walking

Question
My weight is 210 lbs and I have only lost 3 lbs in three months I walk 3 miles a day for 6 days. I went to doctor and she ran a tyroid test and it came back that everything is ok. My question is....is it muscle that im gaining first then lbs will start off?*A little discourage*

Answer
Please don't feel discouraged. Walking for weight loss works better for some people than others. A little more calorie restriction may be all you need to lose weight faster. Your theory about muscle gain offsetting fat loss may be correct. If it is correct, you should be noticing more looseness in your clothes because muscle does not take up as space at fat.

You did not mention how fast you walk. It can be beneficial to vary the speed of your walking as well as the actual distance on different days. Eighteen miles per week is a very good work load, but walking a shorter distance some days at a faster pace should be helpful. Other days could be longer at a slower speed, thus keeping the weekly mileage the same.

While you may have started your walking program as a weight loss method, I suggest you focus on all the other benefits you are reaping from the exercise. Three months of walking has strengthened your muscles and heart and drastically decreased your risk of health problems ranging from diabetes to heart disease and maybe cancer.

Keep up the good work.