I have been on Atkins since 1/3/06 and have been walking here and there until this last week. I made a commitment to myself to wake up early and work out at least 5 days a week. Right now I have been averaging 2.55 miles in 45 minutes. This morning I did 2.75 in 50 minutes. My goal is to get to 3 miles, then eventually 5 one day. Am I doing enough or do I need to add something else to my activity? I figure since I used to be very sedetary anything is better than nothing, but I also want to lose weight consistently. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks!
Mandy

Do you feel exercised when you're done, or just like you do at any other time?

If not, you will need to push somehow--faster pace, longer distance, carry weights, more hills, whatever. Might want to add some form of weight training; different effect than just walking. Rebounding can boost heart rate pretty quickly, and you can do it indoors when you can't get out.

I love walking on a treadmill. I'm trying to increase my activity on there as well. I wish I would wake up in the morning more often to workout. One doctor I had once told me that women usually have more success if they workout in the morning instead of trying to do it later in the day. I think it's because things seem to come up. I'm still finding sometime in the evenings to exercise though. I also have 20 pound dumbells, and do sit ups and leg lifts. I'd like to start squats too. I think it's good to weight train to help tone your muscles and raise your metabolism. The way I understand it, is that cardio burns fat. Woo Hoo!

cs carver gave you good advice.... When you finish with your treadmill you should feel that you've put in a good exercise. I always determine if I've had a good exercise by the following:
- did I sweat? I don't feel that I've put in a good effort unless I'm sweating
- when I'm on the treadmill can I still hold a conversation? If so then I haven't pushed myself enough
- do I feel tired yet full of energy? When immediately coming off the treadmill I feel somewhat tired yet at the same time I feel energized.

I would agree that some form of weight training or resistance training would be a good idea.

Kudos for getting started! Your walking pace is not bad at all. Keep it up and maintain the proper calorie intake. If you're not losing unwanted weight, adjust your calorie intake, diet composition and/or how much activity you are doing. Keep makin your progressions in distance and time. You'll be at 5 miles before you know it. Walking with added weight is a good way to burn additional calories.

If you're looking to improve muscle quality, start some resistance training.