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Boost Your Ozempic Results With This Quick 10-Minute Workout

Lose more weight and get into the best shape ever by pairing your weight loss drug with exercise.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Happy,Athletic,Couple,Flexing,Muscles,Working,Out,gym,exercise,health,fitness
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Just because you are taking Ozempic and losing weight fast doesn’t mean you have an excuse to skip the gym – especially because adding a little exercise can help maximize your results. “Ozempic and other weight loss medications effectively result in decreased appetite and slowing down digestion. As a natural result of this, weight loss will occur,” explains David Chesworth, Program Director and Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) at Hilton Head Health. He explains that weight is lost by putting your body into a caloric deficit, which is where the “eat less – move more” saying comes from. “And while you might burn 300 to 500 calories during an intense workout, it is super easy to find yourself consuming a 300 to 500 calorie, unhealthy snack. As the old saying goes, ‘You can’t outrun a poor diet.’” he adds. One of the great things about Ozempic is that it helps you feel satisfied while eating less. Read on to learn more and discover a 10-minute workout to help maximize the results of Ozempic.


1. ”Exercise Is Still a Key Ingredient”

,Running,Treadmill,Health,gym,exercise,workout,fitness.Shutterstock

While Ozempic and other weight loss medications can directly impact weight loss, “exercise is still a key ingredient to maximally achieving your health and weight management goals,” says Chesworth. “Exercise acts as a nice supplement, or ‘boost,’ to any diet and weight loss strategy. Exercise leads to a healthier heart, stronger bones, muscles, and joints, and improved levels of energy and mood.”

“Any activity that you enjoy and can see yourself doing long term” is a good option, says Chesworth, as “consistency is more powerful than intensity.” He suggests finding activities that you enjoy, “or at least, don’t totally hate and do those activities.”

Related: 10 Foods You Should Eat Every Day For Your Best Body

2. Implement a Balance of Exercises

Training,Cycling,Machines,cardio,bike,gym,fitness,exercise,workoutShutterstock

However, he does recommend a little structure and guidance when it comes to creating a workout to go along with Ozempic. “Be sure to implement a balance of cardio, strength, and flexibility training,” he says. He recommends three to five days a week of moderate to vigorous heart rate-related exercise or five to seven days a week of light to moderate heart rate-related exercise.

3. Challenge Your Muscles

Cooldown,Stretching,Legs,,Run,running,joggingShutterstock

For strength training, he suggests doing two to four days a week of challenging all the major muscle groups – legs, back, chest, arms, core, and shoulders. “You could break this up into upper body days and lower body days,” he says. Or, you can do two to four full body training days. As for flexibility, aim to get three to seven days per week of stretching the full body. Stretching could also be implemented for five to 10 minutes at the end of your strength and cardio workouts. “If you are just getting started and coming from doing nothing, don’t overwhelm yourself by doing too much,” Chesworth says. “Start simple and start realistic. There is no shame in starting with one to three days a week of any type of exercise and using the above guidelines as a compass to move towards as your habits get better and stronger.”

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Hire a Trainer

,Fitness,Sporty,Female,Exercising,Pulldown,Personal,Trainer,exercise,gym,workoutShutterstock

If you have no idea where to begin, hiring a personal trainer is always a great option to find activities personalized to you, he adds. “Here at Hilton Head Health, we help people every week in that same situation who don’t know where to begin with their fitness and nutrition lifestyle goals. There are also virtual resources that exist out there, such as our H3 at Home coaching program with follow-along workout videos with modifiable exercises and virtual health coaches to keep you accountable to your goals.”

Related: I Lost 20 Pounds in 4 Months With These 4 Effortless Changes

5. 20-Minute Workout

Muscular,Athletic,Fit,Man,squats,fitness,workout,exerciseShutterstock

Cheworth offers a sample workout – that will only take you 10 to 20 minutes – to help maximize the results of Ozempic.

  • Walk 100 yards
  • 20 squats
  • Walk 100 yards
  • 20 side steps
  • Walk 100 yards
  • 20 calf raises
  • Walk 100 yards
  • 0:30 hamstring stretch
  • 0:30 calf stretch
  • 0:30 chest stretch
  • 0:30 back stretch

💪🔥Body Booster: Taking Ozempic or another weight loss drug will help you lose weight. But doing a combination of weight training, cardio, and stretching, for less than 20 minutes per day, can help you maximize your weight loss results.

