Walking: The Forgotten Form of Exercise For Weight Loss

The idea of walking as a form of exercise is so old that most people don't even think about it.

And yet, there are many reasons why walking should be the first thing you try when you're looking to lose weight.

For starters, if you have any kind of injury or health problem, then walking is usually recommended as the best form of exercise.

This is because it's a low-impact activity, so it's gentle on your body.

Walking is also free (apart from the cost of a good pair of walking shoes!) and you can do it anywhere, anytime.

You don't need any special equipment or a gym membership.

Another great thing about walking is that you can easily adjust the intensity to suit your own fitness level.

If you're a beginner, start with short walks and gradually increase the time and distance.

If you're already fit, try adding in a few hills or speedwalking to make things more challenging.

Here are a few ways that walking will help you lose weight and burn belly fat:

1. Walking increases your metabolism and helps you burn more calories

Metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy.

The number of calories you burn depends on your metabolism, as well as how active you are.

The body needs calories to generate energy.

The amount of calories needed has many factors such as age, weight, gender, and activity level.

Excess weight shows up when we take in more calories than we burn.

Walking is a great way to increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories.

In one study, people who did regular walking over a period of 12 weeks increased their metabolic rates by up to 30%.

This means that they were burning more calories, even when they weren't walking!

Walking for just 30 minutes a day can help increase your resting metabolic rate by up to 5%, according to one study.

This means that you'll burn more calories even when you're not exercising, which can help you lose weight over time.

2. Walking can reduce belly fat

Belly fat is the most harmful type of fat in the body.

It's been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

The good news is that walking can help reduce belly fat and help you lose weight all over.

In one study, participants who walked for 30 minutes a day for 12 weeks lost an average of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) from their waists.

Another study showed that walking for just 30 minutes a day reduced abdominal fat by 3% in just 6 weeks.

And the best part is that you don't have to walk for hours at a time to see these benefits - even a short walk can have an impact!

3. Walking is great for toning your legs, hips and bum

Walking is a great way to tone your lower body.

It strengthens your leg muscles, as well as your hips and bum.

This is important, as these areas are often neglected in other types of exercise.

These muscles are some of the largest in the body, so they burn a lot of calories.

In addition, regular walking can help reduce the risk of injuries in these areas.

A study showed that women who walked regularly had less hip and buttock pain than those who didn't walk.

In addition, when you walk, you're also working your core muscles.

These are the muscles in your stomach and back that help keep you upright and protect your spine.

Working these muscles can help improve your posture and reduce your risk of injury.

4. Walking can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to weight gain

When we're stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol is known as the "stress hormone" because it's released in response to stress.

It's also been linked to weight gain, especially around the abdomen.

This is because cortisol increases appetite and can lead to cravings for high-fat and high-sugar foods.

In one study, people who were exposed to stress ate more calories than those who weren't.

Walking can help reduce stress and anxiety.

In one study, people who walked for 30 minutes a day felt less anxious and had lower levels of cortisol than those who didn't walk.

Walking can also help clear your mind and improve your mood.

So, if you're looking for a way to lose weight and burn belly fat, consider adding walking to your routine.

It's a great way to get in some exercise, without making things too challenging.

And the best part is that you can do it anywhere, anytime!

5. Walking is a good way to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease

Walking is a good way to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

It's a low-impact exercise, which means it's gentle on your joints.

It also helps improve your breathing, which is important for people with heart disease.

In addition, regular walking can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

This is important, as high blood pressure and cholesterol are risk factors for heart disease.

Walking can also help improve your circulation.

This is important because people with heart disease often have poor circulation.

So, if you're looking for a way to improve your cardiovascular health, consider walking.

It's a great way to get some exercise, without putting too much strain on your body.

And the best part is that you can do it anywhere, anytime!

6. Walking can help improve cholesterol

Walking can help increase your levels of good cholesterol and reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.

Good cholesterol is known as HDL, and it helps to remove plaque from your arteries.

Bad cholesterol is known as LDL, and it's the type of cholesterol that can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease.

In one study, people who walked for 30 minutes a day had higher levels of HDL and lower levels of LDL than those who didn't walk.

So, if you're looking for a way to improve your cholesterol levels, consider walking.

It's a great way to get some exercise, without putting too much strain on your body.

7. Walking can help improve your digestion and reduce constipation

Walking can help improve your digestion and reduce constipation.

When you walk, you help to move food through your digestive system.

This is important because it helps to prevent constipation.

Also, the better your digestion is, the more nutrients you'll absorb from your food.

Better digestion can also help reduce the risk of diseases such as colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States.

One study found that people who walked for at least 30 minutes a day were less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who didn't walk.

In addition, walking can help to relieve gas and bloating.

This is because it helps to move air through your intestines.

So, if you're looking for a way to improve your digestion and reduce your risk of cancer, consider walking.

It's a great way to get some exercise, without putting too much strain on your body.

8. Walking can help you sleep better, which in turn helps with weight loss

Walking can help you sleep better, which in turn helps with weight loss.

When you're well-rested, you're less likely to indulge in unhealthy foods.

This is because when you're tired, your body releases the hormone ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry.

In one study, people who walked for 30 minutes a day were less likely to be overweight or obese than those who didn't walk.

In another study, people who walked for 30 minutes a day were also less likely to have sleep problems.

So, if you're looking for a way to lose weight and get better sleep, consider walking.

9. Walking is a great way to de-stress and clear your head

Walking is a great way to de-stress and clear your head – perfect if you're struggling with cravings or food addiction.

When you're stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol.

This hormone can increase your appetite and make you crave unhealthy foods.

Stress and unhealthy foods can lead to weight gain.

In one study, people who walked for 30 minutes a day had lower levels of cortisol than those who didn't walk.

In another study, people who walked for 30 minutes a day were less likely to be stressed than those who didn't walk.

When you're tired and stressed, your body also releases the hormone ghrelin.

Ghrelin is known as the "hunger hormone" because it tells your brain that you're hungry.

However, ghrelin also has another effect: it increases the number of calories that your body burns.

Walking can also help you clear your head and focus on your goals.

When you're focused, you're less likely to give in to cravings or food addiction.

Conclusion

Walking is often called a 'forgotten' form of exercise, but hopefully this article has shown you that it's anything but!

The bottom line is that walking is a great way to get started on your weight loss journey.

And it's something you can continue doing even once you've reached your goal weight.

So, if you're looking to lose weight, then start walking!

It's simple, free and easy to do, and it's great for your overall health as well.

Try to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, and you'll start seeing the benefits in no time.

So what are you waiting for? Lace up your walking shoes and get started!

Frequently Asked Questions