Ignore the naysayers who argue that you can't lose weight walking. Although some studies show that running can slim you faster, there's plenty of research confirming walking's weight loss benefits.
Just make sure you're maximizing your time on the trail--not succumbing to some common mistakes that minimize walking's slimming power.
Here are 7 to watch out for.
1. Repetitiveness
The problem: Doing the same walk every day
Why it's a weight loss killer: Whether you're on the treadmill or outside, failing to mix things up will get tedious in a hurry. But beyond that, your body adapts quickly to whatever you're doing, says Deazie Gibson, a fitness trainer and AcaciaTV instructor in Houston. How fast? Usually within 2 to 3 months, depending on your fitness level, which means that you'll burn fewer calories doing that same walk than you once did.
How to fix it: Add variety to your walks. It could be as simple as choosing a new route or terrain or using a weighted vest or walking poles. After 3 months, introduce another new challenge to your body, Gibson says.
2. Pace
The problem: Walking at only one pace
Why it's a weight loss killer: Walking at the same pace every time out will burn fat, but eventually your body will adjust (see above), and your fat loss will taper off, says Michael Morelli, founder of Morellifit in Scottsdale, AZ, and creator of HIIT Max. (That's why high intensity interval training is so important.)
How to fix it: Get off that weight loss plateau by using the rule of three when it comes to setting your pace: a stroll, a moderate pace (where you feel more pick-up in your step), and a vigorous stride (so you're breaking into a heavy sweat). Shoot to do at least one of each--especially the vigorous walk--a week, Morelli says. Even better, mix all three into the same walk: Stroll for 2 minutes, go at a moderate pace for a minute, then stride vigorously for 30 seconds. Repeat the pattern for 20 to 30 minutes.
More From Prevention: Walk Off 5 Times More Belly Fat
3. Core
The problem: Having a weak core
Why it's a weight loss killer: Strong abs aren't just about vanity. A soft midsection can make it hard to walk faster: "Weak abs can cause poor posture, which rounds the shoulders and compresses the lungs," says Kristin McGee, New York City--based yoga and Pilates expert and AcaciaTV instructor. That will make it tough to breathe deeply and can even strain valuable walking muscles like the hip flexors and hamstrings. Not only will you tire faster, but you also risk injury.
How to fix it: Although you can--and should--work on strengthening that core with specific exercises (like these four core moves), you can also think about balancing a book on your head as you walk and focus on keeping your core engaged.
4. Nutrition Tracking
The problem: Not tracking your eating
Why it's a weight loss killer: People often eat more than they burn with walking, and if you're not aware that you're doing this, you won't lose weight. "You can't out-walk a poor diet," says Jessica Smith, a certified trainer in Miami and creator of the Walk STRONG: 6 Week Total Transformation System.
How to fix it: Try writing down everything you eat and drink for a few days, or use a tracking app like MyFitnessPal. If you need to cut back, load your diet with high-fiber fruits and veggies, Smith adds.
More From Prevention: 11 Eating Rules To Rev Your Metabolism All Day Long
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