It seems impossible but all physical activity, no matter what it is, can burn fat and help you lose weight.
Most experts agree one of the best exercises you can do daily is walking!
And the more and faster you walk, the more calories you’ll burn. Something so simple and convenient can really make a HUGE difference.
How walking can help you lose weight
Walking is such an easy way for beginners to start exercising without having to splash the cash on gym gear or equipment.
Plus, it’s low-impact, so even if you have an injury or sore joints it won’t put too much pressure on your body.
In fact, you can fit it in almost any time of the day!
A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that doing 7,500 steps a day could be enough to prevent anyone from developing type 2 diabetes, which often occurs from eating a poor diet and not exercising enough.
Meanwhile, according to Harvard Health, a person can burn around 167 calories by doing 30 minutes of moderately paced walking.
In fact, the study found that obese women who walked for 50-70 minutes a day reduced their body fat by 1.5% and their waist circumference went down around 1.1 inches over a period of 12 weeks.
Once you feel more confident, you might take your moderate-paced walk up to a brisk walk and then maybe even a jog to a run.
What’s more, other research has found that walking outside in nature can even help boost relaxation and reduces stress.
Running doubles the number of calories you burn off. But the good thing about walking is, if you have an injury or have pulled a muscle, it can still be done.
How to get the most out of your walk
Walk uphill
Do it at a faster pace
Mix in bodyweight exercises
Walk longer distances
Wear the right footwear
Get your arms moving so they are working out as well
Walk on different surfaces, like sand
Can you really lose weight walking 10,000 steps a day – and why this number?
If you’ve never exercised before and want to start your weight loss journey, DON’T PANIC. You don’t need to buy expensive gym equipment to get started. You can start off by taking it slow.
When combined with a healthy, balanced diet, a little bit of exercise a day can go a VERY long way.
“I started with a 4km walk every day and eventually I was walking up to 10km,” she says.
“My children are four, three and two and don’t go to daycare, so I just walked late at night while my hubby was at home or did it when I could.”
Finding the strength, motivation and determination to do more
A few weeks following The Healthy Mummy, Kylie tried her best to squeeze in the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge circuits where (and when) possible – like when her kids were sleeping.
Four months later, she found herself wanting to push herself more and focus on toning up.
