Walk for Weight loss-How many calories does it burn?

People who walk daily have a lesser incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other killer diseases. Not only does walking make you healthier but it also burns calories, creates psychological well being, increases metabolism, strengthens muscles, increases flexibility, improves respiratory function and helps concentration and memory.

There are some simple formulas you can use to determine how many calories are being burned according to your weight and how fast you are walking.

• 3.0 miles/hour (20-minute mile): Burns .027 calories/pound/minute.
• 3.5 miles/hour (17 minute mile): Burns .033 calories/pound/minute.
• 4.0 miles/hour (15 minute mile): Burns .042 calories/pound/minute.
• 4.5 mles/hour (13 minute mile): Burns .047 calories/pound/minute.

Take the number of calories/pound/minute you burn and multiply it by your weight and then by the number of minutes you walk.

For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and walk a 20-minute mile for 60 minutes, you multiply 150 by .027, then multiple the result (4.5) by 60. You burn 270 calories.

It is important that when you do walk that you walk at a moderate pace. Walking will do you no good if it is so leisurely that you exert no effort. A good walk should leave you moderately perspired. This ensures that you are working at an ideal intensity.

Walking is a habit like anything else. If you can create a habit of walking everyday it will contribute to a new and healthy you in the long term.

By Ray Kelly