When Is The Best Time To Go For A Walk?

When it comes to activities that help you get fit, feel good, and boost your mood, walking is up there with the best of them.

Not only can you walk pretty much anywhere, but you don’t need special equipment or a fancy gym membership. Just some comfy clothes and a decent pair of sneakers will do.

Even a leisurely walk can boost your mood and help you lose weight. But when is the best time to go for a stroll? 

When you’re thinking about the best time to take a walk, there are plenty of different factors to consider. And we’re going to look at them right here in this foot shuffling guide.

Are you ready to put a little spring in your step? Great, read on.

Walking for weight loss: breaking it up

Before we look at the best times to walk for weight loss, we’re going to talk about ‘breaking it up.’

What do we mean, exactly? Well, whether you’re partial to a morning walk, an evening walk—or anything in between—to get the most from every outing, you should aim to increase your steps over time.

When you’re starting out on your walking for weight loss journey, rather than trying to hit that magic 10,000-step milestone in one big hit—you should start smaller and break things up.

You know yourself better than anyone. So, set a daily step target that suits you, starting with two or more daily strolls—if your schedule allows. 

That way, you’ll be able to tackle your walks at a solid pace, burning more calories in the process. Plus, you’ll enjoy yourself (double bonus)—which will keep you motivated in the long run.

So, first of all, rather than worrying about the best time to walk—set yourself a realistic starting target and decide (roughly) how many walks you can realistically take in a day. This will form the foundations of your efforts.

Read: Low-intensity workouts: Essential tips, ideas & benefits

When to take a walk: Top tips

Now, let’s get down to business…stepping business! Finding the perfect time for your weight loss walks is all about what works best for you and your lifestyle.

If you need a little inspiration on the best time to walk, here are a few potential strutting slots to consider.

Morning Magic 

If you're an early riser, why not start your day with a refreshing morning walk? It can be an amazing way to kickstart your metabolism and set a positive tone for the day ahead. And if the weather’s pleasant, all the better. 

Lunchtime swift stepping

If you can carve out at least 45 minutes for a no doubt well-deserved lunch break, prepping your food beforehand and heading out for a brisk walk will do you a world of good. Not only will a lunchtime walk boost your energy and keep your metabolism ticking—but you’ll be fully fuelled and ready for action. 

Afternoon Energy Boost

If mornings or lunchtimes aren't your thing, don’t sweat it. An afternoon walk is great for melting away the stresses of the day. Yes, it's the perfect opportunity to break away from work or daily tasks, get some fresh air—and feel good.

Evening Serenity

Picture this: A calming stroll in the evening as the day winds down. An evening walk is a wonderful way to decompress, shake off any stress, and indulge in some self-love before bedtime. It’s also good for burning a few extra calories before bed. Just make sure you stay safe, especially if you're walking when it's dark.

When it comes to choosing an ideal time to take a walk, it always pays to play to your strengths. If you’re an early riser, go for a morning walk. If you come to life later in the day, a little evening exercise will do you the world of good. Stick to a rough walking routine that works for you, and you’ll be far more likely to keep making progress.

Read: 4 Ways to fall back in love with exercise

Top tips to help you put your best foot forward

Now that you know how to decide on the best time to walk, let’s look at a few top tips to get the most from your foot-shuffling efforts and level up your daily routine.

Stay Consistent, Stay Strong

Regardless of the time you choose, consistency is key. Going for regular walks, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening, is what will make a real difference in your weight loss journey. 

It's all about finding that sweet spot (the times that fit seamlessly into your life between juggling plates!). Oh, and don’t forget to warm up. A little running on the spot stretches, or lounge dancing before you head out will do the trick.

Accessorise

What we mean here is, to take things on your walk that will make you comfortable and enhance your experience.

So, if it’s a bit chilly, wear a sweater you love to keep your body temperature up. If you’re heading out for an evening walk in the fall or winter months, take a head torch so you can see a little better. Or, if music is your motivator, don’t leave the house without your headphones.

Mix It Up 

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to getting the most from your walks. So, experiment with different times and see what feels best for you. 

Whether it's a brisk morning walk, an afternoon power strut, or a leisurely evening wander—remember—the most important thing is that you enjoy it.

So, lace up those shoes, hit the pavement, and know that you're taking a positive step towards your goals. You've got this!

Walk your way to weight loss with PhenQ

Now that you know when to go walking and how to weave leisurely strolls into your daily routine, we bet you're revved up and ready to go.

At PhenQ, we believe in the power of community. So, join our dedicated Facebook group to connect with like-minded weight loss warriors and find out all about our body-boosting steps challenge.

Here’s to a healthier lifestyle.