Walking is a great way to get active and improve your health. But did you know that it can also help you lose weight? If you’re looking to slim down, here are some tips on how to walk your way to a fit body.

Walking is often overlooked as a form of exercise, but it’s actually a great way to get active and improve your health. And if you’re looking to slim down, walking can be an effective weight-loss tool.

So put on those comfortable shoes and hit the pavement! With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to reaching your fitness goals.

How To Walk Your Way To A Fit Body

All walking is not created equal. Walking for fitness requires a bit more time and attention to get the results your desire:

1. Have Good Form

- Great posture is key so make sure you are standing tall with your shoulders back.

- Keep your head forward and let your arms naturally swing.

- Use a heel-to-toe stride.

- Engage your abs and hip flexors to move your legs.

Tip: Invest in a good pair of shoes. This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to make sure you have the right footwear for walking. A comfortable pair of shoes will not only make your walk more enjoyable, but it will also help prevent injuries. Look for a pair of shoes that provide support and cushioning, and be sure to break them in before embarking on a long walk.

2. Keep It Moving

Walking for fitness requires you to keep a brisk pace (finishing a mile in less than 14 minutes)

To start, use intervals to work on your endurance:

• Walk briskly for a given time period (1 minute, 1 song, 5 minutes - YOU choose!)
• Walk at a normal pace for a given time period of your choice.
• Alternate between brisk walking and normal walking, aiming to INCREASE the brisk walking time period by a little each day!

Map out your route in advance. Planning ahead can help you stick to your walking routine by ensuring that you have an enjoyable route to walk.

If you’re walking for fitness, be sure to mix up your route frequently so that you don’t get bored.

If you’re walking for weight loss, be sure to choose routes that are challenging enough to give you a good workout.

3. Kick It Up a Notch

Once you become a champ at walking at a brisk pace, it’s time to pump up your fitness by adding:

• Weights: To help enhance your metabolism and build muscle, grab some light weights (2-5 pounds) and either do biceps curls as you walk or if you have ankle weights strap them on and get to walking!
• Incline & Stairs: Tackle those hills and stairs for an extra booty boost!

4. Find a Walking Buddy

Walking with a friend or family member can be a great way to stay motivated. Having someone to chat with will also make the time go by faster.

If you don’t have anyone to walk with, consider joining a walking group in your area. There are often groups for all fitness levels, so you’ll be sure to find one that’s right for you.

5. Set goals and track your progress

Setting goals will help keep you motivated, and tracking your progress will give you a sense of accomplishment as you reach each milestone.

Try setting weekly or monthly goals, and then use a pedometer or smartphone app to track your steps. Seeing the numbers go up can be a great motivator!

Take It One Step Further

Now, let’s be real for a moment. NO amount of walking will get you a fit body if you continue to eat junk food.

Therefore, it’s also important to focus on eating healthy WHOLE foods. What does this mean?

Whole foods are foods that are free from additives or other artificial substances and have been minimally processed. For example:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Nuts and Seeds
• Beans
• Legumes
• Grains

On a final note, don’t forget to spend at least a few minutes stretching after each walk! If you need a quick stretching routine, watch this video of Best Walking Stretches:

Happy Walking!

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