1. Don’t just keep the same pace and walk in the same way.

Vary it up a bit. Walk at a normal pace, a bit faster, a bit slower, up a small hill, on a decline, sideways and backward. This will also make your walk just a bit more fun!

2. Vary your walking route.

If you stick to the same route, over time your body adapts and it won’t be as challenging. To boost weight-loss (and keep things exciting) change your scenery a couple of times a week. You can walk around your neighborhood, at a park, on a trail, or on the track of a nearby high school. A different terrain also engages different muscle groups to burn more calories.

3. Combine strength training with your walking routine.

Lifting small dumbbells, doing leg lifts, or even wall pushups help to build muscle which in return burns more calories. Strength training can help you build up your core, glutes and hip strength so that you can walk further and faster.

4. Be sure and use good form when walking.

Poor walking technique slows your pace, causing you to tire more quickly, and potentially results in injury. Since this can affect how far and long you are able to walk (or keep you from walking altogether), improving your form is essential to losing weight.

a. Be mindful of your stride length meaning don’t take too large of a step. To check your stride length, lift a foot and lean forward. Where the foot naturally falls is where you should be striking your ground.

b. Swinging your arms helps you get more power and propels your forward motion

c. Stand straight. Slouching as you get tired is a common problem when walking. While you might need to strengthen your core to make this happen, work on keeping your back straight and your head up.

If you haven’t started a daily “moving” routine, lace em’ up and hit the pavement before the new year rolls in!