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5 Effective Ways to Walk to Burn Body Fat

It couldn't be easier to burn fat this way.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Woman jogging in the forest
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Walking is one of the most effective—and convenient—ways to burn fat and get fit. There’s a reason #HotGirlWalks is so popular in the online fitness space: Walking is a low-impact way of working out with a low chance of causing injury, and it’s accessible for essentially any fitness level or ability. All you have to do is get going and build your way up to the ideal level of endurance. And the best part is, you don’t have to buy any equipment or fancy gadgets. All that’s needed is some decent shoes, a space to walk (whether outside or on the spot), and the motivation to make it happen. Here are five ways to walk to burn body fat—no gym membership is needed!


Burning Calories

Walking or running legs sport shoes, fitness and exercising in autumn or winter nature. Cross country or trail runner outdoors.Shutterstock

Experts say you can’t lose weight without burning off more calories than you take in—and walking is a great way to do that. “Physical activity, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories,” Katherine Zeratsky, RD, LD, tells the Mayo Clinic. “If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn about 150 more calories a day. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you'll burn.”

Walk For At Least 30 Minutes

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Because walking is a lower-intensity cardio exercise, you need to do it for at least 30 minutes to get the fat-burning benefits. “If you walk 2 miles, you’ll burn 200 calories, mostly from carbs but a little from fat because, as you reach the end of your walk, when you’re using mostly slow glycolysis and your oxidative system,” according to HPRC. “If you run 2 miles, you’ll still burn 200 calories, but you will do so faster than with walking and almost exclusively from carbs. Since 2 miles is a fairly short distance, you will probably finish the run in less time than it takes for your body to start the fat-oxidation process. A cardio session should be at least 20–30 minutes and at an intensity of about 70% of your max heart rate in order to maximize fat loss during exercise.”

RELATED:Becky Greenan Shows Off Six-Pack and Reveals Her 10-Minute At-Home “Abs and Core” Workout

Raising Your Heart Rate

Running athlete man looking at smartwatch heart rate monitor GPS smart watch. Runner listening to music in earphones. Athlete resting tired after training on Big Island, Hawaii, USA.Shutterstock

Even walking in place will get your heart rate going and burn fat. Just move! “Anything that gets you moving instead of just sitting or lying down is going to be beneficial for you in the long run,” exercise physiologist Jordan Boreman, MS, CES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “By walking in place, you’re raising your heart rate, which is going to signal to your body to start pumping more oxygen and blood to your muscles to help them move more efficiently, thus burning more calories.”

Interval Training

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Interval training is a good way to give your walks an edge. “You can also alternate periods of brisk walking with leisurely walking,” say the experts at the Mayo Clinic. “This type of interval training has many benefits, such as improving cardiovascular fitness and burning more calories than regular walking. And interval training can be done in less time than regular walking.”

RELATED:Nicole Winter Flashes Flat Abs and Shares Lower Body At-Home Workout for Beginners

Change the Intensity

Couple of Young Happy Travelers Hiking with Backpacks on the Beautiful Rocky Trail at Warm Summer Sunset. Family Travel and Adventure Concept.Shutterstock

Don’t forget to vary your walking pace as your body becomes accustomed to your fitness level. “It’s very good for people who are just starting out,” Boreman says. “Walking in place is an exercise that’s going to help you burn calories over a short time span. Over time, your body is going to get used to the exercise that you’re doing. So varying it up and increasing intensity as you go on can help with additional weight loss. It’s convenient, it’s something that you don’t have to travel anywhere to do it either.”

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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.

Walking is one of the most effective—and convenient—ways to burn fat and get fit. There’s a reason #HotGirlWalks is so popular in the online fitness space: Walking is a low-impact way of working out with a low chance of causing injury, and it’s accessible for essentially any fitness level or ability. All you have to do is get going and build your way up to the ideal level of endurance. And the best part is, you don’t have to buy any equipment or fancy gadgets. All that’s needed is some decent shoes, a space to walk (whether outside or on the spot), and the motivation to make it happen. Here are five ways to walk to burn body fat—no gym membership is needed!


Burning Calories

Walking or running legs sport shoes, fitness and exercising in autumn or winter nature. Cross country or trail runner outdoors.Shutterstock

Experts say you can’t lose weight without burning off more calories than you take in—and walking is a great way to do that. “Physical activity, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories,” Katherine Zeratsky, RD, LD, tells the Mayo Clinic. “If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn about 150 more calories a day. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you'll burn.”

Walk For At Least 30 Minutes

Back view of a hipster girl walking on city streetShutterstock

Because walking is a lower-intensity cardio exercise, you need to do it for at least 30 minutes to get the fat-burning benefits. “If you walk 2 miles, you’ll burn 200 calories, mostly from carbs but a little from fat because, as you reach the end of your walk, when you’re using mostly slow glycolysis and your oxidative system,” according to HPRC. “If you run 2 miles, you’ll still burn 200 calories, but you will do so faster than with walking and almost exclusively from carbs. Since 2 miles is a fairly short distance, you will probably finish the run in less time than it takes for your body to start the fat-oxidation process. A cardio session should be at least 20–30 minutes and at an intensity of about 70% of your max heart rate in order to maximize fat loss during exercise.”

RELATED:Becky Greenan Shows Off Six-Pack and Reveals Her 10-Minute At-Home “Abs and Core” Workout

Raising Your Heart Rate

Running athlete man looking at smartwatch heart rate monitor GPS smart watch. Runner listening to music in earphones. Athlete resting tired after training on Big Island, Hawaii, USA.Shutterstock

Even walking in place will get your heart rate going and burn fat. Just move! “Anything that gets you moving instead of just sitting or lying down is going to be beneficial for you in the long run,” exercise physiologist Jordan Boreman, MS, CES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “By walking in place, you’re raising your heart rate, which is going to signal to your body to start pumping more oxygen and blood to your muscles to help them move more efficiently, thus burning more calories.”

