Is It Better to Walk Faster or to Walk Longer When Trying to Lose Weight?
Walking – one of the easiest and effective techniques to shedding unwanted body weight. But in the race to get the most bang for your walking buck, a question of many is “What’s better: walking faster or longer?” It’s all about your goals, your level of fitness and the time you have, the answer goes. Let’s break it down.
Walking Faster: More Calories Burned in Less Time
So for a busy schedule and for the most calories burnt in the shortest time, walking faster is the way to go. The heart rate increases when you do brisk walking, the metabolism increases and more muscles are involved than those that accompany a slow stroll.
Benefits of Walking Faster:
Burn More Calories Per Minute You’ll burn more calories in the same amount of time at a faster pace.
- Enhances Cardiovascular Fitness A fast walk builds your heart and lungs.
- Engages More Muscles Speed walking activates your leg and core muscles more than a slow walk.
- Increases Metabolism You can even keep your metabolism working much later after you finish harder our workouts.
How Fast Should You Walk?
For most people based on your personal fitness level 3.5 to 4.5 mph (5.6 to 7.2 km/h) is a brisk pace. A reasonable benchmark is the “talk test,” where you should be able to converse but not sing when walking.
Walking Longer: Total Calories Burned Over Time
If you prefer a relaxed pace or have more time available, walking longer can also just as effective for weight loss. Even at a leisurely pace, a long walk can help you burn a lot of calories.
Benefits of Walking Longer:
Burns More Overall Calories: Even if it is at a low pace, long walks on a regular basis accumulate.
Less Stress on the Body :More Recovery Long walks put less stress on joints and muscles than high-intensity workouts.
Enhances Stamina & Endurance: Long-walk workouts build long-term fitness.
Supports Fat Burning :Keeping your body in a steady state for longer periods of time allows you to utilize fat stores for fuel.
How Long Should You Walk?
Try to get a minimum of 45–60 minutes a session at a moderate speed (2.5 to 3.5 mph or 4 to 5.6 km/h). Walking longer still rounds up burning calories if your schedule allows time.
Which Is Better For Weight Loss?
The right choice for you:
- A faster pace burns more calories, and if you have limited time, it is the best way to spend it.
- Walking longer works well if you enjoy long walks, or you want a lower-impact workout.
- The best strategy? Combine both! On busy days, mix in briefer, brisk walks, and when your schedule permits, longer, moderate-paced walks.
Additional Tips to Accelerate Weight Loss When Walking:
- Include Intervals – Walk at fast and then moderate pace alternately to burn maximum calories.
- Work in some ALL THE INCILS – Walking on an incline raises the intensity of training and burns more fat.
- Bearing Light Weights – Lifting hand weights or wearing a weighted vest may help to engage the muscles more.
- Stick with it – 150–300 minutes of walking per week will bring results!
Final Thoughts
Both longer and faster walking work for weight loss. Speed up if you want results faster. For longer walks, the choice is if you prefer a steady, endurance-based, almost long-distance style. The secret is finding something that works with your lifestyle and adhering to those cycles of movement.
Would you prefer a vigorous 30-minute walk or an easy 60-minute walk? The best walk is the one that suits you, and the one you end up doing the most!