Walking may seem simple, but it sure can do a lot of great things for your body.
You might think going on a walk is a lazy person's way of getting fit, but it's not. In fact, walking is a ridiculously good workout. It not only improves your cardiovascular health and increases circulation, but it's also a great way to fight off life-threatening diseases.
To slim down your body and reset your mind, lace up your sneakers for a heart-pumping workout. Every step you take is one more toward a better you.
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HOW MANY CALORIES YOU CAN BURN FROM WALKING
If you weigh between 120-140 pounds...
Walking at a Moderate Pace (3 mph):
- 15 min.: 50 calories
- 30 min.: 100 calories
- 1 hour: 200 calories
Walking at a Fast Pace (4-5 mph):
- 15 min.: 95 calories
- 30 min.: 185 calories
- 1 hour: 370 calories
Walking Uphill (3.5 mph):
- 15 min.: 90 calories
- 30 min.: 180 calories
- 1 hour: 355 calories
Walking Up Stairs (3 mph):
- 15 min.: 120 calories
- 30 min.: 240 calories
- 1 hour: 275 calories
Walking Downhill (2.5 mph):
- 15 min.: 40 calories
- 30 min.: 85 calories
- 1 hour: 165 calories
If you weigh between 140-160 pounds...
Walking at a Moderate Pace (3 mph):
- 15 min.: 60 calories
- 30 min.: 112 calories
- 1 hour: 225 calories
Walking at a Fast Pace (4-5 mph):
- 15 min.: 100 calories
- 30 min.: 214 calories
- 1 hour: 430 calories
Walking Uphill (3.5 mph):
- 15 min.: 102 calories
- 30 min.: 204 calories
- 1 hour: 408 calories
Walking Up Stairs (3 mph):
- 15 min.: 130 calories
- 30 min.: 275 calories
- 1 hour: 545 calories
Walking Downhill (2.5 mph):
- 15 min.: 50 calories
- 30 min.: 95 calories
- 1 hour: 190 calories
If you weigh between 160-180 pounds...
Walking at a Moderate Pace (3 mph):
- 15 min.: 65 calories
- 30 min.: 127 calories
- 1 hour: 255 calories
Walking at a Fast Pace (4-5 mph):
- 15 min.: 120 calories
- 30 min.: 245 calories
- 1 hour: 485 calories
Walking Uphill (3.5 mph):
- 15 min.: 115 calories
- 30 min.: 230 calories
- 1 hour: 465 calories
Walking Up Stairs (3 mph):
- 15 min.: 155 calories
- 30 min.: 310 calories
- 1 hour: 620 calories
Walking Downhill (2.5 mph):
- 15 min.: 54 calories
- 30 min.: 110 calories
- 1 hour: 215 calories
HOW TO TAKE YOUR WALK UP A NOTCH
Want to really feel the burn on your next walk? Here are some easy ways to add a little oomph to your step.
1. Add Some Weights
Whether they're on your ankles or in your hands, adding weight to your walk can help you drop pounds. (And see some definition in those arms of yours!)
2. Add Intervals, Hills, and Stairs
If you're bored with your pace, switch things up by adding intervals. For instance, alternate one minute of fast walking with two minutes of moderately paced walking. If you really want to sweat, add some hills and stairs into your routine, too. Let's just say your walk won't be boring anymore.
3. Challenge Yourself
Have a fitness tracker? Each time you go on a walk, try beating the number of steps you had previously. You'll be setting records in no time.
4. Give Yourself an Arm and Booty Break
OK, it's not much of a break. But if you want to see full-body results, take a breather halfway through your workout to do some squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups.