It may sound too good to be true, but not only is it possible to lose weight by walking alone, it’s one of the ways to lose weight sustainably. Most people will recommend running as the best way to lose weight with cardio, but they often overlook crucial details, such as the impact of running on the joints of heavier people.
For those just starting out on their fitness journey, walking offers a low-intensity, low-impact alternative to running, which can help beginners stay on track, which is the hardest part of walking. shaping. Not to mention, your walking experience can be further enhanced by the right gear, whether it’s a dedicated treadmill (check out one of our best under-desk treadmills or scroll down for learn more) or a wearable device such as the best fitness trackers.
Studies have shown (opens in a new tab) that people who walk more tend to be thinner than those who walk less. Of course, people who walk more also have a healthier lifestyle, in general, than those who are sedentary, but it is true that moving can boost metabolism and improve cardiovascular performance, even if it is “only” walking.
When we talk about walking as a weight loss tool, we’re not talking about leisurely walks, but rather the brisk walking variety, which accelerates to over 3 mph. This relatively brisk walking pace challenges the cardiovascular system just enough – not as much as running, but more than casual walking.
Imagine that you go to an appointment of which you are a little late; not so much that you need to hurry, but late enough that you feel the need to walk at a faster pace. It’s the speed you’re aiming for. And although we mentioned 3 mph as a general rule above, a brisk walking pace may differ from individual to individual. Those carrying a large amount of body weight may find it difficult to maintain an even slower pace, which will increase their heart rate.
Track your heart rate with a fitness watch, such as the Garmin Forerunner 55
Wearing a running watch or fitness tracker with a built-in optical heart rate sensor can help you monitor the ebbs and flows of your cardiovascular system as you exercise. Most modern running watches, and certainly the best Garmin watches, are equipped with accelerometers and GPS chips to accurately track your movements indoors and outdoors. They can also record your workouts; seeing the progress you’ve made so far can be great motivation to keep going.
Contrary to what you might think, running watches don’t have to be expensive either. The beginner-friendly Garmin Forerunner 55 can do everything mentioned above (e.g. heart rate and GPS tracking, etc.), and it can also monitor sleep, stress, energy levels, and more. energy and more. If you’re looking for something less intimidating, try the Fitbit Luxe; This delicate fitness tracker can effectively monitor your fitness efforts without making you feel like you’re trying too hard.
Don’t Let the Weather Stop You From Getting Out: Get a Walking Treadmill
It’s easy to come up with excuses not to exercise, one of the most popular being “it’s raining outside; I can’t go for a walk now!’ Luckily, there are ways around this problem, and it doesn’t even cost much. Walking treadmills – sometimes also called under-desk treadmills as they are often used with standing desks – offer a cheap alternative to full-size treadmills, with the small caveat that they can only be used for low intensity workouts – exactly what we need for!
Walking treadmills such as the excellent Bluefin Fitness Task 2.0 can cost just over $250 / £250 and usually take up little space so you can push them under the sofa or bed when not in use . These slim walking machines allow for year-round walking without getting wet, helping you stay on track with your walking workouts and, therefore, your weight loss regimen.
#Walking #lose #weight #gadgets #increase #number #steps