Can Walking Help You Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals?
You do it every day without a second thought, so it may be surprising to learn that this innate action is actually a powerful tool to help you reach your weight loss goals—if you do it right. “I love walking as a wellness tool because everyone can do it and you don’t need equipment,” says Denise Austin, a fitness expert and walking superfan. “Good walking shoes and somewhere to do it are all you need.”
The secret isn’t just to simply walk more often or to take quicker steps. Walking to lose weight requires a slight upgrade to some of your other habits, which will take a little effort up front, but then soon make every step you take count that much more.
“The same things that help your body function at an optimal level, such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep, are key when it comes to losing weight,” explains Darria Long, M.D., emergency physician and national health expert. “We have solid evidence that all of these good-for-you habits are interconnected and play important roles in weight loss.”
Excerpted from Prevention
