What if I could tell you that by simply walking, you’re doing one of the best forms of exercise for weight loss? Yeah, you heard that right. Something we do every single day can help you lose weight. Well, if you do it right, that is.

Walking in itself isn’t going to make you lose 30 pounds and lean up completely, but it is an excellent step towards that goal! Exercising regularly improves your health and fitness and helps you to live a longer and healthier life. Walking is an excellent form of exercise because it’s easy, free, and most of us do it in our daily lives anyway.

To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you consume. Unfortunately, most of us spend the majority of the day sitting down at work, school, or wherever- meaning you’re not burning any calories. A sedentary lifestyle is not only detrimental to your health and fitness but your mental health as well. That is why it’s important to take walks every single day, especially if your job requires you to be sitting for the majority of the time.

Walking can help you preserve lean muscle when you lose weight. Walking can also help with age-related muscle loss, so as you get older, your muscles remain strong. Also, walking helps you lose belly fat as studies have found that people who walk regularly find themselves quickly shedding weight around their stomachs. Walking improves your mood, especially when you walk outside and enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery.

Incorporating walking into your lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult. Take a short walking break a few times throughout your day, just to stretch your legs and clear your mind. Instead of driving to the coffee shop around the corner, stick in some headphones and walk there instead. Walking regularly can be extremely relaxing and good for your health- both mentally and physically.