself, "I'm goin to do something good for me"!!!!!
The most important part in weight loss is to review your diet!
Try Seattle Sutton meals-they will help you lose weight, and they are not like the other diet people who sometimes are high pressure.
You will also get an idea of proper food quantity.
It is not possible to lose weight with workouts alone-unless you are a farmer, construction worker, etc and work all day long.
That said-you will burn more calories running than walking.
You can increase the walking to 90 minutes-or you can increase the speed & intensity of your walk for 45-50 minutes.
The trick is to get your heart rate a bit and feel a little perspiration, indicating a "state of exercise"-or the minimum aerobic level of exercise where it meaningful. You will continue to burn calories for about 20-30 minutes after you stop exercising if you try to reach the above level.
Try to exercise 4-5 times a week for maximum effect.
Don't forget to do stretches before and after all exercises and leave 2 days for recovery and rest.



Hope this Helps &
Good Luck!


Dr George Tsatsos & Dr Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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