Forget brisk walking and try lateral walking instead to lose weight

No matter your age or size, walking has always been considered to be the ultimate exercise to get fit. However, if weight loss is on your mind and you are not particularly fond of brisk walking, then let us introduce you to lateral walking—an easy exercise that neither requires too much space nor impacts your muscles. 

First let’s understand what lateral walking is. In normal walking, you move forward. But in lateral walking you move side to side. 

Now this side to side movement makes it a complete hottie when it comes to your core area and inner thighs. In fact, lateral walking will work to reduce fat pockets that reside in these tricky corners of your body, giving you a toned look. 

Lateral walking also works on: 

• Glutes
• Obliques, and
• Lower back

Here’s how you can do lateral walking
Well, there is no rocket science in doing lateral walking as you have to walk side to side. But we want you to take it a notch higher by adding a resistance band to increase the impact of the exercise. If you are a beginner, then you can very well give the resistance band a skip.

1. Wear the resistance band in both your legs in a way that it touches your ankles.

2. Now go in a quarter squat position and move from side to side. Tighten up your core and glute. Keep your back straight. Pressure in this move should come from your feet.

Time yourself by using a stopwatch and do one side for a minute and then switch to the other.

Even science raves about lateral walking
According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, any kind of walking—then may be reverse or lateral—helps in burning calories and the effect of it can be seen in almost two to three months (depending on the intensity).

In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has clearly put lateral walking in the forefront when it comes to rehabilitation post injury and losing weight. It also added that for the elderly who want a low impact workout to preserve their joints, lateral walking is a good choice. 

You know what’s the best part ladies? Unlike jumping and running it is gentle on all your muscles and joints. It stabilizes the muscles around your knees keeping inflammation and muscle soreness at bay.

So, stop wondering and get geared up to try lateral walking to lose some weight.