Carolyn Gibson
  Inspiration Contact
Middle Age Spread Diet

Exercise

Walking – get those feet moving

In the exercise section of the Middle Age Spread Diet I have suggested "Let's just go for a walk" but for those of you who want a more structured schedule here is a Walking Programme to take you from being an Absolute Beginner to a Frequent Walker.

WALKING CHECKLIST

Always:

  • Wait at least half an hour after eating before setting off.
  • Wear comfortable, loose, light clothing. Don't overdress as this causes you to overheat.
  • Wear socks and comfortable shoes that fit.
  • Perform your walking stretches (as below) before heading off.
  • Drink water before, during and after your walk.

WARM-UP STRETCHES FOR WALKING

Hold each stretch for 30 seconds on each leg.
Also do stretches after you have finished walking.
Ease into your walking, allowing approximately 2 minutes of warm-up time.
Cool down by walking at an easier pace at the end rather than speeding up.

Stretch One

  • Hold back of chair for support.
  • Bend right knee so your right leg comes up behind you.
  • Grasp right food with right hand.
  • Hold at point of tension for 30 seconds and release.
  • Repeat with left leg and hand.
Stretch One

Stretch Two

  • Stand on left leg and place right leg straight on seat of chair.
  • Slightly bend left leg and holding back straight hold position for 30 seconds.
  • Release and repeat with other leg.
Stretch Two

Stretch Three

  • Hold back of chair for support.
  • With knee bent, place right foot 30cm in front of left leg – keep left leg straight and foot flat on floor.
  • Feel tension in calf of left leg.
  • Hold 30 seconds and repeat with left leg.
Stretch Three

MONITOR HEART RATE

When walking check your pulse rate four times.

  1. Before you begin,
  2. 10 minutes into your walk
  3. Immediately on finishing
  4. 10 minutes later to check your pulse rate has returned to normal.

To establish what your rate should be refer to the Age Related Heart Rate chart below. The higher age nearest to your age. Next follow across to the group showing number of heartbeats per 10 seconds for your age and use this as a guide to your walking intensity. Do this before leaving for your walk.

To take your pulse, place two fingers on your wrist below the thumb bone with the palm of your hand facing towards you, OR place your finger over the artery in your neck, under your jaw in line with the corner of your right eye. Count the pulse for 10 seconds, then check that it is within your range. If it is too high, slow down. If it is too low, walk more briskly.

Age Related Heart Rates

Age Heartbeats
  beats per 10 seconds
35 15 - 20
40 15 - 20
45 15 - 19
50 14 - 18
55 14 - 18
60 13 - 17
65 13 - 17
70+ 13 - 16

MIDDLE AGE SPREAD
WALKING PROGRAMME

4 LEVELS WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 AFTER WEEK 4

Level 1:
Absolute Beginner
(No current exercise)

2 times
10 mins
2 times
10-15 mins
3 times
10 mins
3 times
10-15 mins
Once comfortable with this add more time – 5 min at a time then another day.

Level 2:
Beginner (Unfit)
Below average fitness

2 times
15 mins
2 times
15-20 mins
2-3 times
20-25 mins
3-4 times
25-30 mins
Build up time in 5 min stages: 35, 40, 45. Add another day.

Level 3:
Occasional Walker
Average fitness

2-3 times
20 mins
3 times
20-25 mins
3-4 times
25-30 mins
4 times
30-35 mins
Build time up to 40 min then 45 min. Maybe add another day.

Level 4:
Active (Currently walking)
Above average fitness

3-4 times
30 mins
4 times
30-35 mins
4-5 times
35-40 mins
5 times
40-45 mins
Good level to maintain. If desired you could go to 50 min or add another day.

NOTE: AFTER THE 4 WEEKS

When planning an exercise regime in conjunction with weight loss – TIME, DISTANCE and FREQUENCY are the most important factors.
As a beginner frequency and time will have to be built up in stages.
As they say "Rome wasn't built in a day".
Set new goals each week.
Once at a good level, maintain that level and maybe add variety to your walk by taking on some hills, exploring the beach or change your route for interest.

Top of Page