More For You

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Just because you are taking Ozempic and losing weight fast doesn’t mean you have an excuse to skip the gym – especially because adding a little exercise can help maximize your results. “Ozempic and other weight loss medications effectively result in decreased appetite and slowing down digestion. As a natural result of this, weight loss will occur,” explains David Chesworth, Program Director and Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) at Hilton Head Health. He explains that weight is lost by putting your body into a caloric deficit, which is where the “eat less – move more” saying comes from. “And while you might burn 300 to 500 calories during an intense workout, it is super easy to find yourself consuming a 300 to 500 calorie, unhealthy snack. As the old saying goes, ‘You can’t outrun a poor diet.’” he adds. One of the great things about Ozempic is that it helps you feel satisfied while eating less. Read on to learn more and discover a 10-minute workout to help maximize the results of Ozempic.


1. ”Exercise Is Still a Key Ingredient”

,Running,Treadmill,Health,gym,exercise,workout,fitness.Shutterstock

While Ozempic and other weight loss medications can directly impact weight loss, “exercise is still a key ingredient to maximally achieving your health and weight management goals,” says Chesworth. “Exercise acts as a nice supplement, or ‘boost,’ to any diet and weight loss strategy. Exercise leads to a healthier heart, stronger bones, muscles, and joints, and improved levels of energy and mood.”

“Any activity that you enjoy and can see yourself doing long term” is a good option, says Chesworth, as “consistency is more powerful than intensity.” He suggests finding activities that you enjoy, “or at least, don’t totally hate and do those activities.”

Related: 10 Foods You Should Eat Every Day For Your Best Body

2. Implement a Balance of Exercises

Training,Cycling,Machines,cardio,bike,gym,fitness,exercise,workoutShutterstock

However, he does recommend a little structure and guidance when it comes to creating a workout to go along with Ozempic. “Be sure to implement a balance of cardio, strength, and flexibility training,” he says. He recommends three to five days a week of moderate to vigorous heart rate-related exercise or five to seven days a week of light to moderate heart rate-related exercise.

3. Challenge Your Muscles

Cooldown,Stretching,Legs,,Run,running,joggingShutterstock

For strength training, he suggests doing two to four days a week of challenging all the major muscle groups – legs, back, chest, arms, core, and shoulders. “You could break this up into upper body days and lower body days,” he says. Or, you can do two to four full body training days. As for flexibility, aim to get three to seven days per week of stretching the full body. Stretching could also be implemented for five to 10 minutes at the end of your strength and cardio workouts. “If you are just getting started and coming from doing nothing, don’t overwhelm yourself by doing too much,” Chesworth says. “Start simple and start realistic. There is no shame in starting with one to three days a week of any type of exercise and using the above guidelines as a compass to move towards as your habits get better and stronger.”

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Hire a Trainer

,Fitness,Sporty,Female,Exercising,Pulldown,Personal,Trainer,exercise,gym,workoutShutterstock

If you have no idea where to begin, hiring a personal trainer is always a great option to find activities personalized to you, he adds. “Here at Hilton Head Health, we help people every week in that same situation who don’t know where to begin with their fitness and nutrition lifestyle goals. There are also virtual resources that exist out there, such as our H3 at Home coaching program with follow-along workout videos with modifiable exercises and virtual health coaches to keep you accountable to your goals.”

Related: I Lost 20 Pounds in 4 Months With These 4 Effortless Changes

5. 20-Minute Workout

Muscular,Athletic,Fit,Man,squats,fitness,workout,exerciseShutterstock

Cheworth offers a sample workout – that will only take you 10 to 20 minutes – to help maximize the results of Ozempic.

  • Walk 100 yards
  • 20 squats
  • Walk 100 yards
  • 20 side steps
  • Walk 100 yards
  • 20 calf raises
  • Walk 100 yards
  • 0:30 hamstring stretch
  • 0:30 calf stretch
  • 0:30 chest stretch
  • 0:30 back stretch

💪🔥Body Booster: Taking Ozempic or another weight loss drug will help you lose weight. But doing a combination of weight training, cardio, and stretching, for less than 20 minutes per day, can help you maximize your weight loss results.

anna-kaiser
Anna Kaiser
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

There is some good news – and some bad – about weight loss drugs like ozempic. According to studies, the weekly jab will help you lose weight. However, research has also found that ozempic rebound weight gain is also real. According to a study in the Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, the majority of people who take semaglutide gain most of the weight back within a year of stopping the medication. If you are on ozempic and want to keep the weight off, there is an effective way to do so: Exercise.

Anna Kaiser, global fitness leader and creator of the popular fitness brand, Anna Kaiser Studios, and personal trainer to stars like Kelly Ripa and Shakira has designed a sculpting workout you can do at home to not only help you maximize your ozempic results, but help you keep the weight off long after you are off the drug.

Related: 8 Essential Nutritious Foods That Actually Taste Amazing

Kaiser describes the workout as a “mix of Pilates and barre-inspired workouts with added functional bodyweight training,” she says. The goal of the workout is to sculpt your body, keeping the “most deconditioned muscles” – including inner/outer thighs, glutes, and the sides of your body – in mind. The workout pairs “muscular endurance with power to give you the most bang for your buck which gets you the quickest results when it comes to toning and strengthening,” she says. “You can always keep the heart rate and cardio moves low impact instead of jumping up high,” she explains. “You can keep your feet on the floor, or you can step side-by-side for jacks instead of jumping.”

She also encourages you to “really think about how they’re performing each of these exercises and not just getting through them.” This involves “going slower with a full range of motion” instead of “pushing the speed or trying to get through it as quickly as possible.”

Related: Achieve Your Dream Body With This Proven Workout and Meal Plan

All you need is a pair of 5 and 8-pound weights.

  1. Traveling Squat: Do this by squatting and walking the squat forward and back holding weights at chest for 30 seconds/
  2. The Dancer Deadlift: Do a grand plie center, aka sumo squat. Keeping your back flat, hinge forward center holding weights straight down (reaching to floor) while maintaining center sumo squat. Then return the body to center. Repeat slowly 8 times.
  3. Tap Backs: In chair pose, tap alternating leg back as you fly arms out to the side for 30 seconds.
  4. Warrior Challenge: Start in lateral warrior 2 and lunge into the right leg. Then, lean your upper body to the side, bringing your right hand to your right ankle and left arm to the ceiling. Return torso to warrior 2 position. Repeat 8 times.
  5. Take Off: Lateral lunge power press. Starting in the lateral right lung and holding weights, press off for a quick balance on the left leg, then return to the right lateral lunge. Repeat 15 times.
  6. Hold a Plank for 30 seconds.
  7. Warrior Challenge: Repeat on the left side, 8 times.
  8. Take Off: Repeat on the left side, 15 times.
  9. Twisted Tripod: Side plank to plank push up. Alternate sides. 5 to 10 times.
  10. Jumping Jacks or High Knees: 30 seconds.
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

If you don’t have an hour to devote to exercise every day, don’t stress. According to Cara Metz, a fitness trainer with over 20 years of experience and nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram, all you need is a quarter of that time. Metz specializes in 15-minute workouts, recently sharing one for her over 40 followers. “This 15-minute workout is perfect for women over 40! Why? Because you are super busy & a longer workout is not always possible,” she writes in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about the workout – including why 15 minutes is enough time.


Here Is Why Women Over 40 Need to Build Muscle

Muscular Caucasian forty year old woman doing exercises with dumbbells in the gym.Shutterstock

First Cara explains why women over 40 need to build muscle. She says that “your muscle mass is starting to diminish so you need to work at keeping your muscle & hopefully building more lean muscle!”

“15-minute workouts have been a game changer for me and the ladies who are part of the Cara Fitness family. Do you feel you need to workout for longer? If yes. Why?” she asks.

Cara gives the “workout breakdown” and explains that you should do each exercise for 50 seconds each with 10 seconds of rest in between. Then, “repeat the sequence 3 times for a 15-minute workout,” she says.

Related: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Here Are the Exercises

1️⃣ Cross bicep curl

2️⃣ Tricep kickbacks & hold

3️⃣ Upright row & clean

4️⃣ Back to front & front drive

5️⃣ Stepping shoulder press

Get More Steps In with This 15-Minute Workout

In another post, she shares a 15-minute workout to get 1,500 steps in. “How many daily steps do you do? Do you struggle to get your steps in each day! Try this….Stick some music on, set a timer for 1 minute a move and let’s go!” she writes. Repeat twice.

