Walking has quickly become a favorite activity for many people. For those that don’t want to join a gym, but still want to be active, walking is an effective and easy habit to add to their daily routine. But what are some walking tips to burn more without having to walk faster? Let’s jump into some helpful tips and tricks that will have you feeling better about your walks without the risk of burnout.

6. Try Interval Training Unsplash

Interval training is a great way to burn more without having to constantly walk faster. If you enjoy a relaxed and casual walk, but want something more to add to your routine, this is an easy addition. Intervals essentially mean switching your walking speed in bursts. Research shows that those that alternate their walking speed burn up to 20% more calories than walking at a steady pace the entire time. This doesn’t mean you have to race to finish your workout, but this can look like having a burst of energy for a speed walk every few minutes.

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5. Take Hikes Unsplash

It’s well-konwn that walking inside on a treadmill or walking pad is easier than walking outside. Walking pads help you move forward, making it easier to keep moving forward. Walking outside on your own means pushing yourself forward more. It’s also known that it can be strenuous on the body to walk outside. But hiking is even more difficult. If you want a slow, casual pace but still want to lose more calories, then hike. Constantly moving around obstacles and overcoming hills strengthens the muscles in the knees, hips, and ankles, and helps you burn more calories.

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4. Lengthen Steps Unsplash

You probably don’t think about how you walk when you walk. You’re probably focused on just being out in nature, chatting with friends, or listening to music. But form is a big thing to think about if you want walking tips to burn more calories. Lengthening your strides, or steps, without overreaching helps build leg strength, which in turn burns calories, and increases speed without having to try. And of course, any way to increase speed to increase heartrate is beneficial when wanting to burn calories.

Read Next: Walking in Cold Weather: Benefits That Make It Worth Braving the Chill

3. Move Your Arms Unsplash

Do you walk with your arms at your sides, swinging causally? Why not having them bent at the elbow, moving your arms while you’re walking. It might seem weird, but it can actually help you go faster, and in turn, increase your burn. The momentum and movement of the arms help push your forward, plus the swing can actually leave a satisfying burn if you activate those muscles.

Also Read: Essential Tips for Recovering After Long Walks

2. Incorporate Resistance Unsplash

One of the many walking tips to burn more calories is simply by adding resistance training, which might not seem fun for many, but is super beneficial. What does resistance training look like for walking though? This usually means stopping at a specific time, such as every 10 minutes or so, and doing a set of pushups, lunges, squats, or other bodyweight exercise. One you finish your last rep, keep walking.

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1. Activate Your Core Unsplash

The most important thing to keep in mind is activating your core. Tightening your ab muscles as you walk is a huge addition to your walking routine and is one of the best walking tips to burn more calories without having to go faster. This improves your balance, protects your back, and helps strengthen your core muscles, which in turn, burns calories. This also prevents you from walking in a tense or rigid way because it ensures you’re in a proper form.