Interval Training

Abstract image of people in motion with blurred backgroundShutterstock

Interval training is a good way to give your walks an edge. “You can also alternate periods of brisk walking with leisurely walking,” say the experts at the Mayo Clinic. “This type of interval training has many benefits, such as improving cardiovascular fitness and burning more calories than regular walking. And interval training can be done in less time than regular walking.”

RELATED:Nicole Winter Flashes Flat Abs and Shares Lower Body At-Home Workout for Beginners

Change the Intensity

Couple of Young Happy Travelers Hiking with Backpacks on the Beautiful Rocky Trail at Warm Summer Sunset. Family Travel and Adventure Concept.Shutterstock

Don’t forget to vary your walking pace as your body becomes accustomed to your fitness level. “It’s very good for people who are just starting out,” Boreman says. “Walking in place is an exercise that’s going to help you burn calories over a short time span. Over time, your body is going to get used to the exercise that you’re doing. So varying it up and increasing intensity as you go on can help with additional weight loss. It’s convenient, it’s something that you don’t have to travel anywhere to do it either.”

Josh York JoshYorkGG joshyorkgg
Copyright JoshYorkGG/YouTube/Shutterstock
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.

Walking is something most of us do every day without much thought, but it can be transformed into a powerful fat-burning exercise, especially for those over 50. Throughout my career as a personal trainer, I've seen clients lose significant weight and become happier with who they are simply by adding a daily walk to their schedule. It's an accessible workout that fits naturally into your daily routine. Ready to turn your regular walks into fat-burning sessions? Here are five exercises that will help you do just that.

Why Walking Works Best for You After 50

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Walking is a great low-impact workout option that is easy on the joints, making it a go-to exercise for people over 50. It is an extremely accessible workout that fits naturally into your daily routine, plus the intensity can easily be varied depending on the speed at which one walks, helping to burn more calories and improve fat loss. Additionally, walking aids in building and maintaining muscle mass, which is important as metabolism slows down naturally with age. Walking provides other benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and increased bone density.

This is a better option for people over 50 due to its low-impact nature, accessibility, and gradual progression that walking offers. High-intensity activities put stress on joints like the knees, ankles, and hips, which can increase injury risk. Walking requires no additional equipment or facilities, and you can increase the intensity or duration throughout the exercise to make it adaptable to your fitness level.

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

1. Walking Lunges

Mature couple having a workout together in the park

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How to do it: Start standing straight up with your feet together. Take a step forward. Bend at your knees until they are at 90 degrees. Rise back up and step forward with your back leg to bring your feet back together. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Why it's beneficial: Walking lunges are beneficial because they boost metabolism and burn calories through the engagement of large lower-body muscles such as your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles. They also improve your strength, stability, and functional fitness.

Mistakes to avoid: Common mistakes to avoid when doing walking lunges are leaning forward or backward, rushing the movement, not engaging the core, and not breathing properly. These will all decrease the benefits of the exercise if performed incorrectly.

2. Power Intervals

Caucasian mature female runner athlete tying training shoes while jogging on the stadium in public park in the morning. Active healthy sporty lifestyle.

Shutterstock

How to do it: Begin with a brisk walking warm-up for five to 10 minutes. Speed up your pace with a power walk for a set duration. Slow down to a more moderate pace to allow for recovery. Continue alternating between the two paces for the duration of your walk.

Why it's beneficial: This exercise elevates your heart rate to lead to increased calorie burning during and after your workout. Power intervals also provide cardiovascular benefits that include lower blood pressure, reduced risk of stroke, and overall improved cardiovascular health.

Mistakes to avoid: The most common mistake is rushing intervals. It is not a sprint; the goal is power and controlled movements to get an effective workout. On the other side, make sure you slow down during the more moderate intervals to allow your body time to rest. Most importantly, warm up before and stretch after.

3. Overhead Presses

Beautiful senior woman on a walk in the park, performs exercises with dumbbells in her hands

How to do it: Grab dumbbells or water bottles as weights. Bend your elbows so the weights are at shoulder-height in a neutral position. As you walk, press your arms straight up. Lower them back to shoulder height and repeat.

Why it's beneficial: This workout is a dual-threat that combines cardiovascular exercise with strength training to promote muscle growth and increase metabolic rate to help with fat loss. Strength training fights the natural decrease of muscle mass that comes with aging, ultimately requiring more energy to maintain than fat and a higher resting metabolic rate. Overhead presses can also aid in improving bone density to reduce one's chances of osteoporosis and fractures, plus also improve posture.

Mistakes to avoid: A common mistake is selecting too heavy a weight. Keep in mind that you want to select a weight you can maintain throughout your walk, so start light and build up as you get stronger. It is important for your posture and injury avoidance that you don't arch your back.

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

4. Walking Backwards

Close up of unrecognizable young woman legs ready to run wearing sneakers and tropical leggings with palm trees

Shutterstock

How to do it: Find a clear and flat path. Maintain your balance by slowly and carefully lifting one foot and placing it behind the other. Bring the second foot behind the first. Repeat this rhythm for a selected distance or time.

Why it's beneficial: Walking backwards activates different muscles compared to walking forward. This generates greater calorie burn and improved cardiorespiratory fitness by forcing you to work harder, while also improving balance, stability, and flexibility. The workout hits your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core. Additionally, it can improve your brain function by providing a change of pace and a mental challenge for you to focus on the new movement.