  1. March
  2. Wide march
  3. In & out March
  4. Two side steps
  5. Rock step
  6. Box step
  7. Walk forward & back
  8. Let loose & boogie

RELATED: How to Debloat Your Belly Fast, According to an MD

This Is Why You Only Need 15 Minutes to Work Out

Mature woman, break and drinking with water, earphones or music on machine for workout or exercise at gym. Female person with smile for rest, mineral beverage or thirst after training at health clubShutterstock

“Why do you only workout for 15 minutes? Surely that is not enough? What else do you do? These are the questions I get all the time. The other question I get is how do I stay motivated?” she wrote in another post. “So motivation & just 15 minutes go hand in hand. Just 15 minutes allows me to stay consistent as the workout is finished before you know it! Motivation is fleeting, some days you are, some days you are not! Knowing that your workout is only 15 minutes means it’s so much easier to just get the job done! Consistency is the key to getting results. Dipping in and out of exercise and great nutrition is what causes yo-yo weight loss and dieting. Doing 15 minutes consistently and eating great food consistently is what gets results! Simple! This is what works for me and 1,000’s of women who workout with me each day!”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try to do a short but intense 15-minute workout every day for a week.

Dr Jennifer McCann The GYN MD
5 Expert Tips to Keep Weight Off After Ozempic
Copyright The GYN MD/YouTube

Struggling to reach your weight loss goals despite your best efforts? You're not alone. Millions of Americans face this challenge daily, even with the newest medical options available. Dr. Jennifer McCann, board-certified in both OB/GYN and Obesity Medicine, has been helping women optimize their health for over 12 years. "I specialize in complete women's care that incorporates total wellness, including considerations in gynecology, hormonal status and weight optimization," says Dr. McCann. Read on to discover how to maximize your results with today's most talked-about weight loss treatments.

Understanding Weight Loss Injections

Before diving into strategies for success, it's important to understand what these medications actually do. "These injections include medicines like semaglutide, otherwise known as Ozempic, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)," Dr. McCann explains in her video. While semaglutide has FDA approval for weight loss in certain individuals, Mounjaro is currently approved only for type 2 diabetes—though many patients experience significant weight reduction with both.

According to Dr. McCann, these medications work through several mechanisms: "They inhibit glucagon release which reduces hunger, decrease glucose production from the liver, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite." These combined effects lead to what can be substantial weight loss, particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility who struggle with exercise-based approaches.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Who Should Consider These Treatments?

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"These medicines are not for everybody," cautions Dr. McCann. There are important contraindications to consider, including "a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or other endocrine problems or cancers." She emphasizes the importance of discussing your complete medical history with your physician before starting treatment.

Side effects can also occur. "They can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps," notes Dr. McCann. While these symptoms typically subside after a few weeks of treatment, she acknowledges they can sometimes persist longer.

Making the Most of Your Treatment

Never fear, your pharmacist is here. Cropped shot of an attractive young female pharmacist working in a pharmacy.​You Want It to Be Effective Without Side EffectsShutterstock

Dr. McCann views these medications as a starting point rather than a complete solution. "What I like to tell my patients is to use these medicines to really start your lifestyle change," she says. The initial weight loss provides momentum, but maintaining results requires building healthy habits during treatment.

With that foundation in mind, here are Dr. McCann's top three tips for maximizing your results while on weight loss injections:

Tip 1: Eliminate All Sodas and Sugary Drinks

Refreshing Bubbly Soda Pop with Ice Cubes. Cold soda iced drink in a glasses - Selective focus, shallow DOF.​2. Sugary DrinksShutterstock

The single most important dietary change? "Stop all sodas," Dr. McCann states emphatically. This includes not just carbonated soft drinks but all sugary beverages like slushes and sweetened coffee drinks.

The impact is staggering: "Drinking one can of soda can make you gain 15 pounds over one year," Dr. McCann explains. "It's virtually impossible to lose weight and keep it off if you drink soda, especially more than one can daily."

This doesn't mean giving up caffeine altogether. Dr. McCann suggests alternatives: "Coffee is a great alternative, especially either black coffee or mixed with a little bit of stevia. A sugar-free skinny latte is also a great option."

