What Taking A Walk Every Day Really Does For Weight Loss

Walking is seriously underrated. As fitness expert Denise Austin told Prevention, "Walking is so simple that [nearly] everyone can do it. Plus it has tremendous benefits, from supporting a healthy immune system to boosting your metabolism to strengthening your joints, muscles, and bones — not to mention it's amazing for stress relief and enjoying a little 'me time.'" But one of walking's biggest (and often forgotten) benefits is weight loss. Here's what taking a walk every day really does for weight loss.

Ultimately, walking every day is one of the best ways to target belly fat. "As you continue to walk, you may notice your pants begin to fit more loosely around your midsection, even if the number on the scale isn't moving much," Melina B. Jampolis, M.D., author of The Doctor on Demand Diet told Prevention. She explained, "That's because regular walking can help improve your body's response to insulin, which can help reduce belly fat."

However, don't expect to lose weight if you're only going for a casual stroll. "The intensity at which you walk plays a key role in helping your body burn more calories and improve your cardiorespiratory system," Denise Miklasz, an ACE-certified personal trainer at Northwestern Medicine Crystal Lake Health & Fitness Centre, told PopSugar. It's also a good idea to mix up the location of your walks. For example, if you live in a flat area, find some steps or hills to climb every now and then to ensure you're body doesn't get too used it.

Oh, and you still need to be aware of what you're eating. "In order to lose weight you need to create a calorie deficit," she said. Basically, to lose one pound a week, you'll need to either burn around 3,500 calories each week, or eat 3,500 fewer calories. Better still, though, is that you can do a bit of both to achieve that goal.