Mistakes to avoid: The most common mistakes are obstacles and uneven surfaces. Simply check your surroundings before beginning your workout. You will be grateful you did as it allows you to focus on the exercise and be fully in the moment without worry. Start with small steps to get a grasp of your footing through accurate distances and directions to avoid falling.

5. Calf Raises

Close-up of gil's bare feet on wet sand. Running shoes and cold sea in the background. tip toe, Calf raises

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How to do it: Pause at pre-set intervals during your walk. Stand with your feet together. Place your arms straight by your side. Rise up on your toes and slowly return your feet to flat on the ground.

Why it's beneficial: Calf raises are beneficial in helping with muscle mass and endurance. By performing calf raises, you are building muscle tissue that burns more energy compared to fat at rest, leading to a boost in your metabolic rate when not working out. This is also essential to enhancing your physical activity and improving cardiovascular health by strengthening the muscles that pump blood back to your heart. Calf raises provide better circulation and cardiovascular function.

Mistakes to avoid: Focus on the full range of motion through slow and controlled movements. This means maintaining straight knees and avoiding bouncing or rolling your ankles.

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

Don’t Have Unrealistic Expectations

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When you're getting into a workout routine, it's easy to fall into some common traps. Things like skipping your warm-up, doing too much cardio, ignoring strength training, or expecting overnight results can really hold you back. It’s also important to stay consistent, fuel your body with the right nutrition, and keep track of your progress. These little things make a big difference—and skipping them can make it way harder to see the results you’re working for.

How to Start Your Fat-Burning Walking Routine

Mature Couple On Autumn Walk With LabradorShutterstock

Start by focusing on consistency and gradual progression to find a routine that works for your body and schedule. You don't want to overdo it early on, so start slow and build up as you start to feel more confident. Small steps will help build big results over time.

I highly recommend walking, whether with a friend or by yourself – it is simple and effective. By incorporating these exercises into your walks, you'll maximize your fat-burning potential and enjoy all the benefits walking has to offer. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

About the author: Josh York is a certified personal trainer and the founder of GYMGUYZ

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.

Struggling to find time for lengthy workouts? You’re not alone, and the good news is, you may not need hours in the gym to jumpstart your weight loss journey. According to certified clinical nutritionistAutumn Bates in her popular YouTube video, a strategic walking routine could be the game-changer you're looking for. Autumn's approach revolves around optimizing fat-burning through carefully timed walks that work with your body's natural rhythm throughout the day. Whether you're a morning person or find it easier to move during lunch breaks, Autumn's plan is designed for anyone who wants to maximize fat loss without sacrificing too much time or energy.


Walking, as Autumn explains, has the unique ability to tap into the body’s fat stores, especially during certain times of the day. Her three-part walking schedule will help you keep your metabolism revved up from the moment you wake up until you head to bed. Even better, you don’t need any special equipment—just your feet, a good pair of shoes, and some dedication. Joining Autumn’s expert advice is Body Network’s Yaa Boakye, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), who provides additional insights into how walking can be tailored to meet your individual needs, ensuring both immediate results and long-term sustainability.

Ready to start walking your way to a healthier, leaner you? Let's dive into Autumn Bates' fat-melting walking routine and discover how just a few simple steps can make all the difference.

The Morning Walk: Capitalize on Your Body's Natural Fat-Burning State

In her video, Autumn emphasizes the importance of a morning walk: "In the morning, the body is in a naturally fasted state. This means that from overnight of not eating, the body is naturally going to be burning fat as fuel."

She recommends:

  • 15-30 minute walk first thing in the morning
  • Before coffee or breakfast
  • Preferably outdoors

"Walking outside is preferred if you are looking to maximize fat burning," Autumn explains. "Being outside, especially if you live by a park or an ocean or a lake or a river, helps to expose your body to something called negative ions. And this can naturally help to decrease the stress hormone cortisol."

The Science Behind Morning Walks

Body Network’s expert, Yaa Boakye, RDN, adds scientific context: "Research has found that both treadmill walking and brisk walking effectively reduce central obesity in men and women who are overweight or dealing with obesity. Women may burn more calories per step, while men may have a higher overall energy expenditure due to greater body mass."

RELATED: The 4 High-Protein Breakfast That Torches Stubborn Fat, According to Top Trainer

Daytime Walks: Break Up Sedentary Periods

In her video, Autumn suggests incorporating short walks throughout your workday:

  • Get up every hour for 1-2 minutes
  • Walk around your house or office
  • Aim for about 2000 extra steps during an 8-hour work period

"The less often that we get up, even if it's just getting up for one or two minutes an hour, the less we're contracting our muscles and the less insulin sensitive we start to become," Autumn notes.

Lunchtime Bonus Walk

If possible, add a 15-minute walk after lunch. Autumn explains in her video, "When you're walking or when you're contracting your muscles, it helps to soak up excess glucose from the blood supply, making so you don't need to pump out as much insulin, which is that storing hormone."

Evening Walk: Enhance Sleep Quality for Better Fat Burning

Autumn recommends a short walk after dinner:

  • 5-15 minutes long
  • Preferably outdoors

"Walking can not only help with absorbing that excess glucose, it can also help to boost the quality of your sleep, which further helps to maximize fat burning," she states.

The Long-Term Benefits of Walking

Boakye emphasizes the sustainability of walking for weight loss: "Walking is not only effective for initial weight loss but also plays a crucial role in long-term weight maintenance. Research indicates that individuals who engage in regular walking are more likely to sustain their weight loss over time."

