Better to walk or run?

[noel68]

I am new to excercise, and just have a question-is it better to run with a 0% grade treadmill or walk fast at an incline? I would like to lose a couple of inches off of my thighs, and have been walking 4.0 miles/hr for 25 minutes with the incline at 7-8%. It does seem to be working, and I do get a good cardio workout, but my husband thinks walking on an incline is going to bulk up my legs. Just wondering if anyone had an opinion regarding this... Thanks!

[stikfigure]

Originally Posted by noel68

I am new to excercise, and just have a question-is it better to run with a 0% grade treadmill or walk fast at an incline? I would like to lose a couple of inches off of my thighs, and have been walking 4.0 miles/hr for 25 minutes with the incline at 7-8%. It does seem to be working, and I do get a good cardio workout, but my husband thinks walking on an incline is going to bulk up my legs. Just wondering if anyone had an opinion regarding this... Thanks!

building muscle in the legs will firm them up and may make them look smaller in which case incline is fine, but really, with the goal to lose inches anywhere you have to look at the net calories in vs. calories out and just make sure you are working a deficit but while getting adequate nutrients.

Since you're just starting out there's really no need to use the incline in my opinion. See what you can do on the flat first and then mix it up. The treadmill should be about getting a good cardio workout and then if you want to work the legs you should focus on legs with machines or free weights on a specific leg day.

post up what the rest of your workout is like and you can get more specific feedback and see what the others around here think.

[noel68]

Stikfigure-After walking on the treadmill for 25 minutes,I usually do leg extensions, leg presses, hip adductor,abductor machines,and hamstring curls every other day, alternating with an upper body workout.I do feel like I'm making progress, just wasn't sure if there were a better way to get the most out of what I'm already doing. Any suggestions are appreciated!

[gjasp]

I think walking on the treadmill is okay. If you do it with incline or without, is up to you. I think both will work and help you lose some inches off the thighs. But you can also check out running slowly and see what you like more. Some people like running more than walking, they just feel better and have more fun.

[stikfigure]

Originally Posted by noel68

Stikfigure-After walking on the treadmill for 25 minutes,I usually do leg extensions, leg presses, hip adductor,abductor machines,and hamstring curls every other day, alternating with an upper body workout.I do feel like I'm making progress, just wasn't sure if there were a better way to get the most out of what I'm already doing. Any suggestions are appreciated!

sounds like you're on the right track then. just gotta stick with it and maybe take a look at your nutrient balance....

[Jessyca]

Well I have heard from doctors that running can wear down your knees if you are getting older. So if you want to walk walk longer distances and you will be good I think.