'Maximise fat burn!' How to burn more calories on a walk to lose weight faster
A former athlete advised slimmers to kick their walking up a notch for better results
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Walking is hailed as an effective weight loss strategy for multiple reasons: it's simple, easy to incorporate into your day and sustainable in the long term.
Indeed, the NHS states: "Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.
"Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.
"You do not have to walk for hours. A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your 150 minutes of weekly exercise, as recommended in the physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64."
'A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits'
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Walking is something most of us can aim to do more of, but if you already walk for weight loss, there's one way to make this go further.
Former athlete and now strength and conditioning specialist, Ivana Chapman, took to YouTube to share how to "maximise your fat burn" when walking.
She said: "Once you get good at this walking thing, you can increase the intensity, of course.
"You can also try working at different levels. You can try hiking, which is something I love to do. It's a little bit more challenging and a little bit more fun.
"You're almost doing step-ups and you're going to get more stimulation for different parts of your body.
"You'll feel your glutes a little bit more and your quads, perhaps your calves as well. You're going to feel different parts moving. It's a lot more stimulating and you're going to burn more calories."
A hike, as defined by World Expeditions, "tends to be longer and harder walks, usually on trails through the mountains or through bush or countryside terrain".
Experts explained: "The trails are generally visible, but not the smooth surfaces of a walk. Hikes tend to be longer than walks and require proper equipment and footwear, as terrain and trails are more rugged."
Hiking tends to see you move from lower to higher as you progress and it is generally more undulating than a walk.
According to Ivana, mixing it up is essential, with the expert recommending switching between incline and flat walking, whether this is outside or on a treadmill.
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'Once you get good at this walking thing, you can increase the intensity of course'
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Trying different "levels" of walking "increases the difficulty for your leg muscles".
Providing some top tips on walking for weight loss, Ivana stressed the importance of consistency.
If you enjoy walking but struggle to stick to it, why not choose a particular time to walk each day? Taking a quick walk after meals is another great idea, as it is "great for digestion and reducing acid reflux".
The expert recommended a 15- to 20-minute stroll during the day to keep you feeling energised and refreshed.
Enlisting a loved one to help you achieve your walking goals can also work wonders.
If you're embarking on a weight loss journey, it's always best to consult your doctor for tailored guidance on diet and exercise.
The NHS website also provides plenty of information on walking for health, including how to get started, what to do if you aren't very active, and how to stay motivated.