You Can Lose Fat 2x Faster If You Walk At THIS Speed, Study In Focus

You don't have to hang by a jungle gym and run so fast that you begin panting endlessely in pursuit of losing fat. A simple slow walk could do a LOT more by doubling your fat loss. Read on to know why this research defies a popular notion.
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You Can Lose Fat 2x Faster If You Walk At THIS Speed, Study In Focus


Guilty of thinking you need high-intensity workouts or gruelling gym sessions to lose fat? It is imperative to know that minimal efforts reap greater benefits—the fact is evidenced by a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nutrients, which suggests that a simple tweak to your walking routine can help you lose fat twice as fast. 

You may wonder what’s surprising about that. The star of the study is the right walking speed, which, contrary to popular belief, encourages you to walk slower and not faster. Surprised now, eh? Read on and uncover the findings with us; you’ll be baffled.

Related: Walking In Your Late 20s Truly Help In Losing Weight? Here's What Experts Suggest

What Did the Study Find?

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Researchers followed 25 postmenopausal women who committed to a walking routine over 15 weeks, and some for an extended period of 30 weeks. The women were split into two groups based on their walking speed:

  • The Fast Group walked at a brisk pace of 4.1 miles per hour, exercising for about 45 minutes a day.
  • The Slow Group walked at a more moderate pace of 3.2 miles per hour, exercising for around 54 minutes a day.

Here’s the shocking part. The women who walked at the slower pace lost 2.73 times more fat compared to fast walkers. This defies a conventional understanding that faster, harder workouts are always better for fat loss.

Why Does Walking Slow Work?

The scientists were not able to concretely determine why this was the case, but they came up with some possibilities. Walking at a slower speed allows the body to burn fat more efficiently rather than relying on blood sugar (glucose) for energy. Faster speeds can leave you breathless and force the body to work with blood sugar instead of fat stores. 

Also, it can be attributed to consistency as well. Slower walks are still achievable goals, ones that seem routine. The takeaway is to maintain an optimal level for pure fat loss; a moderate 3.2 miles per hour might be your ticket to losing fat two times faster.

How Can You Incorporate Slow Walking Into Your Routine?

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Now that you know the magic number is 3.2 miles per hour, here are some practical ways to bring this into your daily life and lose fat super soon.

Invite A Walking Buddy

Turn your walks into quality time with a friend, spouse, or child. It’s a fantastic way to bond while burning calories. Not only will you lose fat, but you’ll also build stronger relationships. It’s a win-win for you.

Squeeze In A Lunch Break Walk

Walking during lunch breaks with a colleague can help you burn extra calories while keeping your networking spirit alive. It’s a refreshing way to clear your mind and stay active during the workday, especially when you have to stay seated for long hours.

Park Once, Walk More

Instead of driving from one store to another while running errands, park your car in a central location and walk between stops. Return to your car to keep your heavy bags and continue walking to the next destination. Pro tip: You’ll save fuel charges and get more steps.

Walk Part Of Your Daily Commute

Wake up a little early, and if you take the metro, try to walk at least part of your route. You’ll arrive at work energised, ready to do wonderfully.

Switch Up Your Route

Keep things interesting by changing your walking routes. Start from a friend’s house, a grocery store, or your office. Exploring new areas can make walking more enjoyable and prevent boredom.

Related: Instagram Leads or Misleads: Can Walking Really Give You Abs? Expert Debunks

Why Does This Study Matter?

This study underscores that fat loss doesn’t have to be complicated or extreme. By simply adjusting your walking speed to 3.2 miles per hour, you can significantly enhance fat-burning efficiency. It’s a sustainable, low-impact approach that anyone can adopt, regardless of their fitness level.

But there is a disclaimer: while the results are promising, this was a small study. Individual results may vary, and a combination of healthy eating, consistency, and staying active will always be the best strategy for long-term success.


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