The Walking Weight Loss Program, One Step at a Time

Of all the exercises recommended for weight loss, walking is probably the most recommended for a variety of reasons. First, walking is an activity that many people can do for weight loss, as walking requires no special skills or athletic prowess. Second, walking for weight loss is effective because it burns calories. For example, a 150-pound person will burn about 200 calories for every mile spent walking at a 3 mile-per-hour pace. Third, walking for weight loss is free … there are no gym fees, special equipment, or uniforms required.

Now that we know a few reasons why walking weight loss programs are so popular, let’s take a look at some specific details about walking for weight loss. At first, distance may be a problem for some walkers because they haven’t ever followed a workout program and don’t have a lot of endurance. This challenge is easily overcome by simply getting started on a walking weight loss schedule. Initially, a walker may only be able to walk 10-15 minutes a day, but if this person is committed to walking every single day, he or she will quickly build up to an hour or more of daily walking for weight loss.

Another consideration in a walking weight loss program is speed. While any speed of walking is good exercise, individuals who walk faster will burn a few more calories and get their workout done sooner. Interestingly, however, there is almost no difference in the amount of calories burned when walking 2-4 miles per hour. A noticeable calorie difference occurs at 4.5 miles per hour an above, which certainly has a positive effect on a walking weight loss program.