People are always looking for ways to shed off those extra pounds, so they can feel happier and healthier. One way of achieving this is by walking. Studies have shown that even a short walk can significantly boost your metabolic rate, and subsequently help you to lose weight. However, how far should you walk to shed off those extra pounds? Here is a rough guide to help you figure it out.
Walk For Your Health
Obviously, you should not be walking if you are not healthy. It is key that you have a proper workout routine, and that you eat healthy. However, even those who are somewhat active should walk for a short while each day. Ideally, walk for at least 30 minutes a day, and no more than 90 minutes. Short walks can even improve your mental health. It has been proven that even a short walk can significantly boost your mood. That is why so many people find it beneficial to simply take a walk whenever they need a break or want to clear their heads. It is a great way to destress.
For Weight Loss Purposes
If you are trying to shed off those extra pounds, then walking is one of the best things you can do. It is a great way to get moving, and to improve your health. However, you should not just walk for weight loss purposes. You should also be doing it for the enjoyment of it. Studies have shown that short walks can even help you to lose weight. It is all down to how far you walk, and how fast you walk. The longer you walk, and the faster you walk, the more calories you will burn, and subsequently, the more weight you will lose. Ideally, you should be aiming for a brisk walk each day. If you want to shed off those extra pounds, then walking is a great option. Just make sure that you do it for the right reasons.
For Exercise Purposes
Walking is a great way to get some exercise. It is a great alternative to other forms of exercise, such as running. However, you should not just walk for exercise either. You should also be doing it for the enjoyment of it. Studies have also shown that even short walks can improve your mental health, and make you happier. Therefore, if you want to lose weight, walk for exercise is one of the best things you can do. It is also one of the simplest ways of achieving this goal. You do not need any special equipment, and it can be done almost anywhere.
For Fun
If you find walking boring or monotonous, then you should certainly not be doing it. On the other hand, if you look at it as a way of life, then walking is probably one of the most fascinating experiences you can ever have. Studies have also shown that even short walks can improve your mental health. Therefore, if you want to lose weight, then walk for fun. It is a great way to get moving, and it can be done almost anywhere. If you want to have some fun, take your dog for a stroll or let your kids come along for the ride.
The Best Time To Walk
There is no best time to walk, as it depends on your personal preferences. If you want to lose weight, then you should try to do it as soon as possible. The sooner you start walking, the sooner you will start shedding off those extra pounds. Just make sure that you do not overdo it, and end up putting more weight on. Ideally, you should try to do at least 30 minutes of activity each day. It is also a good idea to look at the weather, as heat makes you want to move around more, and cold weather limits your activity. Therefore, the best time to walk is usually in the morning, before heading to work. This way, you will get the most out of your walk, and you will start the day feeling motivated.
Walking Vs Running
Both running and walking are great forms of exercise. They both improve your health, and they both help you to lose weight. However, they are not equal. Running is a more intense form of exercise, and it is more effective at causing weight loss. Even short walks can make a significant difference to your health. It just depends on how far you walk, and how fast you walk. The farther you walk, and the faster you walk, the more calories you will burn, and the more weight you will lose. Running is also a more effective way of working out, as it builds up your muscles and gives your body a real workout. Ideally, if you want to lose weight, then run. Just make sure that you do not overdo it and injure yourself. Instead, walk for your health, and run for weight loss purposes.
The Takeaway
Walking is a great way of losing weight. It is a simple activity, and it does not require any special equipment. It can be done almost anywhere, and it is a great way to destress. If you want to shed off those extra pounds, then start walking. However, you should not just walk for weight loss purposes. You should also be doing it for the enjoyment of it. Short walks can even improve your mental health, and make you happier. Therefore, if you want to lose weight, then walk for fun.
It is always important to look at the weather, as heat makes you want to move around more, and cold weather limits your activity. Therefore, the best time to walk is usually in the morning, before heading to work. This way, you will get the most out of your walk, and you will start the day feeling motivated. If you want to lose weight, then run. Just make sure that you do not overdo it and injure yourself. Instead, walk for your health, and run for weight loss purposes.