RELATED:11 Quick Protein-Packed Breakfasts to Curb Cravings You Can Make in 5 Minutes

Maximizing Your Walking Routine

To enhance your walking routine, Boakye suggests:

  1. Incorporate interval walking
  2. Walk on an incline
  3. Add strength-building exercises
  4. Aim for 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day

Walking Really Can Help You to Lose Weight

By following this strategic walking schedule, you can harness your body's natural fat-burning potential throughout the day. Remember, consistency is key. As Boakye notes, "Walking is an incredibly effective and sustainable tool for weight loss. It burns calories, increases fat metabolism, and is easy to maintain long-term due to its low impact and accessibility." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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.

Losing weight often feels like a daunting task. You’ve probably wondered, can something as simple as walking really make a difference? According to Dr. Miche, a research scientist with a PhD who specializes in weight loss, health, and fitness, the answer is a resounding yes.


Dr. Miche dives deep into the science to uncover the facts about walking for weight loss and fat burning. In this article, she shares 10 expert-backed hacks to help you burn more fat while walking. Read on to find out how small adjustments to your routine could help you achieve your fitness goals.

Hack 1: Walk Consistently to Lose Weight

Many wonder if walking, without any other lifestyle changes, can truly result in weight loss. Dr. Miche analyzed a meta-analysis involving over 1,100 participants who added walking to their daily routines. The participants walked four times a week for 40 minutes per session over 35 weeks.

"The results were impressive," explains Dr. Miche in her video. "On average, participants lost two pounds and reduced their body fat percentage by one point. This was achieved without any dietary changes." Even more remarkable, the control group, who did not walk, gained weight over the same period. "Not only does walking prevent age-related weight gain, but it also results in a net weight loss of about five pounds compared to those who don’t walk," she adds.

The study also found other benefits of walking, including a reduction in blood pressure and improved cardiovascular fitness. “This means walking isn’t just good for weight loss; it’s great for your overall health,” Dr. Miche notes.

Hack 2: Choose Walking Over Running for Fat Burn

Full length of happy female athlete in sportswear smiling and looking away while walking on paved sidewalk with bottle in hands on streetShutterstock

To see how walking stacks up against other exercises, researchers compared it to running and biking. Participants engaged in 30-minute sessions three times a week over 20 weeks, with intensity levels matched as closely as possible.

"Surprisingly, the walking group lost just as much weight as the running group and more than the biking group," says Dr. Miche. "In terms of body fat percentage, walking led to a reduction of three points, more than double what running or biking achieved."

Dr. Miche explains that this phenomenon is due to the intensity level. "Lower-intensity activities like walking tend to burn a higher percentage of fat compared to higher-intensity exercises like running," she elaborates. "It’s the perfect example of how consistent, moderate activity can deliver impressive results."

RELATED:CDC Warns of Norovirus Outbreak Across the US as "Stomach Bug" Cases Rise

Hack 3: Walk at the Right Intensity

Happy smiling asian woman jogging in park. Healthy young female runner doing workout outdoors, running on streets.Shutterstock

If you want to optimize your walking routine, Dr. Miche highlights an essential tip from a study on fat oxidation. "The sweet spot for fat burning occurs at about 60% of your maximum heart rate," she says. To estimate this, subtract your age from 220 and aim for 60% of that number during your walks.

For those who prefer not to calculate, Dr. Miche provides a simple guideline: "The study found that men achieved peak fat burning at an average walking speed of 3.4 miles per hour, while women’s optimal speed was about 3 miles per hour."

Hack 4: Walk Regularly for Long-Term Benefits

Running Women walking in CountryShutterstock

"Walking isn’t just a short-term fix," notes Dr. Miche. "Over time, it helps you maintain your weight and prevent many chronic conditions." She highlights studies showing that regular walking reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even depression.

"Even small changes add up," Dr. Miche adds. "By walking consistently, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier future, one step at a time."

Hack 5: Curb Your Appetite With Walking

young fitness woman hiker legs at forest trailShutterstock

An often-overlooked benefit of walking is its impact on appetite regulation. "Walking can help moderate your hunger hormones," says Dr. Miche. "Unlike intense workouts that sometimes increase appetite, walking often has a neutral or even suppressive effect on hunger."

This means you’re less likely to overeat after a walking session. "It’s another reason walking is such a sustainable weight-loss tool," she explains.

Hack 6: Fit Walking Into Your Busy Schedule

Happy athlete and her African American friend drinking water and communicating while walking over the bridge outdoors.Shutterstock

"One of the best things about walking is how flexible it is," says Dr. Miche. She suggests breaking up your walking sessions into smaller chunks if you’re short on time. "Even 10-minute walks throughout the day can add up to significant health benefits."

She also recommends making walking a part of your daily routine. "Walk to the store, take the stairs, or enjoy a walk after dinner. These small changes make a big difference over time."

RELATED:Woman Lost 72 Pounds in 6 Months with Semaglutide, "I’m Ready to Date Again!"

Hack 7: Try Outdoor Walks for Extra Perks

beautiful young girl walking in forest in running clothes standing on logShutterstock

"Both options are great," Dr. Miche says. "Walking outdoors offers fresh air and natural scenery, which can boost your mood. On the other hand, a treadmill provides a controlled environment where you can adjust speed and incline."

She encourages choosing whichever option you enjoy more. "The key is consistency. If you like what you’re doing, you’re more likely to stick with it."

Hack 8: Pair Walking With Other Healthy Habits

Underwater,Reflection,Silhouette,Of,A,Girl,Walking,On,The,SeashoreShutterstock

"Walking is even more effective when combined with other healthy behaviors," Dr. Miche points out. She suggests pairing your walks with a balanced diet and good sleep hygiene. "These habits work together to amplify your results."

She also emphasizes the importance of hydration. "Staying hydrated supports your energy levels and helps your body function at its best during exercise."

