Incorporating a night walk into your daily routine can have a myriad of advantages, from aiding in digestion and stress reduction to preparing your body for a restful sleep. Whether you enjoy an early dinner and a nighttime stroll, you may find that your night walk could be contributing to your weight loss efforts.
Can Night Walks Aid in Weight Loss?
With the festive season upon us, the risk of weight gain is ever-present. However, integrating a nightly walk into your routine can be a helpful addition to your weight loss journey. Wanitha Ashok, fitness coach and Fit India Ambassador, has shared insights on the ways in which a night walk can help prevent weight gain. Here are some key benefits of post-dinner walks:
Burns Calories
Walking, a low-impact exercise, can be performed at any time of the day, including at night. Night walks can assist in burning calories and promoting weight loss.
Boosts Metabolism
A post-dinner walk can be an excellent way to stimulate your metabolism, increasing your body’s calorie-burning rate. A faster metabolism aids in burning more calories, facilitating weight loss.
Reduces Stress
Taking a walk in the open air while reflecting on your day can be an effective way to clear your mind. Reducing stress can lead to healthier food choices and prevent overeating, making night walks a valuable stress-reduction tool that may contribute to weight loss.
Enhances Sleep Quality
Inadequate sleep has been associated with weight gain. Nighttime walks can help improve the quality of your sleep, which is crucial for weight loss.
What’s the Optimal Time for a Night Walk?
While you may retire to bed late at night, heading out for a walk at that hour may not be ideal. According to Ashok, embarking on a walk right after your last meal is a sensible approach. However, it’s advisable to keep the walk casual and avoid adding speed or intensity, as it may negatively impact your sleep.
What to Avoid During a Night Walk
Although a leisurely nighttime walk offers numerous health benefits, there are certain activities to avoid during this time. Ashok recommends refraining from intense workouts during your night walk, as they can lead to insomnia. It’s important to keep the walk as relaxing as possible, avoiding brisk walking, running, or jogging. A 20-minute duration is recommended to prevent excessive fatigue, and ideally, your post-dinner walk should take place between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Is Night Walking Superior to Morning Walking?
For those who aren’t early risers, setting an alarm for a morning walk may not be appealing. However, the advantages of a morning walk may make it worthwhile. Morning walks can help kickstart your day positively, elevate your mood through endorphin release, and keep you active and energetic throughout the day. Fasting cardio in the morning helps the body utilize stored fat for energy, making it essential to start your fitness routine early.
Ashok suggests that evening walks are often easier to skip due to work commitments, social events, or fatigue. To maintain an active lifestyle, she recommends completing workouts in the morning and incorporating a casual post-dinner walk into your daily routine.
