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There’s a common misconception that you have to do intense, back-breaking exercise to see significant results in your body. However, there is no “perfect” type of exercise. The best exercise for your body is movement that you enjoy, that makes you feel good, and that you will do consistently without getting bored of it. Walking often doesn’t get enough credit for the health benefits it holds, but it is just as valid an exercise as any.
According to Shanna Missett Nelson, President of Jazzercise, walking is movement, which is, at the base level, what your body needs. “Movement is so important for health – both your physical health and also for your mental wellbeing,” she says, “Walking can be an effective way to maintain or lose weight because it burns more calories than being still. Making a habit of walking with a friend or your family can also help with the accountability aspect of moving which is so important for making any type of change to your body.”
Getting movement regularly is key for not only steady weight loss. To lose weight, you must be in a consistent calorie deficit, which means your body is burning more calories than you consume. While this is mostly done through dietary changes, exercising burns calories, and in turn helps your body stay in that state. Aside from that, moving your body can help you feel your best mentally and emotionally.
As far as how much you should be walking, quantity and quality are subjective. “You have to consider what your goals are for your body,” Nelson says, “Adding a daily walk, then building up to a faster pace, longer distance, and adding hills will all help burn calories, which is necessary to lose weight.” You should focus on consistency rather than any specific number, time, or distance. For sustainable progress, start small and work your way up to build endurance. According to the Mayo Clinic, getting around 30 minutes of physical activity daily is a good goal to aim for.
Making sure to have variety in your exercise is a way you can ensure that you won’t grow tired of it. “I have a busy schedule, so while I love adding an occasional walk to my routine, I prefer to get my cardio in the form of dance!” Nelson says, “Dance is a super effective (and I’d say much more fun!) way to burn calories, target a higher heart rate for heart health, and boost metabolism to support weight loss or weight maintenance.”
It’s easy to get consumed with numbers when it comes to fitness, but getting too caught up in the specifics may cause unwanted stress that will hinder your goals.. Finding movement you enjoy, starting small, and being consistent are the most important things to focus on when starting a weight loss journey.
