Here’s how to walk for weight loss, according to a personal trainer.
Walking is one of the most convenient and often underrated forms of exercise. Studies have continuously supported that walking is effective at boosting heart health, improving mental well-being, helping with weight management and even reducing chronic disease risk.
But before you lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement or trail, here’s everything you need to know to make strides toward your goal of walking for weight loss.
Health Benefits of Walking
“There are numerous benefits to beginning a walking regimen,” says April Hartsook, master coach, personal trainer and founder of the Want Different Do Different movement.
Aside from the visible changes that will become physically evident with a regular exercise program, here are some of the other benefits you may gain from walking.
Improved Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.1 Getting active is one of the most effective things we can do to increase our cardiovascular health, and walking is one of the easiest ways to get moving.
Healthy Weight
In addition to improving cardiovascular health, losing weight can also help decrease our risk of other chronic diseases like diabetes and kidney disease.
Reduced Chronic Disease Risk
In addition to these life-changing benefits, Hartsook adds that the incentives don’t stop there: “Walking can help stop bone loss, boost immune function, ease joint pain, lower blood sugar, improve your overall mood and burn calories for weight loss.” There is even evidence that walking just 20 minutes per day can help you live longer.
What to Know Before You Start Walking for Weight Loss
Before starting any new exercise regime, it’s always a good idea to just check in with your healthcare practitioner. “Before beginning any exercise regimen, be sure and discuss your goals with your doctor to ensure you are given a green light to begin,” says Hartsook.
It’s also worth looking into your maximum heart rate for your age. According to Hartsook, a popular calculation is 220 minus your age = Maximum Heart Rate (MHR). “Once you have calculated your MHR, you will want the intensity level of your walk to put you at 60% to 70% of your MHR. In other words, it’s not necessarily about how fast you walk, it’s about getting your heart rate up. Swinging your arms, increasing your steps per minute and consistent forced-exhale breathing helps push that heart rate.”
A simpler way to determine exercise intensity is with the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. Sounds fancy, but perceived exertion is simply how hard you feel your body is working. The scale starts at 6—no exertion at all—and goes to 20—maximal exertion and effort. A rating of 12 to 14 is considered “somewhat hard” and correlates to moderate intensity—right about where you want to be.
Tips for Walking for Weight Loss
Set a Goal
“Make it about more than just the scale,” says Hartsook. “Sign up for a local 5K event for a good cause. Having an end goal will keep you on task.”
Start Smart
If you are just starting a walking exercise routine, don’t be unrealistic and set out to walk 10,000 steps in one go. Increase incrementally to remain motivated and successful. For example, if you are comfortable walking for 30 minutes, consider bumping that number up to 45 minutes and becoming comfortable with that benchmark before increasing again.
Hydrate
The human body is largely composed of water. Therefore, it’s especially essential that you remain hydrated throughout the day and rehydrate after returning from your walk. If you’re going on an extended walk, consider carrying a water bottle or wearing a hydration pack.
Gear Up
One of the biggest benefits of walking is that it requires minimal gear to get started. However, a good pair of walking shoes (or walking sandals) is essential to preventing injury while providing adequate support and cushion for your feet.
Hartsook adds, “If you are unsure what shoe to buy, visit your local running store for proper fit, size and shoe selection.”
Check the Weather
Weather changes can easily derail your plans to stay on task. To avoid this, check the weather each morning and plan accordingly. Download a local weather app that will allow you to gauge the weather trend for your workout window.
Also, dress appropriately for the weather. Hartsook suggests choosing lightweight fabrics and light-colored apparel for the warmer months while not forgetting to apply sunscreen and wearing a hat or visor to protect your face.
Get a Walking Buddy
Leash up your pup or “enlist a neighbor, friend or family member who will help keep you accountable and committed to reaching your goals,” Hartsook says.
Make a Playlist or Download an Audiobook
“Make yourself a good playlist by choosing songs with a high tempo (170 bpm) and motivating lyrics to help you push farther longer,” recommends Hartsook. “Think about songs that make you smile and feel good. In other words, let the music help put a little pep in your step.” Or, consider downloading an audiobook or podcast to listen to while you walk.
Plan and Vary Your Route
Walking in your neighborhood can be convenient, but consider choosing a different route once or twice a week to avoid monotony. Also, downloading a fitness app to your phone or wearing a fitness tracker is a great way to track your progress.
Stretch
Stretching before and after your outing can prevent injury and increase flexibility. Search on YouTube for an easy (and free!) stretching routine that’ll make you feel limber.
Walking for Weight Loss Plan
Hartsook says, “Every person is different. That makes it difficult to prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach, as calorie burn and weight loss will occur based on overall effort, nutrition and starting weight.”
Therefore, discussing with your health care provider a plan that caters to your specific needs and goals is important.
Walking for weight loss should begin with an easy to moderate plan of time, pace and distance, as well as the number of days of walking each week. And remember, consistency is the key to a successful plan.
“In general, individuals who are not used to walking more than 20 minutes at a time should begin with 10- to 15-minute walks two to three times a week at a brisk pace,” says Hartsook.
Hartsook adds, “In order to maximize your effort to lose weight, your calorie burn has to be high enough to offset your total caloric intake. So, an overhaul of your nutrition will help speed up the efficiency of your walking efforts to lose weight.”
Here’s a basic plan from Hartsook for anyone looking to begin their journey to losing weight with a walking plan.
Week 1
Walk three times a week, allowing a rest day or two in between to allow the body to acclimate to new movements.
- Monday: 10-minute brisk walk
- Wednesday: 10-minute brisk walk
- Saturday: 10-minute brisk walk
Week 2
Walk four times a week and increase your time, allowing a rest day in between.
- Monday: 15-minute brisk walk
- Wednesday: 12-minute brisk walk
- Friday: 15-minute brisk walk
- Saturday: 12-minute brisk walk
Week 3
Walk five times a week and increase your time, allowing one or no rest day in between.
- Monday: 18-minute brisk walk
- Wednesday: 15-minute brisk walk
- Friday: 18-minute brisk walk
- Saturday: 15-minute brisk walk
- Sunday: 15-minute brisk walk
Week 4
Walk six consecutive days this week and increase your time, allowing one rest day at the end.
- Monday: 20-minute brisk walk
- Tuesday: 15-minute brisk walk
- Wednesday: 20-minute brisk walk
- Thursday: 15-minute brisk walk
- Friday: 20-minute brisk walk
- Saturday: 15-minute brisk walk
- Sunday: Rest
Weeks 5-8
Walk for 25 minutes each day except for Sunday, which is your rest day.
Weeks 9-12
Walk for 30 minutes each day.
The Bottom Line
“The most important thing to remember when beginning any weight-loss journey is that it takes time,” says Hartsook. “Walking for weight loss is an excellent way to improve your overall health and wellness; however, the scale cannot be the only determining factor of your success. Take note of how you feel, how your clothes fit, how much less you get out of breath—and use those self-esteem boosters to help keep you moving forward.”
For a little final motivation, Hartsook adds, “In order to achieve the results we are seeking, our efforts must equal our expectations.”