Hack 9: Track Your Walking Progress

Smart watch woman using smartwatch touching button and touchscreen on active sports activity or morning jogging during beach sunrise or sunset. Closeup of hands and wrist with smart watch screen.Shutterstock

"Tracking your steps, distance, or time can be incredibly motivating," says Dr. Miche. She recommends using a pedometer, smartphone app, or fitness tracker to monitor your activity.

"Seeing your progress over time reinforces your efforts and helps you stay consistent," she explains. "Set achievable goals and celebrate small milestones along the way."

RELATED:10 Protein Tricks for Burning Fat You’ll Love, From a Nutritionist

Hack 10: Stay Consistent With Your Routine

Beauty young girl outdoors enjoying natureShutterstock

In addition to weight loss, walking offers numerous health benefits. It’s simple, accessible, and doesn’t require special equipment or gym memberships. "Walking is also gentle on your joints and easy to incorporate into your day," Dr. Miche points out. Whether you’re walking in a park, on a treadmill, or around your neighborhood, it’s a sustainable form of exercise for most people.

"The key is consistency," she says. "With regular effort, walking can help you lose fat, improve your health, and enhance your fitness." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Are you tired of complex workout routines and restrictive diets? In a hit video, fitness expert Jeremy Ethier reveals a simple, effective method to burn fat that you can start today – walking. As a certified trainer and Kinesiology graduate, Ethier shares his insights on how this underrated activity can transform your body. Read on to discover the magic number of steps that could kickstart your fat loss journey and learn easy ways to incorporate more steps into your daily routine.


Walking: The Unsung Hero of Fat Loss

If you want to kick-start a weight loss routine, walking is an ideal way to begin. "Walking does several things to improve health," Barry Franklin, director of preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, tells the American Heart Association. "It lowers your risk factors for cardiovascular disease, decreases body weight and fat stores, decreases blood sugar levels, modestly improves your lipid profile, and reduces chronic stress." Here are the benefits of walking just one mile a day, according to experts.

It All Adds Up

Walking just a mile may not seem like much, but it all adds up. “One day where you walk a mile doesn’t seem like much, but over the course of a week, month, year...that all adds up,” Tony Gentilcore, CSCS, tells Runner's World. “There’s a lot of empowerment and motivation that can be drawn from that. It stands to reason that if someone goes from doing nothing to walking a mile a day, they may see a trend of weight loss over the course of several weeks to months.”

The Magic Number: 10,000 Steps?

Ethier, in his video, delves into the origin of the popular 10,000 steps goal: "Typically, the number that pops into most people's heads is 10,000 steps a day, as that's usually used as the ideal benchmark to aim for. However, this idea of 10,000 steps a day was actually just simply a marketing tool that was used to sell the first developed pedometers in Japan. It actually didn't have any scientific backing behind it at that time, but research now shows that it actually does have some validity to it."

He further explains: "For instance, in order to hit the public health recommendation of getting in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, it's been shown that this translates to roughly 8,000 steps a day. And in terms of weight loss, when we again convert activity recommendations to steps, it's been shown that bumping your steps up to around 10,000 steps per day is most effective for not only losing fat but also keeping that fat off in the long term."

The Math Behind Fat Loss

Ethier breaks down the numbers to show how increasing your step count can lead to fat loss: "Without going over it in depth and bore you with the math, when you crunch the numbers, you'll find that an average 180-pound individual can expect to burn roughly 60 calories per thousand steps when walking at a moderate pace. So if you're currently maintaining your weight with an average step count of, let's say, 6,000 steps a day, then for every 1000 additional steps you took per day, you'd be able to bump up your calorie expenditure by around 60 calories."

"And given that there are roughly 3,500 calories in a pound of fat, if you keep your diet and everything else the same, then by simply going from 6,000 steps a day to 8,000 steps a day, you'd theoretically be able to burn off an extra pound of fat a month. Just by making that subtle change and going from 6,000 steps a day to 10,000 steps a day, you theoretically be able to double that and burn off an extra pound of fat a month," he continues.

Scientific Backing

In his video, Ethier cites research to support his claims: "For instance, a paper from a Journal of Nutrition randomly assigned subjects to either just a low-calorie diet or the same low-calorie diet plus brisk walking. The walking consisted of a total of three hours of added walking per week, or in other words, an added 25 minutes of walking a day, which would equate to roughly 2,000 to 3,000 added steps per day. After 12 weeks, the walking group lost around three pounds more fat than the nonwalking group, which doesn't sound like much, but it's such an easy thing to implement into your routine that it can both kickstart and considerably speed up the fat loss process for you."

His Recommendations for Fat Loss

Ethier provides practical advice for those looking to lose fat: "If you're currently not very active at the moment and struggling to lean down, then set a realistic gold number of steps you can hit every day in order to help create and maintain a calorie deficit while ensuring that you don't then compensate by simply eating more as you do so and aiming for at least 8,000 or even 10,000 steps a day are honestly good targets to aim for if you're currently below that."

Easy Ways to Increase Your Step Count

Ethier offers simple tips to boost your daily step count:

1. Walk After Meals

"After every one of your meals for the day, so let's say breakfast, lunch, and dinner, make it a habit to go for a 10-minute walk immediately after this alone. If done for three meals a day, it will add, on average, a whopping 3,500 steps to your step count," he says in his video.

2. Walk While Brushing Teeth

"Rather than checking yourself out in the mirror as you brush your teeth, walk around the house, assuming that you brush your teeth twice a day for roughly two minutes at a time. This alone can increase your step count by around 400 steps," Ethier says.

