There’s something so wonderfully gentle and grounding about walking. It doesn’t require a gym membership, fancy equipment or a strict schedule — just a comfortable pair of shoes, a bit of time and the open path ahead. If you’re hoping to lose weight in a way that feels manageable, sustainable and kind to your body, walking can be the perfect starting point. It’s how I began my own post-baby wellness journey, and I’m so grateful I did. I thoroughly enjoy going for a walk after I drop my kids to school. It's been great for both my mental and physical health and has helped me on my journey to losing 3 stone so far this year, along with a calorie deficit.
But like all forms of movement, there’s a right way to walk if you want to see results and avoid injury. Here’s how to get the most out of your daily walks — and how to make it something you actually look forward to.
1. Start Slow & Set Realistic Goals
When you’re just beginning, the idea of walking 10,000 steps a day can feel overwhelming — and that’s okay. Start with what’s doable. A 20-minute walk in the morning or after dinner is enough to get your heart rate up, lift your mood, and start building a routine.
Try setting gentle weekly goals instead of daily ones — something like, “Walk 5 days this week for at least 20 minutes” feels far more achievable than aiming for perfection every single day.
2. Support Your Body – Especially Your Ankles!
It’s tempting to throw on any old pair of runners and head out the door, but your feet and ankles really deserve better. If you’re walking regularly, particularly on uneven ground or for long periods of time, ankle support socks can make a huge difference.
These aren’t just your average socks — they’re designed to stabilise the ankle joint, reduce swelling and provide gentle compression to help prevent injury. I started wearing them after experiencing persistent soreness in my right foot, and honestly, I haven’t looked back. If you’ve ever had twinges or aches in your ankles post-walk, they’re absolutely worth trying.
You can find affordable options online or in your local pharmacy — look for breathable fabric and arch support for extra comfort.
3. Choose the Right Walking Route
Mixing up your routes can keep things interesting and help challenge your body in new ways. I love combining woodland trails with flatter routes through town — it keeps things visually engaging and lets me enjoy a bit of nature, too.
If you’re just starting out or recovering from an injury, avoid steep inclines or uneven ground until your ankles and knees are stronger. Paved paths and local parks are ideal in the early weeks.
4. Make It a Mindful Moment
Walking doesn’t have to be another item on your to-do list. Think of it instead as a moment of peace in your day. Pop in a podcast, listen to an uplifting playlist or simply tune into the world around you — the breeze, the birdsong, the rhythm of your breath.
This has been one of the loveliest unexpected benefits of walking for me — not just the physical results, but the space it gives me to breathe and reset, especially on busy parenting days.
5. Track Your Progress (But Gently)
It’s motivating to see how far you’ve come, but don’t fall into the trap of obsessively counting steps or calories. Apps like Fitbit, Apple Health or even a simple notebook can help you notice trends in your energy, distance, and frequency — and celebrate small wins.
Remember, weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, and the number on the scale isn’t the only measure of progress. Improved sleep, brighter moods, stronger legs — those matter too.
6. Stay Hydrated & Nourished
It’s easy to underestimate the effect of a walk on your body — especially if you’re pushing a pram or walking uphill! Make sure you’re drinking water before and after your walks and fuelling your body with whole, nourishing foods.
I like to keep a reusable bottle in the car and a banana or protein bar in my bag just in case I need a little post-walk boost.
7. Invest in Little Luxuries That Keep You Moving
You don’t need much to start walking, but a few extras can help turn it into a habit you genuinely enjoy:
• A cosy, weather-proof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes with proper arch support (I wear the Skecher's ones)
• A pair of ankle support socks (truly, they’re game-changers!)
• A playlist of your favourite upbeat songs
Be Kind to Your Body
If you’re walking for weight loss, know this: your body is already doing something amazing just by showing up. You don’t need to punish it or push it past its limits. Walking can be both gentle and effective — and best of all, it’s something you can do with kids in tow, a friend beside you, or simply with your own thoughts.
So lace up, pop on your comfiest socks (ankle support if you’ve got them!), and take that first step. Your wellness journey doesn’t need to be intense to be impactful — it just needs to be yours.
