How Much to Walk to Lose Weight?

It can be very difficult to know just how much to walk to lose weight. Walking is an essential part of every exercise program, and there is a right amount that is ideal. Too much weight loss will cause joint pain, sore muscles, and overall reduced mobility. It is important to know exactly what your goals are before you start walking for any purpose. If you have a lot of extra weight that you need to shed, then it may take a bit of time.

When you decide how much to walk to lose weight, you need to determine whether this is something you can accomplish by walking alone or if you need a walker. If you are someone who enjoys being mobile, then a walker is going to be your best option. They are much more durable and they offer a lot more variety of routes to go on. If you are just trying to lose a few pounds, then a walker will not be enough for you.

Once you know how much to walk to lose weight, you need to figure out how long the walk should be. This is something that should be planned out in advance. If you want to do it in one certain location, such as the park, then make sure that it can accommodate at least a half day of walking. You don't want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere the entire time. Be sure that it is easy to get to, too.

Another important factor of how much to walk to lose weight is how often you are going to do it. If you have a physical disability that makes it impossible for you to walk around much, then don't bother starting. It isn't worth it. Make sure that you are going to be active enough so that it does help you shed some unwanted pounds.

Do some research on the Web or ask your doctor. There are plenty of lists of acceptable speeds and times for walking. Look at several of them, pick the one that seems like it will work for you, and then stick with it.

Your next question is how much to walk to lose weight in days. It really depends on how much activity you get. If you walk only once or twice a week, then it doesn't make very much of a difference.

If you want to lose some weight quickly, you could walk five to eight miles a day for a few weeks. That would include a brisk walk, jogging, or some kind of workout. If you have stamina, then it won't be long before you see some results. Just make sure that you aren't overdoing it. If you do more than the average person does on a given day, you are likely to overdo it and actually cause yourself harm. The simple formula is: more is better.

For most people, a goal of how much to walk to lose weight in weeks will probably do the trick. Be consistent and set some goals. If you need motivation, look online for tips. Join a local walking group or take a class. You can also buy DVDs and read books that encourage you to get off the couch and get some exercise.

If you have kids, teaching them about being active may motivate you to do even more. Try getting your kids to do some exercise together. Tell them that if they lose weight, they can play catch with their new friends. They will probably enjoy this more than any fad diet, they may have tried before.

You don't just have to be walking to lose weight. There are other ways to burn calories. Some of these include swimming, playing sports, hiking, bicycling, or even taking up yoga. Some of these are easier than others. While swimming may seem like an obvious choice, some people have trouble breathing while swimming. Bicyclists tend to feel winded after a short ride, which can lead to a lack of exercise.

So, while the answer to how much to walk to lose weight is less than one half, it isn't as difficult as it may seem. Just make sure you are being realistic when it comes to what you can do. Give yourself at least an hour to work out. If you try to do more, you may get discouraged and quit before you reach your goal. Remember, exercise is fun so make it fun.