3. Stay Hydrated

"Keep yourself well hydrated and drink more water throughout the day. I personally take more chips to the washroom than probably anyone I know. And assuming it's not a bladder problem, it's because I drink a ton of water. But this also helps me get my steps in because I'm frequently having to get up off my chair to use a washroom," he says.

4. Do Jumping Jacks

"Pick a hallway or doorway in your home and set a rule so that every single time that you pass that hallway, you immediately do 20 jumping jacks. Assuming that you don't forever avoid that hallway and pass through it, let's say five times a day. That's easily another 200 steps if we assume an equivalent of two steps per jumping jack."

You will burn more calories by picking up the pace. “There's good data to suggest the most protective walking speed is above 3 mph, which corresponds to more than three times the energy spent at rest,” Franklin says. “If you can get above that exercise intensity, the benefits are profound.”

5. Be Consistent

Try to be consistent with your walks. “If walking is your main source of exercise, set a goal of logging at least 30 minutes a day. If weight loss is your goal, aim for longer walks of 45-60 minutes when you can,” weight loss coach Stephanie Mansour tells TODAY.“Walking briskly helps improve cardiovascular fitness and burns more calories. If you struggle to walk briskly for 30 minutes straight, try adding intervals into your walk.”

Pace Matters

By following these simple tips and gradually increasing your daily step count, you can harness the power of walking to achieve your fat loss goals. Start today, and watch as those extra steps add up to significant changes in your body and overall health.

RELATED: 10 Power-Packed High-Fiber Snacks Nutritionist Swear By

Set Yourself Up For Success

Make small, realistic goals for your daily walks. “Start with a simple goal, such as, ‘I'll take a 5- or 10-minute walk during my lunch break.’ When your 5- or 10-minute walk becomes a habit, set a new goal, such as, ‘I'll walk for 20 minutes after work.’ Find specific times for walks. Soon you could be reaching for goals that once seemed impossible,” says the Mayo Clinic. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Kathleen Hart lil Piece of Hart
I Lost 50 Pounds in 5 Months and These 6 Pillars Were My Secret Weapon
Copyright lil Piece of Hart/Youtube

We've all been there – struggling to find an exercise routine that actually works while watching the scale refuse to budge. Kathleen Hart, Mindset & Weight Loss Coach, knows this challenge all too well. After losing 55 pounds three separate times and keeping it off for over 3 years, Kathleen has built a following of nearly 100,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel lil Piece of Hart by sharing practical, sustainable weight loss strategies. Her secret weapon? Walking 10,000 steps daily – a simple habit that helped her drop from 200 pounds to 138. Read on to discover how this accessible exercise can transform your body and mindset without complicated workout routines.

The 10,000 Step Secret

Walking might seem too simple to be effective, but Kathleen swears it's "probably the best exercise you can do for weight loss." She explains that getting her steps in every day was "literally the exact key" to how she lost over 55 pounds three times. The beauty of walking, Kathleen points out, is that unlike other exercises, it "does not feel like exercise" – it's enjoyable and incredibly beneficial for your body. Her personal sweet spot? "I aim to get about 10,000 steps every day and I feel like that is my sweet spot," Kathleen shares.

Perfect for Exercise-Haters

If traditional workouts make you cringe, you're not alone. "I hate exercising. There you go, I said it," Kathleen confesses. She doesn't enjoy home workout videos or going to the gym. Yet walking provides a perfect alternative because it's fun and doesn't feel like a chore. Kathleen tried following online workout programs but couldn't stick with them, whereas walking became something she genuinely looks forward to daily.

Anyone Can Do It

One major advantage of walking is its accessibility. "Anyone can do it, all ages, and it is a low impact workout," Kathleen emphasizes. You won't put stress on your joints or knees while still burning calories. Since most people can walk for long distances and periods, it's an exercise option that doesn't require special skills or equipment. Kathleen recommends this approach especially for those who think they can only walk for a few minutes – just aim to add slightly more time each day.

Belly Fat Buster

Looking to target stubborn belly fat? Walking might be your answer. "Walking can reduce belly fat because regular walking can help your body's response to insulin, which is where you hold your belly fat," Kathleen shares from personal experience. Plus, it boosts your metabolism, which helps with overall weight loss. While spot reduction isn't generally possible, improving insulin sensitivity through regular walking can significantly impact how your body stores fat around your midsection.

Mental Health Benefits

Physical transformation isn't the only benefit of daily walks. "Walking is awesome for your mental health," Kathleen stresses. It modifies your nervous system and can actually decrease feelings of anger and stress hormone production. Taking time for yourself during walks provides valuable "me time" that many of us overlook. Kathleen believes mindset is just as important as exercise and nutrition in your weight loss journey, making walking a powerful tool for both physical and mental wellness.

Health Beyond Weight Loss

The benefits of walking extend far beyond just losing pounds. Kathleen explains that regular walking "has the power to lower your blood sugar," reducing your overall diabetes risk. It also helps lower blood pressure and aids in healthy digestion. Additionally, walking strengthens your bones and muscles by maintaining range of motion and improving blood flow. For Kathleen, these health benefits make walking worthwhile even beyond its weight loss effects.

Vitamin D Boost

Taking your walks outdoors provides an additional benefit: natural vitamin D from sunshine. "I'm right in the sun, as you can see me squinting. This is so good for you," Kathleen says enthusiastically. This natural vitamin source contributes to better overall health and can improve your mood. Combined with the physical activity, outdoor walking creates a powerful wellness combination that indoor exercises can't match.

Better Sleep and Stress Relief

Establishing a walking routine creates positive ripple effects throughout your life. Kathleen points out that "by walking and getting more steps and getting your vitamin D and improving your digestion, you are going to get better sleep." Walking also serves as an effective stress reliever by modifying your nervous system to release anger. These benefits create a positive cycle – better sleep leads to better mood, which makes it easier to maintain healthy habits.

