"Our bodies use different fuels at different speeds," explains lead scientist Katarina Borer, Ph.D. "Go gently, and the difference in fat burning is dramatic." Women like Stacy Dodson back her up. "I was so heavy when I started, it was like I was carrying two 50-pound bags of dog food everywhere I went. I had to start slow." Yet she found herself slimming down quickly. "Now I know it helped me lose more," says the 93-pounds-slimmer Florida mom, 53. Read on for more of her Stacy's story-and to learn how much an easy pace can help you...
Most of us have been taught that when we work harder, we get bigger and better rewards. That's not always true with walking. "The first goal for many older women is to get rid of that extra fat we put on as our hormones change," notes Borer. "For that, walking more moderately has advantages. Especially if you're someone who hasn't exercised much lately." Why? "It has to do with how much oxygen is needed to burn fat," she says. When an activity leaves us breathless, we're not getting enough oxygen for the body to readily convert flab on our bellies or hips into fuel. In fact, if we huff and puff hard enough, "we no longer have the ability to use fat," Borer says, adding that we'll almost exclusively burn blood sugar. Now, sure, some of us want get rid of excess blood sugar. Luckily, slower walking helps with that too as it simultaneously shrinks waistlines.
Maximizing a slow walk
A slower walk doesn’t mean going in slow motion. Think of it more as a pleasant pace, suggests Borer. It should get your blood pumping but make you feel energized, not fatigued. And you want to breathe easily and be able to carry on a conversation throughout.
Denne historien er fra April 01, 2024-utgaven av Woman's World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 01, 2024-utgaven av Woman's World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Christmas morning marvels
Delight loved ones with prep-ahead breakfasts that are as delicious as they are easy to whip up
A Christmas list for love
While volunteering at a charity, Sharee Walker meets a charming 'Santa' with whom sparks fly as they bond over spreading holiday cheer
Veteran gives Christmas trees a second life!
Oscar Morris knows firsthand how disabled vets are hesitant to use a cane, but today more than 1,000 former soldiers get around with his special canes that aid balance and display the story of their service
"God's love is our greatest gift!"
From her breakout role as Winnie Cooper on the hit TV show The Wonder Years to authoring 11 acclaimed math books to being a wife, mother and the star of three holiday films this season, one would think Danica McKellar has success down to a science. But life has dealt her some outliers, like a tough divorce and a fear of failure. Here, how faith and family keep her joy-filled and stress-free during the holidays
"Help! The holidays are exhausting!"
Here, simple ways to boost your energy levels physically, mentally and emotionally
She lost 118 lbs at age 56!
Want to unlock your maximum ability to get lean in 2025? Then find a weight-loss app you like and use it on your phone, tablet or computer. Recent studies show the simple strategy can give you such a huge boost, you'll literally quadruple your results compared to dieting without an app. \"If you want to set yourself up for success, it really is the way to go,\" confirms University of Vermont's Jean Harvey, Ph.D., R.D., who has conducted exciting research on the approach. Meanwhile, California reader Debbie Ramos, 56, says she's living proof of how much apps can help. After struggling on every diet under the sun, \"I tried using an app, and it changed everything,\" she shares. \"I'm down 118 pounds so far.\" Keep reading for Debbie's inspiring story and to find the app that can help you most.
"I'm free of my chronic anxiety!"
After suffering from constant worry that impacted her physical and mental health, Joni Ogle, 52, discovered a natural remedy... and its calming effects soon completely changed her life
Indulge and feel great!
It's time to eat, drink and be merry! And these clever strategies will help you enjoy your favorite holiday indulgences without body backlash
Boost muscle and rev metabolism
Muscle strength naturally declines around 3% each year after middle age, according to University of Pittsburgh research. But simple strategies help counteract age-related muscle loss (known as sarcopenia) by building lean muscle. This boosts your metabolism and accelerates fat burning, all while increasing your strength!
Soothe arthritis aches naturally
Baking cookies with the grandkids, knitting a scarf for a loved one, wrapping gifts-it's the season for fun holiday activities...that may also cause arthritis to flare up. But you don't have to let sore joints stop you from enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. We reveal the easy ways to soothe arthritis pain naturally