Are you looking for an effective way to lose stubborn belly fat? Walking is a great way to burn calories, build strength, and improve overall health. But can it help you shed those last few pounds of fat in your midsection? We asked personal trainers to give us their expert advice on the matter.
Read on for tips and suggestions from Christine VanDoren, PT, CN, certified nutritionist and personal trainer at Strong Home Gym.
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Walking for Weight Loss: How to Incorporate it into Your Daily Routine
It's no secret that walking is generally great for weight loss, and depending on how someone burns fat and where, it is possible to lose weight in your belly (although spot reduction is a common myth). Your best bet is to strive for general weight loss, and we'll explore how to do this when simply walking.
No matter what form of exercise you do, VanDoren stresses, you cannot "spot reduce" the fat on your belly. "It is up to genetics to decide where you burn fat first and last," she explains. She adds that many people burn fat "throughout their entire body at once, but it really depends on the person."
Walking, she notes, is a great form of exercise, and it is "very effective for weight loss" when done consistently. "So, technically, yes, you can walk off belly fat," she continues, pointing out that "it may simply take a different period of time for one person to do it compared to another, depending on how their body burns fat."
How Often Should You Walk for Weight Loss?
As for a walking weight loss routine, VanDoren says to firstly "determine how many days a week you have time to walk." For example, you could "start by walking one mile three times a week," she adds. "Every one to two weeks, try adding another quarter mile to burn more calories," she advises.
She recommends continuing to do this over time to maximize weight loss. "You can also try increasing your speed, walking on an incline, and wearing ankle and wrist weights or a weight vest to make it harder," she suggests. Good to know!
