Hi, I have been a runner for 5 years now and suddenly had to stop because of deterioration in my knee joint. I started walking the distance that I once used to run (between 3 and 6 miles every other day) I can't seem to get my heart rate up though. I walk about a 15 min mile, give or take and can usually do 5 miles in about an hour to hour and 15 minutes. By the time I am done I am tired but my heart doesnt seem to pump hard unless I am going up a huge hill. I like the feeling of having my heart pound in my chest like I got from running but I can't do that with walking. Yeah it pumps harder but not quite as hard as I think it should. By the time I am at mile 4, my hips and legs are starting to get sore and I am tired, which makes me think I am working hard, but I am so used to running. I do advanced Taebo for 50 minutes on the days that I do not walk, and that helps. I am trying to get back in shape after my 15 lb gain! Well, maybe you can help!

Well, running is the at the top of the list for calorie burn.....nothing compares to it really. Jumping rope is a close second.....so, I understand your frustration. YOu are probably only burning about 1/2 calories you used to ....and your heart rate is probably only about 50%-60% your maximum heart rate.....When you ran, chances are you were working at 85%-90 % your max. heart rate....So, all those factors make a huge difference!!

Now, you will Definitely burn a lot calories doing Tae bo.....I would suggest you do Tae bo for 3 hours a week.....When you walk, are you power walking....??? From what you told me about your time, it's sounds like you are really moving....Maybe you could power walk for 1 mile...and then do jumping jacks for 1 minute....then power walk again....Swimming is another alternative for you. I've worked with people before who have had knee surgeries and they prefer to ride their bike over walking....have you tried riding a bike?

Also, if you are NOT getting your heart rate as high as it once was and/or you are not working out as often, you do need to decrease your caloric intake....When you were running I'm sure you could eat a lot more and burn everything off. Now, you may have to eat 300 less calories a day..... : (

Are you lifting weights??? Lifting very slowly will definitely get your heart rate up there....and you'll burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes...

so, I hope I helped you!
Keep in touch
Cheryl : )

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Cheryl Greenfield

Former National Fitness Competitor & Finalist
AFAA Certified Personal Trainer & Aerobics Instructor
Fitness Choreographer and Consultant

http://www.exerciseforums.com