Start Small and Build Up

For beginners, Kathleen recommends starting slow: "See how many steps you're walking right now every single day, and just make an improvement a little bit each day." There's no need to jump from 2,000 to 10,000 steps immediately. "It doesn't have to go from 2,000 steps a day all the way up to 10,000 steps in one day," Kathleen emphasizes. When she began her weight loss journey in 2013, she was walking fewer than 2,000 steps daily with her desk job, but evening walks with her husband and dogs became a turning point.

Track Your Progress

Using a fitness tracker can significantly boost motivation. "Fitbits are a great place to start if you're just trying to track your steps," Kathleen advises, though she's since upgraded to an Apple Watch. She finds step tracking "a little bit addicting" because "you like when your Fitbit buzzes and you see your little step goal going up." This immediate feedback creates a rewarding experience that helps maintain consistency in your walking routine.

Challenge Yourself

Once you've established a walking routine, it's time to increase the challenge. Kathleen suggests walking faster: "Push yourself just a little bit faster. Start off slow if you need to and then increase how fast you're walking." For treadmill users, she recommends a structured workout: start with a 2-3 minute slow warmup, then alternate between fast walking (one minute) and medium pace (one minute) for 20-25 minutes, followed by a 2-3 minute cooldown. This interval approach maximizes calorie burn without overwhelming your body.

The 10K Steps Weight Loss Formula

Through trial and error, Kathleen discovered her personal step goal: "I aim to get about 10,000 steps every day and I feel like that is my sweet spot." This target allows her flexibility with her diet while still making progress toward her goals. "That helps me have a little bit of wiggle room with my diet and still be able to crush my goals," Kathleen explains. She shares that she's currently down to 138 pounds from her starting weight of 200 pounds after having her daughter. Finding your personal "sweet spot" might take experimentation, but Kathleen encourages consistency over perfection.

Real Results, No Magic Pills

Weight loss isn't a quick fix, as Kathleen candidly shares: "There's no magic weight loss pill. There's no like apple cider vinegar drink that you can drink that'll just make you drop pounds." Instead, she encourages readers to "start enjoying the journey and the whole thing will change for you." Walking provides a sustainable approach that can become an enjoyable part of your daily life rather than another dreaded obligation. "Losing weight is a journey," Kathleen reminds us, and her impressive 50-pound weight loss in 5 months through walking 10,000 steps daily proves that simple, consistent habits can create dramatic transformations. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Tara Dixon mummyjuggler
Copyright mummyjuggler/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.

If you have over 50 pounds to lose, it can feel overwhelming. One way to ease the burden is by getting advice from weight loss warriors who have successfully gotten in shape and are sharing their solutions. Tara Dixon is a personal trainer and online coach who helps women “find the best version of themselves, lose weight & break free from fad diets,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a recent social media post, she revealed her top 5 asked questions about how she lost 84 lbs in a year. “Just remember what worked for me might not work for everyone!” she reminded.

I Worked Out My Calorie Deficit

“How do you work out your calorie deficit?” is the top question she is asked. “I guessed at first… and guess what? I wasn’t eating enough 🤣. And then I found out about a TDEE calculator (I used a free one online) and this should give you your deficit. 3 months into my journey, I started working with a coach (worth its weight in gold if this is something you can afford). My top tips with this… always make sure you are eating enough, you can’t function and workout effectively if you don’t eat enough. Don’t stress too much over cals: try it for a week, if you’re being honest with your tracking and still not losing weight, you can lower it slightly. Keep it simple,” she said.

I Tracked My Macros

Next, she is regularly asked about how she tracked her macros. “What do I track with? NUTRACHECK. I find it simple and clear. Easy to track cals and protein,” she reveals.

I Ate Enough Protein

Protein is another core part of any weight loss journey, and Tara made sure to eat enough. “How do I get 150g protein in every day?” is another FAQ her followers have. “Plan your meals around your protein and make sure your breakfast is protein heavy so you’re not chasing your tail all day long,” she responds.

I Cut Out Alcohol

A lot of people also want to know: “Did you cut out alcohol?” she says. “I did at first as I was so determined to lose weight, but I have since reintroduced it. Just remember nothing is forever and it’s ok to stop something for a bit if it’s not serving you in a positive way.”

I Prioritized Nutrition Over Exercise

The last question: Is exercise more important than diet? “Nooooo. You cannot outrun a bad diet. For weight loss it’s all about nutrition and calorie deficit. Steps second and then exercise. So if you’re strapped for time but really want to lose weight, prioritise your nutrition,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Jennifer Madison
Copyright Jennifer Madison/YouTube/Shutterstock
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.

The Challenge That Changes Everything

We all have moments when we look in the mirror and don't recognize the person staring back. Jennifer Madison found herself at that crossroads and decided to take action. "It was honestly kind of on a whim that I decided to do this," Jennifer admits in her post. "I gave up alcohol not too long ago, just because I wanted to feel better about myself, and I felt like alcohol wasn't helping with any of my goals." Her journey began after hitting 38 days alcohol-free, coincidentally the same number of days she lasted in her previous 75 Hard attempt. This time would be different. Discover how this ordinary woman achieved extraordinary results through pure determination.

What Is 75 Hard Anyway?

Hand holding 1 gallon plastic bottle of drinking water; silhouette on white.Shutterstock

75 Hard isn't just another fitness challenge—it's a complete mental toughness program designed to transform your life through discipline. The rules are simple but demanding: take a daily progress photo, drink a gallon of water, follow a diet with no cheat meals or alcohol, complete two 45-minute workouts (one outdoors regardless of weather), and read 10 pages of a non-fiction book. Miss one task, and you start over at day one. "If you're already looking for excuses, there are plenty out there," Jennifer says. "There will always be an important event coming up. The weather won't always be 70 and sunny." But the rewards are worth every sacrifice.

