Which is better for a normal person?

I have a hard time walking at a fast pace, Shin splints or something it feels as if my shin is going to explode!!!

I do better riding my exercise bike. But what would be the most efficient way?

I'm trying to ride everyday.

Example of what I'm trying to do;
L2, 30 minutes, keeping the RPMs around 100-105, that keeps my heart rate around 145-150, according to my machine I went 10.80 miles and burned 210 calories (but I hear these machines dont keep accurate calorie burned counts)

Is this a good thing to be doing just starting out? I'm 38 and weigh 330.

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Restarted 1/01/2009
Restart weight 345
1st Goal- 315 by my 41st B-Day (May 4th, 2009)

Tim,
Good for you on the exercise! Any movement/activity you can get in WITHOUT pain is good!
It sounds like you are getting your heartrate up to a aerobic level, so that is good.

I'd say, keep doing the cycling...and increase the incline if you can.
Also, after you lose a few more pounds, you might want to try walking again; sometimes it's only a matter of 10 or 20 pounds that make a HUGE difference in how your joints will feel with weight bearing exercises, such as jogging or fitness walking.

Also you might want to try to alternate your cycling with walking at some point and see how that feels to you.
At any rate, you have your body in motion, and that is definitely a GOOD THING!

Keep on keeping on. And, as always, it's desirable to have your dr's approval before starting an exercise program, or see your physician should you develope pain that rest does not cure.

HTH
Shelley

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Shelley


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Tim,
I hear you on the walking! I have VERY FLAT feet and I get terrible shin splints sometimes.
I think you should continue the biking for now... I agree with Shell that sometimes it's just a matter of a few pounds before walking becomes more doable. But for the long-haul, I still believe walking is better. Why? Because even when you are walking at a leisurely pace, you are supporting your whole body (whereas on a bike, the bulk of your weight is resting on the machine). This alone will build muscle and increase calorie expenditure.

Also, you get more bang for your buck when you walk. You have to be pretty vigorous on a stationary bike to equal the amount of calories & fat burned from walking.

For now, when you walk, try doing the following:
*Make sure you have GOOD walking shoes with great arch support and solid, thick tread.
*STRETCH before you walk! One stretch, in particular, will help prevent those throbbing shins: Do calf-raises -- Stand on a step with your feet hanging half off the step. Hold on to a chair or a post to steady your balance. Raise your self up on your tip-toes, then lower your heels below the level of the step. You should get a good stretch/burn going... do several reps of this before walking.
--->>> Another good stretch to do before walking is to stand near a wall or curb and place one foot against the curb/wall. Place the other leg behind you. Then lean into the curb, pressing your leg forward into the wall/curb. You should feel the stretch in your shins & calves. I sometimes stop once or twice during my walk to do this on the side of my street if I feel like my shins are starting to get tight...
*Finally, start SLOWLY. You don't have to be a speed walker to do some good. Start out by just strolling around the block for 30 minutes to an hour. After a week or two, try to pick up your pace as it becomes easier.

By all means, continue to ride your bike, too! This will break up the monotony of doing the same thing every day. Not to mention, it's a great alternative when the weather doesn't cooperate with your walking plans!
HTH,

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Summer

Thanks for the info Shell and Summer!Sunday I will be doing the bike when I get up and then the wife and I are going to walk around the flea markets.

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Restarted 1/01/2009
Restart weight 345
1st Goal- 315 by my 41st B-Day (May 4th, 2009)