Walking is simple but an amazing workout when done consistently. Walking for one hour daily can significantly aid weight loss and provide numerous health benefits, according to a comprehensive medical review by experts in the Journal of Nutrition. The study reveals that walking, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, can help individuals lose up to 4 pounds more compared to diet alone over a 12-week period, while also preserving lean muscle mass and improving overall health outcomes.
How much walking is essential for weight loss?
A 24-week study found that splitting walking sessions into two 25-minute periods resulted in greater weight loss than a single 50-minute session. Participants who walked in shorter bursts lost 3.7 pounds more than those who did continuous walking.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 300 minutes of moderately intense physical activity weekly for substantial weight loss. Walking for one hour daily can help meet this target while maintaining lean muscle mass.
For beginners, experts recommend starting slowly with 5–15 minutes of walking two or three times weekly at a comfortable pace. Progress should be gradual, with younger adults increasing activity weekly and older adults every 2-4 weeks to prevent injury.
To maintain motivation and challenge, walking routines can be varied by modifying routes, splitting walking time into shorter sessions, changing walking times, walking with partners, listening to audiobooks or podcasts, and rewarding oneself with new walking gear.
As weight loss occurs, walking intensity should increase since lighter body weight burns fewer calories during physical activities. A 150-pound person burns approximately 50 fewer calories per hour walking at 3 mph compared to a 180-pound person at the same speed.
The effectiveness of walking for weight loss depends on various factors, including walking speed, duration, intensity, frequency, and dietary habits. However, walking every day for 50 minutes may be enough to get back in shape and burn excess fat.
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A calorie deficit with walking can help you get back in shape
Walking is particularly effective for weight loss when combined with dietary modifications. Research shows that people who restricted their calorie intake by 500-800 calories per day and walked for 3 hours weekly at 3.7 mph experienced greater weight loss compared to those who only restricted calories.
Experts suggest that creating a 500-calorie daily deficit through walking and reduced calorie intake can lead to weight loss of 0.5-2 pounds per week. This calculation is based on the principle that one pound of body weight equals 3,500 calories.
The number of calories burned during walking primarily depends on a person’s weight and walking speed. At an average adult walking pace of 3 mph, a person weighing 150 pounds can burn approximately 224 calories per hour, while someone weighing 180 pounds burns around 270 calories.
Impressive benefits of walking every day
Walking provides additional health benefits beyond weight loss, including improved mood, decreased blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and overall mortality. Regular walking of at least 150 minutes weekly can help maintain current weight and prevent the typical adult weight gain of 1.1-1.8 pounds annually. Walking daily provides comprehensive benefits, from weight management to reduced risks of various diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and several types of cancer.
Walking requires no special equipment and can be easily incorporated into daily routines. Walking intensity can be increased by using handheld weights, walking on inclines, or wearing a weighted vest to enhance calorie burn and maintain progress toward weight loss goals.
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