The First Week Breakthrough

Woman,Walking,In,The,Park,With,Bottle,Water,In,Summer​Daily WalksShutterstock

Committing to something is always easier than maintaining it, especially when old habits try to pull you back. Jennifer started strong but knew the real challenge would come during her commute days. "I don't know yet if I'm going to share this, or if I want to put it out there again with the world that I'm trying again," she confessed early on. "I know my family is not going to want me to do this again, so I haven't told anyone because I truly was at a really, really dark place last time." Despite her doubts, the results came quickly—she dropped 5.2 pounds in just one week, proving that immediate payoff can fuel long-term commitment.

Overcoming Social Pressure

Group of happy friends toasting and drinking fancy cocktails at bar terrace-Three Young girls drink mojito and clinking glass together at pub enjoying happy hour at summer party- Life Style conceptShutterstock

Social situations become minefields when you're committed to strict habits. Jennifer faced this head-on during work dinners and celebrations. "Everyone was drinking wine. They were like, 'Oh Jen didn't get a glass.' They told the waiter it was my birthday. He got me a little shot of vodka and pineapple juice. I gave it to a co-worker," Jennifer recalls. She even resorted to smashing cake into a napkin to avoid breaking her commitment when pressured to eat dessert. While these moments were challenging, they strengthened her resolve and showed that saying "no" gets easier with practice.

The Weather Won't Stop You

Girl under RainShutterstock

Mother Nature doesn't care about your fitness goals, but true transformation means persevering anyway. "It's pouring. So this is what I looked like coming back into work. I'm soaked. My pants are soaked. My shoes are soaked. My socks are soaked. I look like a wet dog but I got my 45 minutes in so that's what counts," Jennifer shared after a particularly brutal outdoor workout. Through rain, cold, and exhaustion, she never missed a day. Your excuses about weather conditions will seem insignificant after seeing what's possible with true commitment.

Hitting the 38-Day Milestone

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Breaking past your previous failure point creates powerful momentum. Day 38 marked a significant psychological milestone for Jennifer—the day she had given up during her first attempt. "I am feeling so happy. My spirits are very high. I am on cloud nine, honestly," Jennifer revealed. "I'm gonna accomplish it this time around. I know I'm gonna hit all 75 days." Pushing through your former breaking point proves that your past doesn't define your future. You can rewrite your story with persistence.

The Physical Transformation

Woman trying dress in looking in mirror cheerful and happy.How to Lose Weight Fast for a Special Occasion, According to an ExpertShutterstock

Consistent effort yields undeniable results. Jennifer lost an impressive 25 pounds during her 75 Hard journey, but the benefits went far beyond numbers on a scale. "My mom kept commenting on how my face looks so much skinnier. I just look in the mirror and I look at myself in the camera so much that I don't really notice the changes," Jennifer remarked. Sometimes others notice our transformation before we do. Your daily progress may seem small, but others will see the dramatic difference when your discipline accumulates over weeks and months.

Developing Healthy Nutrition Habits

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Food discipline isn't just about following rules—it's about developing better awareness of your body's actual needs. "Something I really struggle with and something I'm really working on is trying to control food noise and figuring out am I eating because I feel like it's time to eat or am I eating because I'm hungry," Jennifer shared. Throughout the challenge, she learned to resist social eating cues and listen to her body instead. You'll discover that many of your eating habits are based on convenience or social pressure rather than genuine hunger.

Finding Joy in Movement

Young healthy athletic woman running on a treadmill near the sunny window in the gym and listening music.Shutterstock

Exercise becomes something you crave rather than dread when it becomes part of your identity. Jennifer gradually shifted from reluctant workouts to enthusiastic movement. "I feel so good. If I could, I would do midday workouts all the time. I feel like I have the most energy to do my best workouts," she noticed by the end of her journey. Your relationship with physical activity can transform completely when you commit to consistent practice regardless of motivation.

The Mental Transformation

Happy fit middle aged woman cheering and celebrating as she walks along a rural lane through a leafy green park after working out jogging.12 Ways to Lose Weight Simply by WalkingShutterstock

The physical changes are impressive, but the mental shift is what truly lasts. "I give up too often and I'm changing who I am. I'm not that person anymore. I don't give up on things. I follow through with things. I accomplish my goals," Jennifer declared during the final third of her challenge. This mental toughness extends to every area of life, from career ambitions to personal relationships. You'll develop a proven track record with yourself that builds unshakable self-trust.

Life After 75 Hard

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Completing a challenge means nothing if you return to old habits. The true test comes after day 75. "In the nearly two months that have passed since doing 75 Hard, I've lost even more weight and feel better than I ever did," Jennifer reported. She maintained her reading habit, consistent workouts, outdoor walks, and even added weight training. The challenge provided the structure to develop habits that became a sustainable lifestyle. Your transformation doesn't have to end when the challenge does.

Start Your Own Transformation Today

Drinking water and staying hydrated. Person running in the park trying shoe next to bottle of water.​HydrationShutterstock

Jennifer's journey proves that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results through consistent discipline. She started just like you—uncertain, with plenty of excuses and past failures. Yet 75 days of unwavering commitment completely transformed both her body and mindset. "If someone told you that you could change your entire life in just two and a half months, would you do the work necessary to make the change?" Jennifer asks. The answer is up to you, but her results speak for themselves. What could you accomplish in the next 75 days? And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.