Walking For Fat Loss
Long before gyms and exercise centers, walking was the primary way to lose fat. Think about it, our ancestors walked miles across harsh terrain just to get where they needed to be. Nowadays, walking isn’t as big apart of our exercise routines or our daily lives. We would rather use more convenient methods, even when walking is more practical.
However, walking is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy and active. Not to mention how many great benefits there are if you walk for a few hours each week. So why should you walk to lose fat? What exactly are the benefits?
#1: Lose Fat, Preserve Muscle
When it comes to fat loss, the more muscle the better. Muscle continuously burns fat, plain and simple. But how is walking a better fat loss tool then say, steady running? First and foremost, walking is low intensity cardio.
Obviously low intensity cardio won’t burn as many calories however, walking everyday for at least an hour will give you lasting fat loss. Walking is easy on the joints and can be done indoors or outdoors. Just put on a podcast or some music and get walking, time will fly and you may actually enjoy yourself.
#2: Walking is Restorative
Walking is a low impact exercise and it doesn’t accumulate much stress. It also won’t elevate your cortisol levels, which is your stress hormone. Elevated levels of cortisol can lead to muscle loss and fat gain, among other undesirable effects. So you can walk as much as you want without fear of over-training. Walking also increases blood flow, which in turn will help you recover from injuries faster.
Not only does it increase blood flow, but it also has a spinal-flossing effect. This helps your nerves align optimally which helps them conduct their electrical impulses properly. Additionally, walking helps ease the pain of stiff and sore muscles.
#3: Decrease Your Risk of Disease
Walking is great for both fat loss and your overall health. According to the American Diabetes Association, walking lowers your blood sugar levels and your risk of diabetes. Walking has also been found to lower your blood pressure, as well as greatly reduce your risk of strokes.
Many studies have also shown that if you walk for at least 30 minutes a day, you risk of cardiovascular disease is also reduced. All in all, walking helps you prevent a lot of chronic diseases and is good for your health in general.
#4: Improves your Stamina
Walking is a great way to improve your stamina. Obviously you won’t be able to run a marathon if all you do is walk regularly. However, walking will greatly improve your body’s ability to make the best use of 
oxygen.
Improving your stamina means you will burn calories and fat more efficiently. Additionally, it will make your day to day tasks much easier as you won’t have to expend as much energy. In short, improved stamina makes fat loss a lot less of a hassle.
#5: Other Benefits
Here are a few other notable benefits of walking:
- Reduces Stress
- Improves joint health
- Works when fasting
- Its functional
- Doesn’t burn muscle
- Strengthens your bones and muscles
- Improves coordination
Honestly, there are endless benefits to walking everyday so give it a try!
The Takeaway
In the end, walking is a great way to lose fat and stay fit. Walking helps you preserve muscle, increase your stamina, decreases your risk for disease, and so much more. Start walking a little bit each day, and slowly increase the time you walk as you go on. Ideally 4 hours a week would be great, but you really can’t walk too much. Just get up, get out, and walk to lose fat and stay active.
Interested to find out how I can help YOU achieve your fitness and fat loss goals while still living your life? Check out my 28 Day Fat Shredder Program which has helped hundreds of busy parents just like you shed pounds and pounds of ugly, oozing bodyfat while still enjoying the foods and beverage that they love…
