Walk to Increase Your Metabolism

If you are trying to lose weight, it is important to focus on your metabolism. Your metabolism is important because it regulates how your body burns fat and calories. Walking is a low-impact physical activity that can boost your metabolism. Walking is versatile enough that you can easily accomplish a mile each day either indoors or outdoors no matter what your fitness level.

Metabolism

Overall, metabolism refers to a broad range of chemical processes that the body goes through constantly. Metabolism creates energy that helps circulate blood, controls nerves and brain function, contracts muscles, regulates body temperature and also aids in breathing and the digestion of foods. All of these functions contribute to how your body responds to physical activity. The number of calories you take in to carry out basic body functions is referred to as your basic metabolic rate. Several things determine how your basic metabolic rate is affected, including your sex, body size and age. How many calories you take in each day as well the amount of physical activity you engage in also determines basic metabolic rate. Walking works all of the muscle groups in the body at a moderate, yet consistent pace. This allows you to keep your body burning fat longer at a steady pace.

Locations

Walking is something that you can do almost anywhere. It isn't mandatory that you purchase expensive gym equipment to get your daily amount of exercise. You can walk inside your home by following the instruction from walking exercise DVDs. You can also walk the perimeter of your property, in your neighborhood, inside local malls, around parks and on public and private trails. You can also use a standard treadmill to get in a walking workout while adjusting speed and incline based on your physical ability.

Guidelines

Walking is a great way for people of all physical levels to stay in shape and lose unwanted pounds. In order to boost metabolism you will need to walk a minimum of 30 minutes a day, up to five days a week. This provides your body with a regular and consistent routine. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated as you walk - this keeps your metabolism up. Interchange your walks each day so you train different muscle groups -- this may help speed up your weight loss.

Health Benefits

Because walking can increase your metabolism and help you lose weight, it also has other positive effects on your body and health. Losing weight can help you control or prevent several health conditions such as hypertension, high blood cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and stroke. Walking also allows you to gradually lose weight over time - this is beneficial at keeping weight off long-term. Try to get in 1 to 2 miles a day to keep your metabolism fueled. Use a pedometer if necessary to keep track of how far you walk.

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Mayo Clinic Staff, "Metabolism and Weight Loss," MayoClinic.com
"Walking Track Basics," Fitlink
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"A Walk A Day," American Council on Exercise