Expert: Bonnie Hardie - 12/30/2009

Question
Hello!

I have been looking for an answer through out the internet, but have been getting a lot of mixed answers.

First off, I am an 18 year old female.  I am a overweight.  I weigh around 148 at 5' 2.5".  Most of the weight is probably muscle.  Two years ago, I had my body fat percentage tested through a device used in my high school aerobics class.  If I remember correctly, it was 28%, so I'm a little on the dangerous side.

I lived a pretty sedentary lifestyle.  Three months ago, I started college and have been walking a little more than usual and have been more conscious about what I'm eating.  Due to this, I have definitely noticed a bit of weight loss.

Inspired by my little weight loss, I want to start including a 60 minute walking routine into my mornings.  I'm a late sleeper, and I love to sleep in.  However, for the new year, I want to change that.  I want to wake up at 7:00AM every day and walk at a brisk pace on the treadmill for 60 minutes at a low incline.  Will this routine eventually add muscle mass and bulk up my calves?  Or will my calves tone up?

Through the internet, many people have said that any exercise adds muscle mass, therefore making it bigger.  Some have said that it'll just tone it up.

Also, my target weight loss is 20lbs.  I'm sure with dedication and conscious eating, I can achieve this goal.  However, if I happen to stop walking 60 minutes in the morning, but keep my conscious eating, will I gain all of the weight back?

Thanks a lot for you answer!  Have a great new year!

Answer
Hi Yen,
Thank you for your question.
Walking on the treadmill will tone up your calves.
If you stop walking while keeping your conscious eating-there is a chance that you will regain weight.You need to do both:exercise and conscious eating to both lose weight and keep it off.
Thank you,
Good Luck,
Happy New Year,
Bonnie