Can you lose weight while walking?

Running isn’t for everyone, and if you’re trying to lose weight, you may be wondering if there’s a way around having to run on your home treadmill to shed pounds. Fortunately, walking can burn approximately four calories per minute, and there are plenty of ways you can modify your workout routine to lose weight.

Power walk
You may feel a bit silly doing it, but power walking can torch more than 550 calories per hour when you’re moving at a 4 mph pace. It’s easier on your joints and there’s really not much to it – all you need to do is up your walking to a quicker and more athletic pace. Use your arms to propel you forward as you take longer strides. If you’re using a TRUE Fitness treadmill, you can even program in a power-walk workout routine so you never forget how quickly you should be moving.

Daily walks
If you’re just beginning to formulate an exercise routine, walking is a great way to ease yourself into the habit of working out regularly. Begin by walking on a fitness treadmill three days a week for 15 to 20 minutes, and gradually work your way up to exercising every day for closer to 30 minutes or an hour. To keep it interesting, walk outside every other day when the weather is nice, or reward yourself by watching your favorite TV show while exercising on your home treadmill.

30-minute de-stressor
After a long day at work, spending 30 minutes on your treadmill can be a great de-stressor. Exercise can ease anxiety and give your mood a boost, so create a half-hour long playlist of your favorite tunes and zone out for a bit. With the TRUE Fitness PS850 treadmill, you can even hook up your iPod.