Walking to Lose Weight

Whether you are looking to lose weight or improve your general fitness, walking is an excellent place to start.

With busier and more hectic lifestyles, it can be easy to overlook the subtle changes you can make to your daily routine. By including a short walk once a day, perhaps to work instead of taking the car, for instance, you will soon start to see and feel the benefits.

Walking is obviously not as effective as running or gym training, but is an easy and gentle introduction to a healthier lifestyle. Investing just 15-20 minutes per day for a short walk will burn around 100 calories on average, as well as increasing your general fitness and stamina. You will start to feel the difference within a few short weeks, and will feel much fitter and healthier.

Taking a longer walk at weekends will also be beneficial, and will make more of an impact if your aim is to lose weight. Walking a few miles at a brisker pace will increase your heart rate much more than a gentle stroll, and will provide much more of a workout.

Do remember that it is important to wear comfortable, supportive footwear to avoid injury and unnecessary strain, particularly if you plan to walk longer distances regularly.

Walking is suitable for everyone, whether you work nine-to-five days or are retired, there is no reason not to get out on foot and enjoy fresh air and exercise. There are plenty of great walks wherever you are, so get out there at weekends and explore, you may even find places you never knew existed right on your doorstep.

To sum up; walking will not produce immediate results and it will take time and a little effort before you start to see significant weight loss. However, walking does carry many other benefits, such as improved fitness and stamina, but best of all, is completely free.