At my yearly physical last week a funny thing happened. The doctors staff informed me that swimming is not an aerobic exercise and that I would be better off walking briskly for 20 to 30 minutes a couple days each week.
I explained I try to swim 2 to 3 times each week for 60 to 90 minutes,and my workout is prepared by MO, ya'll might recognise that name. They asked me the distance I cover in that time and I responded with 2800 to 3500 yards or 1.5 to 2 miles depending on time.
Not good enough according to the staff. I should be walking. I will let the facts stand for themselves.
Age 48
Wt 149
BP 120/80
Pulse 60
Body Fat 18%
Total Cholesterol 194 (need to eat better)
Well it is off to the pool for another MO workout. Maybe I will walk briskly from my car to the pool and see if that counts. Thanks for those workouts MO I enjoy them.
Have a great day
Paul
Parents
Former Member
I think looking at older athletes who train proves that more vigorous exercise is the way to go. Most of the Masters on my team do not compete, they train to stay fit. Some only train this way twice a week, but they look so much younger than many, many people their age. Also, Nationals certainly proved this.
The 3 * 30 minutes was to encourage sedantary folks to get up and do something. Telling someone who has been doing nothing for years to take up something more is asking for failure. I think the feeling is that this is the minimum which is doable and better than nothing.
There is a woman around here who race walks faster than many runners run a 5K. She usually finishes around 30-31 minutes which is an amazing pace for a walk. I have tried it, and can only sustain 12 minute miles for about 2 miles before my legs scream in pain and I have to back off to about 13 minute miles. Pretty amazing to go that fast! I am sure she must train for it.
Also, the people who walk in my town in the early AM are also moving at a good clip. There is never a shortage of folks out at 5:30-6 am walking and running for their exercise. And some brave soles on a bike in this cold weather!
I think looking at older athletes who train proves that more vigorous exercise is the way to go. Most of the Masters on my team do not compete, they train to stay fit. Some only train this way twice a week, but they look so much younger than many, many people their age. Also, Nationals certainly proved this.
The 3 * 30 minutes was to encourage sedantary folks to get up and do something. Telling someone who has been doing nothing for years to take up something more is asking for failure. I think the feeling is that this is the minimum which is doable and better than nothing.
There is a woman around here who race walks faster than many runners run a 5K. She usually finishes around 30-31 minutes which is an amazing pace for a walk. I have tried it, and can only sustain 12 minute miles for about 2 miles before my legs scream in pain and I have to back off to about 13 minute miles. Pretty amazing to go that fast! I am sure she must train for it.
Also, the people who walk in my town in the early AM are also moving at a good clip. There is never a shortage of folks out at 5:30-6 am walking and running for their exercise. And some brave soles on a bike in this cold weather!