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Tip 2: Prioritize Protein with Every Meal

Chief hands cut salmon fillet with knife on wooden table at kitchen. Man cooking red omega fish with lemons for healthy nutrition diet​Teriyaki Salmon & RiceShutterstock

When appetite suppression kicks in, making your limited calories count becomes crucial. "Make sure that when you feel like eating, you get your protein, specifically lean protein," advises Dr. McCann.

There's science behind this recommendation. "Protein is what builds your muscle, and your muscle is what burns calories," she explains. "If you don't take in enough protein, you will lose muscle and won't be able to burn as many calories."

The metabolic benefits are significant: "Protein increases your metabolism by increasing your muscle, and that lets you burn more calories," says Dr. McCann. This creates a virtuous cycle that enhances the medication's effectiveness.

Tip 3: Incorporate Consistent Exercise

Stairs climbing running woman doing run up steps on staircase

Shutterstock

Exercise remains essential, even with powerful medications. "Exercise is very important for weight loss, for keeping the weight off, for your cardiovascular health," Dr. McCann emphasizes. She adds that it "actually is a natural remedy for anxiety because it releases cortisol."

For beginners, Dr. McCann recommends starting small: "If you're just starting out, 20 minutes four times a week through high intensity training, something like HIIT classes, will be just fine." As fitness improves, both duration and intensity can gradually increase.

Those with physical limitations shouldn't despair. "Exercise is still important, but you may need to talk to a personal trainer to see what exercises you specifically can do to help maintain your muscles," suggests Dr. McCann.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

The Long-Term Perspective

Overweight,Woman,Eating,Healthy,Meal,In,Kitchen6 Metabolism Mistakes Making Women Over 40 Gain WeightShutterstock

These medications offer a valuable opportunity to reset your relationship with food and activity. "Make sure to use this weight loss boost to start your healthy living," Dr. McCann advises, "so that you can lose even more weight and be able to keep it off after you stop the injections."The habits you develop during treatment will determine your long-term success. By eliminating sugary drinks, prioritizing protein, and incorporating regular exercise now, you're building the foundation for sustainable results that last well beyond your final injection. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Kelsey_Rose3
Copyright thekelseyrose_/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Kelsey Rose is showing off her ab-fab body – in her two-piece workout gear. In a new social media post, the fitness trainer flaunts her washboard abs in an Alo exercise set as she unveils her under-30-minute fat-blasting workout. “The only fat-burning cardio workout you need to get sculpted & snatched,” she writes across the video, recommending doing it two to four times weekly for fat loss. Do you want to lose weight just by walking? Here is what you need to know.


She Upped Her Step Count

“When I upped my daily steps from 4k to 10k, let me tell you—it completely transformed not just my body but my entire mindset. Walking is such a simple but effective way to stay active, and it’s seriously the secret sauce to slimming down and feeling your best. Plus, it works wonders for your mental,” she says.

RELATED: 12 Genius Hacks a Dietitian Uses to Double Her Protein “Without Touching Chicken”

The Routine Combines Jogging and Incline Walking

“This routine also incorporates jogging + incline, which forces your heart rate up and down, revving up the metabolism in the best way possible!” she continues. Walking on an incline burns more calories than walking fast or even running on a flat surface, which is why many experts suggest upping your incline. A 2013 study even found that walking on a 2 to 7 percent incline increased heart rate by almost 10 percent when compared with running on a flat surface.

Here Is the 25 Minute Routine

Here’s the breakdown:

  1. Warm-up: 5 min brisk walk (3.0-3.5 mph, 2% incline)
  2. Jog: 3 min (5.5 mph, 2% incline)
  3. Power walk: 3 min (3 mph, 8% incline)
  4. Jog: 2 min (6.0 mph, 2% incline)
  5. Power walk: 2 min (4.0 mph, 9% incline)
  6. Sprint: 1 min (7.0 mph, 2% incline)
  7. Power walk: 5 min (3.5 mph, 10% incline)
  8. Jog: 2 min (5.5 mph, 2% incline)
  9. Cool down: 2 min easy walk.

She Also Shared a 15-Minute Workout

In another post, she unveils a 15-minute walking workout. “This is your sign to STOP skipping your post-workout cardio and squeeze in a quick 15-minute treadmill workout for best results! It’s easy to feel like cardio needs to be a long, intense session to matter, but even a short burst after strength training can make a big impact,” she says.

