Walking as exercise may not seem as much, but it is one of the most consistent workouts for losing weight, boosting energy and overall health. Now, if you want to take your walking to the next level, here are eight quick tips that will help.
(Remember, you don't have to do it for a long time, 20 minutes a day, then 30 minutes. work your way up)
Your 8-Step Fat-Burning Walking Plan
Don't lean. Maintain an upright posture; keep your shoulders over your hips; your hips over your ankles.
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Small changes equal big results. Increase the incline on your treadmill, or conquer a more challenging walking path. You'll not only firm up your butt and legs, but you'll also maximize the calories you burn by up to 60 percent.
Start easy. Do a 5-minute slow walk and then a 10-minute brisk pace before adding your first hill.
Get an interval walking workout. Go 5 and 5. Alternate 5-minute hills with 5 minutes of level walking. Repeat as often as you like. Cool down for 5 minutes.
Inch up. You may only be able to walk a 1 percent incline initially. The key is to maintain the same speed during the hills as you do with no incline. Aim for a 3.5 mph speed, and keep your hills moderate; a 5 percent incline is a great goal, and go no more than 7 percent. (Steeper inclines put too much strain on your back, hips, and ankles).
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Stretch longer. Spend at least 10 minutes afterward on your lower body, back, and shoulders. Stretching helps...
...reset your body and get it ready to burn more fat.
Do every other day. Rest your muscles for 48 hours between hill workouts.
Dance with your arms. If you're listening to music or even walking with a friend, use your arms to get extra movements in and have fun with it. Do a little dance while you walk, it makes the time go faster and leaves you happier!
For more on how to burn fat, click here.
