[OBIsqb]

Are walks effective because walks dont seem to get my heart rate up and I'm not sweating... Am I doing anything wrong?

[QuilterInVA]

You need to walk faster. How long does it take to walk a mile?

[michaelasmom]

Might want to try interval walking, too... start at a medium pace for several minutes, then pick up to a quick pace (almost running) for about 3 minutes and then go back to the medium pace. If you are walking 3.5mph you can walk 2 miles in 40 minutes.

[Apple Cheeks]

Even walking slowly is some exercise, which is better than nothing.

But if you want better results you have several options:

Increase your pace (think "power walking")
Increase the distance/time your walk
Find some hills to tackle
Use walking poles
Use small/light hand weights and do some toning while walking

[buzybee188]

Try walking faster or in an area with inclines. Walking and getting the blood flowing is good no matter what!

[WildThings]

I walk for 45 minutes every day on my lunch breaks. I cover 3 miles, coming in at 4mph with some inclines thrown in here and there. I can guarantee it's a workout. Even on days where the temperature was in the 20's, I would sweat, huff and puff, and my legs would be exhausted when I got done. At my weight, with the speed and distance, I burn about 350 calories in that 45 minutes, which I don't find too shabby. Pick up the pace from a more leisurely walk, stretch your legs out with each step, throw in the hills if you can.

[ambpure]

Brisk walking can be very good, particularly if you do it regularly.

But beyond being better than nothing, I think it's mostly a great addition to a program that already includes the right measures for nutrition, and includes a strenght/resistance training regimen.

That way you keep your metabolism up, and by strategically creating calorie deficits, you basically make sure that any activity you add to that adds to that calorie deficit (and thus to your fat loss).

And last but not least:

Walking has sort of a meditative effect on me, it's really relaxing