Just 15 Minutes Offers So many Benefits

“By adding just 15 minutes on the treadmill, you can boost fat burn, increase endurance, and rev up your metabolism—all without draining yourself. Cardio is also a great way to wind down, reset, and give your body some extra love post-workout,” she says.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 8 Signs You're Eating Too Many Carbs

Here Is the 15 Minute Workout

“My Cheat Code Treadmill Series,” she says.

  1. 5 min steady walk at incline 8, speed 3.0—get the blood flowing!
  2. 5 min intervals: alternate 30-sec fast run (speed 6.0-8.0) + 30-sec walk (speed 3.0) to elevate your heart rate and maximize calorie burn
  3. 5 min cool down with incline 5, speed 3.0—ease into a steady pace and let your body relax.

Do It After Your Regular Workout

She recommends doing it after your regular workout. “Just 15 minutes, and you’re done! Try it out as a finisher for your next workout and see how it feels to add this extra boost. Let’s make cardio simple and effective!” she says.

Walking Offers Lots of Health Benefits

Walking at a brisk speed offers lots of benefits. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that getting your steps in about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

RELATED: 10 Everyday Foods This Expert Says Are “Absolutely Destroying Your Health”

10,000 Steps Is Ideal for Weight Loss

According to research published in the journal Obesity, walking 10,000 steps a day, weight loss, and weight management are linked. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Autumn Bates
I'm a Nutrition Pro: This 28-Day Walking Routine Burns More Fat Than Cardio
Copyright autumnelle_nutrition/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

We've all been there – faithfully hitting our daily walks but not seeing the fat loss results we expected. According to Autumn Bates, a certified clinical nutritionist with a master's in nutrition and human performance, walking is one of the most powerful tools for fat burning – when done correctly. With over 600,000 YouTube subscribers turning to her for evidence-based wellness advice, Autumn frequently identifies common walking mistakes that prevent her clients from achieving their fat loss goals. Read on to discover how small adjustments to your walking routine could reignite your fat-burning potential and help you start seeing results again.

Mistake 1: Not Walking Enough

The first mistake is straightforward – you simply aren't walking enough, says Autumn. While step counters and Fitbits can expose you to EMF, they're useful tools for establishing your baseline activity level.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Know Your Baseline

"Very minimum I recommend getting in 10,000 steps a day," Autumn advises. If you're currently only walking 1,000-2,000 steps daily, don't try to jump immediately to 10,000. Instead, Autumn suggests incrementally increasing your steps – perhaps starting with a 2,000-step goal and adding 500-2,000 more steps each week.

Challenge Yourself Weekly

For those already hitting 8,000-10,000 steps, Autumn encourages pushing toward 15,000 steps. "With walking, the more the better," she explains, noting that most people tend to walk less than they should rather than more. Unlike running, which can elevate cortisol levels when overdone, you generally can't walk too much.

Mistake 2: Not Spreading Your Steps Throughout the Day

Even if you're achieving your step goal, Autumn points out that getting all your walking done in a single session while remaining sedentary the rest of the day is counterproductive.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

The Sitting-Inflammation Connection

"The longer you sit, the more inflammation you're going to have," Autumn warns. "And as we know, inflammation is really tied with weight gain or at least inability to lose weight."

Mini Walking Breaks

The solution is simple: break up your walking into smaller sessions scattered throughout the day. Autumn recommends five or ten-minute walks as breaks during your workday. This approach helps combat the inflammatory effects of prolonged sitting that can sabotage your fat-burning efforts.

Mistake 3: Only Walking on a Treadmill

While treadmill walking is better than no walking at all, Autumn emphasizes that outdoor walking offers unique benefits you can't get indoors.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

The Power of Negative Ions

"If you are capable and if the weather allows for it to go walk outside, especially if you live by a park or some type of outside natural environment, then this will actually expose you to something called negative ions," Autumn explains.

Cortisol Reduction

These negative ions have been shown to reduce serum cortisol levels – the stress hormone associated with weight gain, particularly around the belly. Autumn notes that studies show you need at least 15 minutes of outdoor exposure to receive these benefits.

