We all understand how the weight loss journey can be a daunting process.
Hours and hours of working out, pain, suffering, and discomfort only for you to lose a few grams and look the same in the mirror.
It’s the prize we pay to get our ideal body and health. But, it doesn’t necessarily mean it always has to be like that.
Walking can be an effective and accessible way to lose weight too. While it may not be the most intense form of exercise, it sure helps you lose a lot of weight. The only disadvantage of having walking as a key excise to losing weight is that it’s slow. But when matched with a low-calorie diet, it can do wonders.
While not as intense as the Peloton or a HIIT workout, research shows that walking is associated with weight loss, fat burn, improved mood and reduced risk of chronic diseases. And the best part is that it’s free and can be done anywhere. All you need is a good pair of shoes.
If you want to start walking for weight loss, you might wonder how much you should walk to lose weight. The general rule of thumb is to walk at least 10,000 steps daily.
Depending on your diet and other activity, you may need to increase this number if you are walking for weight loss. Walking is one of the simplest ways to add more activity to your day.
To lose weight walking, you need to walk at a moderate pace for 30 or more minutes at least five days a week. However, walking for longer periods more vigorously can lead to better results.
Here’s why walking can be beneficial:
- Low Impact: Walking is a low-impact exercise, which means it puts minimal stress on your joints compared to higher-impact activities like running or jumping. This makes it suitable for people of different fitness levels and ages.
- Convenience: Walking requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. You can walk outdoors, on a treadmill, or even indoors in a shopping mall or gymnasium.
- Sustainable: Walking is a sustainable activity because it’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine. You can walk to work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or go for a walk during your lunch break. Consistency is key when it comes to weight loss, and walking can be easier to maintain over time.
- Calorie Burning: Although walking may not burn as many calories as higher-intensity exercises, it can still contribute to weight loss. The exact number of calories burned depends on factors like your weight, speed, and duration of the walk. You can enhance the calorie-burning effect by incorporating inclines or increasing your walking pace.
