16 easy ways you can lose weight walking

Instead of driving with your spouse to the supermarket or some other nearby destination, leave a bit earlier on foot and meet him there, then catch a ride back home.

First step: if you normally walk a five-kilometre loop in the neighbourhood, draw a circle on a map extending that far out in all directions from your home. This is your sphere of possibility (and it’ll grow larger as you get fitter).

Instead of walking to get in shape, once or twice a week, walk to get things done. The ATM, the supermarket, the post office, the nail salon. This is healthy, stress-free multitasking at its best.

First step: you’ll need something to carry your stuff, so get a backpack, or buy a chic and eco-friendly market basket.

Here are the benefits of walking for just 15 minutes a day.

We are creatures of habit. Break yours by occasionally walking your normal route in the other direction. It not only beats boredom, but it’ll wake you up to the world around you by helping you see things from fresh angles – and you’ll lose weight walking.

First step: go left instead of right when you take your first step. Make a point to notice three things you never observed from the opposite direction.

When it’s time for your next one-on-one with your boss, suggest something that will get your supervisor’s attention. Instead of sitting in her office where you may feel intimidated and she may be distracted by incoming e-mails, suggest that the two of you go for a walk.

First step: if she likes the idea, tell her you have many, many more – and then share your best and brightest brainstorms as you stroll.

At the first sign of drizzle, many people go into hibernation. But there’s something about walking in the rain that is simultaneously calming and exhilarating.

First step: leave the umbrella in the closet. Instead, pull on some rain boots or waterproof shoes and a big jacket with a hood. Occasionally turn to the sky to catch a few raindrops on your tongue.

Check out these easy ways to make walking more fun.

When something is making you angry, hit the road instead of the wall. You’ll not only get a great physical workout because the adrenaline will make you walk faster, but you’ll also burn off some of the stress hormones coursing through your body and lose weight walking.

First step: so as not to attract undue attention by ranting, raving, and gesturing to yourself, invite a colleague, friend, or family member who understands the situation to join you. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the miles roll by and how much better you feel afterward.

Worried that you and your spouse don’t really talk anymore? Walking together can help. Exercise makes us more open, emotional, and honest, plus it guarantees full attention (no TV, iPad, or smartphone!).

First step: keep it low-key to start. Talk about things you notice along the way, interesting items in the news, etc. Then once he’s warmed up, broach the more serious stuff. If you’re lucky, this outing will eventually morph into …

Walking for exercise? Here are some tricks to make your daily walking habit even healthier.

Believe it or not, the tongue is the most important sex organ. Communication promotes closeness. Plus, exercise naturally spikes libido by making us more aware of our bodies and helping us feel better about ourselves.

First step: work up a sweat! That healthy glow is sexy. And don’t be shy about occasionally talking suggestively. You’ll both pick up the pace as you make the turn for home.

Check out these simple ways to improve your sex life.

Studies show that you can actually get muscle fibres to fire by imagining yourself performing an activity. It’s the same technique that basketball players use to mentally rehearse foul shots.

First step: on days when you’re too busy to escape a walk, at least spend a few quiet minutes with your eyes closed envisioning yourself striding strongly and purposefully. It will help you develop muscle memory that’ll make you more efficient when you do get out for a walk.

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If your day is too packed for your typical 45-minute walk, then take just three separate 15-minute strolls. You’ll derive just as much health benefit, plus you’ll keep your metabolism cranking throughout the day so you burn more kilojoules.

First step: look for opportunities to be ‘active’ rather than to ‘exercise.’ That’s a key difference. The latter often feels like an interruption to the day, while the former is a natural part of it. Shift your mind-set.