Just as many people find themselves confused about the best time to work out, there are those who struggle to figure out when they should go for a walk to burn maximum fat. Fitness coach Dan Go took to his Instagram account to reveal why walking should come straight after lifting sessions.
He began by stressing the importance of both strength training and walking, and wrote, “Weights are for quality of life. Walking is for the quantity of life. We lose 3-8% of muscle every decade after 30, and this accelerates once you hit 60. This is why we lift. Walking as little as 6000 steps a day has been correlated with decreasing all-cause mortality by 45%.”
Dan explained that if you want to lose fat, walking should come straight after you strength train. This is because your body switches to a faster fat-burning method.
“The best time to burn fat by walking is right after your lifting sessions at the gym. So when you lift, your body releases fat-burning hormones like growth hormone, catecholamines, glucagon, and more,” he said.
Also read: From 4XL to XL size, man reveals how he shed 95 kilos with keto diet and regular walking
The fitness coach added, “These hormones act like keys unlocking your fat stores, making them available for fuel. They pull fat out of storage and send it into your bloodstream ready to be burned,”
That’s when walking, a steady low-cardio activity, helps to burn more fat for energy. Since the body has already exhausted its protein stores for lifting, it begins to pull from fat stores for action.
Dan explained, “If you take a light walk after lifting, especially at a zone 2 pace, which is easy enough to hold a conversation, your body taps into that unlocked fat and uses it as its main energy source.”
But the benefits are not just restricted to fat loss. Dan noted, “Walking after a lift also flushes out lactate, which is the stuff that makes you sore. It reduces stress hormones like cortisol and you activate your recovery mode so your body repairs faster.”
Just a 10- to 20-minute walk right after lifting, thus, helps in more ways than one. Dan called it “the simplest, fat-burning, recovery-boosting combo” that you should certainly try.
1. Why is walking considered one of the best forms of exercise?
Walking is simple, low-impact, and accessible to almost everyone. It does not require special equipment or training, yet it improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, enhances endurance, and boosts overall well-being.
2. How does walking benefit heart health?
Regular walking improves blood circulation, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), increases good cholesterol (HDL), and helps regulate blood pressure. This reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. Can walking help with weight loss?
Yes. Walking burns calories and boosts metabolism. When combined with a balanced diet, brisk walking for 30–45 minutes daily can support gradual and sustainable weight loss.
4. Does walking improve mental health?
Absolutely. Walking releases endorphins, often called “feel-good hormones,” which help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Outdoor walks can further enhance mood and mental clarity.
5. How many steps should one aim for daily?
While 10,000 steps is a popular benchmark, research suggests that even 7,000–8,000 steps per day can significantly reduce health risks. The key is consistency.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
