You already know that walking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of exercise to support your weight loss plan. But does it matter where you walk? Is a treadmill just as good as strolling through your neighborhood? What about walking trails in your nearby park or through the woods?

Well, no. All forms of walking are still good for you, but some are easier than others. Walking on a treadmill is the easiest, because the machine helps your feet to move along. Any time an exercise is easier, you will burn fewer calories. Of course, the tradeoff with treadmills is that you can work out indoors and even at home. Bad weather won’t interrupt your routine, and you don’t have to worry about safety issues.

Walking on the road is a bit more challenging, especially if you choose a route with a few hills mixed in. A more challenging workout will help you to burn more calories, and this will aid your weight loss plan a bit more. The down side is that weather, traffic, and overall safety concerns might occasionally interfere with your routine.

Finally, trail walking is considered the most challenging. You’re dealing with uneven terrain and hills, which challenge your body to work harder. This equals a higher calorie burn. You might also appreciate the fact that being out in nature can boost your mood.

With any exercise program, consistency is the most important aspect. Yes, burning more calories is a good thing, but in the long run you want to choose a workout routine that you can stick with. So whatever form of walking you choose, keep in mind that long term effort matters most. And you can always mix up your routine to prevent boredom, and to challenge your body with harder workouts on occasion.

If you have any other questions about your walking routine or weight loss plan, give us a call. We can help you put together a routine that supports your health goals.