Making Walking Work For You

By incorporating these adjustments into your walking routine, you'll be better positioned to break through plateaus and continue making progress toward your fat-burning goals. As Autumn frequently reminds her clients, walking isn't just about getting steps in – it's about how you integrate this powerful tool into your lifestyle for maximum fat-burning benefits.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Start Where You Are

Remember that any improvement to your current walking routine is progress. Autumn recommends focusing on consistency first, then gradually implementing these changes for sustainable fat loss results.

Karen Trasatti fitnutfitness
​Prioritize Whole Foods
Copyright fitnutfitness/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

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Do you want to shape up fast? According to an expert, you need to focus on only five habits. Karen Trasatti is a fat loss coach for women over 40 who looks half her age at 61. In a new viral Instagram post, she gets honest about what it takes to lose weight fast. “To all the midlife women out there…If you want to lose 10 pounds in the next 6 weeks and finally feel comfortable in your own skin, you need to commit to these 5 habits,” she writes.

These Habits Will Help You Feel Stronger and Also Boost Energy

“Want to lose 10 pounds in the next 6 weeks? If you’re a midlife woman and ready to shed some weight, feel stronger, and boost your energy, these are the 5 habits I would commit to,” she continues in the post.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Strength Train

The first habit she suggests is lifting weights, specifically strength training three times per week. “Muscle is your metabolism’s best friend! Lifting weights helps you burn more calories, even at rest,” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Prioritize Protein

Next, prioritize protein. “Aim for at least 25-30g per meal to support muscle and keep you full longer,” she says. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Walk Daily

She also recommends hitting 7,000-10,000 steps daily. “Walking is underrated for fat loss and overall health. Move your body as much as possible!” she writes. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Track Macros (Not Just Calories!)

Her next tip is tracking macros – not just calories. “Balancing protein, carbs, and fats is key for sustainable weight loss,” she writes.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Sleep

Finally, get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. “Poor sleep messes with hormones and cravings, making fat loss harder. Prioritize rest!” she says. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Are you trying to lose weight and keep it off? Losing 50 pounds is a big goal, but with the proper habits, it’s achievable. Regarding nutrition, remember to take it slow and not do any fad diets or eliminate entire food groups. As for exercise, moving your body is key, not just focusing only on diet. As a weight loss coach, I recommend these seven habits to my clients when they want to lose a lot of weight and keep it off.

1. Track Your Food Intake

Person using Apple i-phone to press and access the MyFitnessPal app / application

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Use a food journal or an app (like MyFitnessPal or LoseIt) to log everything you eat. People who keep track are the most successful in losing and keeping weight off. Keeping a record of what you eat is accountability but also when you see the calories it is awareness of how quickly they add up throughout the day. Focus on calorie intake and make sure you are also spreading those calories throughout the day.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

2. Prioritize Protein and Fiber

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Protein helps with muscle retention and keeps you full longer. Fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) improve digestion, reduce cravings, and also keep you feeling full.

3. Stay Hydrated

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Drink at least 80-100 ounces of calorie-free fluids throughout the day. Water is best, but you can also drink decaf tea or add flavor to your water to help drink enough.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

4. Strength Train & Move More

Woman, weights and dumbbells with earphones in gym for muscle strength, audio streaming and power lifting. Mature athlete, person and happy with weightlifting or music for online podcast and radio​4. Incorporate Strength TrainingShutterstock

Incorporate strength training two to four times per week to build muscle and boost metabolism. When you lose weight you will lose some muscle. Doing strength training will help to maintain that muscle mass. Walk 10,000+ steps a day as a general rule. Get your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes a day most days of the week.

5. Watch Portions & Eat Mindfully

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Use smaller plates. Eat slowly to recognize fullness cues. Avoid eating in front of screens or in the car to be more mindful.

6. Get Quality Sleep (7-9 Hours Nightly)

Woman sleeping in bed peacefully at home beside alarm clock​STOP Hitting SnoozeShutterstock

Poor sleep increases hunger hormones and cravings for unhealthy foods. Set a bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed.

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

7. Stay Consistent & Adjust as Needed

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When you lose weight, it does not come off every single day; sometimes, you might even gain a pound or two. Stay patient and know the weight will come off if the habits are there. Focus on long-term sustainability rather than quick fixes.

Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, also known as The Diet Diva, is Body Network’s Resident Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She is a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies.