Science has spoken: This is the most effective way to walk for weight loss

It's no secret that walking is good for your health, well-being and figure. But few people know that the way you walk can make a big difference to the number of calories you burn. American researchers have studied the subject, and their findings may well surprise you!

Varying step length: an effective slimming tip

As part of a study on walking and its slimming effects, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) focused on the impact of step variability on calorie expenditure.

They first asked the 18 participants, aged 24 on average, to walk on a treadmill at a constant speed of 47 inches per second, or about 2.6mph. Next, they asked some of the participants to modify the length of their strides. They alternated between shorter and longer strides, while maintaining the same speed.

The results clearly showed that those who varied their stride length burned more calories than those who walked steadily. The researchers deduced that increasing step variability by 2.7% leads to a 1.7% increase in metabolic expenditure. The difference may seem small, but this technique delivers significant results over the long term.

How can you apply this method to your everyday life?

The hardest part is probably setting aside at least 30 minutes a day for walking, especially if you have a busy schedule. Once you're on your feet, simply alternate between short and long strides. In other words, you can take a few smaller steps, then a few larger ones. This variation may seem impractical at first, but it makes your walk more dynamic and slightly increases the effort required.

As for speed, opt for brisk walking for best results. You know you've got the pace right when you can still talk, but you're sweating a bit. In addition to helping you lose weight healthily, this simple activity is very beneficial for your cardiovascular health. It also helps prevent and relieve stress.

To use walking as an effective slimming method, the secret is to vary the length of your steps and maintain a steady pace. As a reminder, walking at least half an hour a day is excellent for achieving your goal.