I have not worked out in a very long time, and am finding starting very tiring. I bought a manual treadmill which surprisingly is very effective in getting my heart rate up. Unfortunately, I cannot tackle a 30 minute brisk walk, as little as it is because my legs are just starting to get used to it, and I am getting all worn out 5-10 minutes into the workout. Should I continue to work out for only 10 minutes if I can handle it, three times a day until I can do 30 all together? Or is there anything I can do to help strengthen my legs to give me the power to do so?

Thank you so much!

Hi Riane,

Your problem isn't really anything to do with power in your legs and is more to do with endurance. Endurance can be built up over a period of time by progressivley increasing the amount of time you spend on the treadmill. Yes, doing three 10 minute workouts is fine to start with and to get your base fitness levels up. Try to increase the amount of time you're on the treadmill in small increments, not in huge jumps.

You might also want to work in some light exercises to help build strength in your legs. Squats or lunges without any weights are pretty effective.

Also, I really like to walk outside. Not sure where you live, but if you can find a good hiking path, just walk 6 minutes one way and 6 minutes back. You'd increase your time exercising by 20% ;)

Zach

Endurance takes a while to build. Not long in the scheme of things though. You will notice that it will get easier. You have to push yourself through the times you want to stop and gain at least a minute more here and there. You will do it and be very proud!

Deb ;)

How many times per week do I kick up the minutes? Well, how many minutes? 1 or 2 or 5?

Riane,

Increase your minutes with what you are comfortable with. Try 1 minute and if this is good and you feel like you can do 2 then do 2.

I always start my runs off by saying I will run 3.5 miles, then I get there and I push to 4. Or do 4 and push to 4.5 miles. It seems that when I reach my mental goal I always feel I can do more.

Also, are you using an I-Pod with music for cardio? I could not do my cardio without mine. It helps!

Good luck!

Deb

How many times per week do I kick up the minutes? Well, how many minutes? 1 or 2 or 5?

5 minutes will be too much. The fitter you are, the bigger increments you'll be able to handle. At the monent, increasing by 5 minutes would be a 50% increase. That's huge. Aim to do a little more each time you train, enough to push you out of your comfort zone. No one can really say "you must increase by x every time you train" as different people will respond differently. I could say increase by 30 seconds, and it'll be too easy, or say 1 minute and it'll be too hard. Just be sure you're pushing yourself and making progess of some kind each time you train.

Having said that, don't be disheartened if you miss your target sometimes. Sometimes you can have an off day or two depending on numerous factors including nutrition, rest, how busy you are generally, etc.