Five times more popular than jogging, walking is America’s favorite form of exercise for good reason: You can lift your mood and burn a substantial 176 calories per hour at a comfortable pace! Plus, taking in fresh air and interesting scenery is great for your brain, helping to stave off boredom and depression.

Burn an extra 75 calories per hour with these easy tips:

-SLOW DOWN!
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder say that walking at 2mph actually burns more calories than going faster! Slowing down stops momentum, making your muscles work harder each step of the way.

-Step outside in the morning.
Studies shows it improves alertness for hours afterward. Plus, cooler temperatures make it easier to stay out longer and burn more calories along the way!

-Walk with a friend!
Exercising with a buddy inspired you to get going in the first place, helps you exercise longer once you’re out there and improves your self-image by giving you a goal to share with someone you admire.

-Go downhill!
You won’t feel as winded and you’ll burn extra calories because going downhill requires your muscles to work harder to maintain a moderate pace.

Note from Ang: Check out Ava.org for a list of 500 walking clubs nationwide!