Simple Don't-Get-Fat Formula
It's a fact of life: We tend to gain weight as we get older. But you'll pack on fewer pounds over the years with this simple formula.
Walk 2 to 4 hours a week (that's as little as 30–40 minutes every other day). People in a 15-year study who did this gained less weight during the study period than folks who didn't walk at all.
Keep a record of your weekly walking minutes with this handy-dandy tracking tool.
An Easy Step to Take
Although the results were similar for both men and women, the weight benefit was strongest for women who were also heaviest. Overall, the heaviest women in the study gained about 1 pound less per year for every additional 30-minute walk taken each week. Regardless of your gender or size, walking is a super-accessible, easy-to-maintain activity that can help you not only keep extra pounds off but also lose weight, if done regularly. Get started right now with this walk-at-home video.
Pick Your Passion
Not a fan of walking? That's okay. Pick any activity you love, and do it regularly to help keep your waist in check. Here are some tips for making it happen:
- Diversify. It's fun and it's free! Find out how your workout will pay higher dividends if you vary it.
- Have a goal. Want to burn off that jumbo chocolate chip cookie? Use this tool to find out how long you'll need to do your favorite activity.
- Sneak it into your day. No time to exercise? No problem. Turn everyday chores into the exercise you need.
Learn what the YOU Docs say about how much exercise we really need.
RealAge Benefit:
A physical activity program that builds stamina, strength, and flexibility can make your RealAge as much as 2.8 years younger.Fifteen-year longitudinal trends in walking patterns and their impact on weight change. Gordon-Larsen, P. et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2009 Jan;89(1):19-26.
