lundi 14 novembre 2016

Can we lose weight by walking more?

Walking is certainly not running. That said, it is possible, by going up a bit in rhythm, to find an effective pace.


It is a fact. "You spend at least twice as much time energy running than walking" says Jessica Milborn, a dietician. Forty minutes of walking, at an average of 3 km/hour, will allow a someone weighting 60 kilograms to burn 120 calories, against about 320 for a quick run of the same duration at 8 km/hour. If running mobilizes our cardiovascular system and allows us to spend more calories, it is also possible to lose weight by walking, "especially in people who do not engage in other physical activities," says Dr. Jeremy Sander, member of the International Athletics Federation (IFA).

Consider Nordic Walking

"Nordic walking is generally considered to be a 30-minute walk a day, at least five times a week. But to be effective, it must be practiced a minimum of ten consecutive minutes" notes the doctor. By walking 30 times for a minute through the day, the metabolism does not have time to get into activity, burn glucoses and stimulate lipolysis (fat consumption), according to the specialist.

"We will also burn more calories when walking at a fast pace rather than at a normal pace" warns Jonathan Bernard, a sports coach. To boost the energy consumption, the International Athletics Federation promotes the benefits of Nordic walking. Inspired by Finnish skiers, this discipline is practiced everywhere, including in town, with sticks and at a steady pace. In addition to being fun, it also allows to mobilize the upper body and therefore to burn more calories.