Step 1 to burning fat and becoming active
 

I know it might seem simple but it makes all the difference. Walking. Walking for periods of time is defined as a low energy requirement activity. Low energy requirement activities burn almost exclusively fat for energy.

I am starting a video series on youtube about becoming active and staying motivated. the channel is WüRK Horse Fitness and Training or you can look up my first video STEP 1 to FITNESS: Sweet Hat Dude, Bentley's, Green Swirl things, and a gang of Squirrels

any questions feel free to ask. I am a certified personal trainer and have attended culinary school. I used to weigh 250lbs+ and now I am a fit 195-200 (still looking to shred a few pounds though). I have been through it all and if there is any way I can help you out please let me know

I am so glad to read this, as walking is, at the moment, my only exercise. I've always felt I should be doing something more intense but I love to walk!
Thank you for your post.

I love walking too, and it's also my only form of exercise. When it's really nice weather, I will go for walks outside, but I get most of my steps ont the treadmill. I have a treadmill set up with a plank to hold my laptop and I browse the web and play games while I walk. I'm on it now! =)

Any form of low-intensity exercise burns almost exclusively fat, but walking is the easiest way that I can think of to get a substantial dose of low-intensity exercise daily.

Hi, I have a question. I joined a weight management program, & the doctor there has put me on an 800 calorie diet. basically she has asked to cut all direct carbs like rice wheat, grain & eat lentils, vegetables, salad. Basically no grains, no potatoes, no bheet, no banana, no mango. Is that safe to do it over an extended period of time ?

I started it 13 days back & have lost 5 lbs. Is that safe ? & she is giving me high dosage of chromium & multi-vitamins. Will it stress my body or will these help my body ?

Glad i could help ladies!

on the topic of the diet the doctor put you on. it sounds like the ketogenic program which has been deemed safe and very effective. i am not a doctor nor a nutritionist but from the reading i have done the ketogenic diet is a very good one. i might even be trying it myself.

My 2 cents: Sadly I don't walk fast enough to get my heart rate to where it needs to be to burn fat the best. I'm not really a speed walker, I'm very sllooow lol. A lot of sources say different amounts for low intensity static state (to burn fat), but I aim for 50-65% of max heart rate which seems to be a part of most references. That isn't that much work, 60-65% I do start to sweat just a little bit. Heart rate monitors make a world of a difference to know if you're doing it right, no more guess work :). I find it much easier to slowly pedal a bike or use an elliptical machine, personally but plenty of people can walk fast. If anyone cares about my credentials I have a bachelor's in science in physical therapy & exercise science.

awesome insight! that was way better explained than I did originally and was super on point. I recently started mountain biking and it might be a better alternative on a light trail instead of walking for you. there are some pretty engaging trails that I have been discovering and apparently, they are everywhere. a great cardio session in every one if you are looking for something with a little more oomph.

If walking is your only exercise then fine, as long as you're consistent and you do enough of it it could be ok. But I started giving some thought to things I could not do, like lifting something heavy, getting up from the floor easily after playing with my son, tying my shoe without discomfort, walking up a few flights of stairs without huffing and puffing. I couldn't even do a push up! Strength is just so important for bone health and to protect our joints. Can you sit down on the groun without using hands/elbows and then get back up again without propping yourself again? If not then is your body really working optimally? I've given these things some thought and i definitely need some work on strength, mobility, ability, and flexibility. One can be "thin" but still be unhealthy. I love walking and it's something I do everyday. But I also do Zumba, boxing, weight lifting, bike riding, isometrics and calisthenics. You have to be able to do it all.

800 calories a day is extremely unhealthy unless you're a toddler. Get a new doctor and learn how to eat a balanced diet.

I agree completely. I preach functional fitness to my personal training clients as I like to be able to handle everything that is thrown at me. Walking is a great way to get started down the journey of an active lifestyle but is by no means the end point. You have to continue to try to get better every day.