Mum who shed 3st 8lb shares 'one of the best ways' to turbocharge belly fat loss - 'Burns as many calories as running'

Having lost 3st 8lb, Johanna explained: "Walking workouts can burn just as many calories as running workouts. It may just take a little longer, but it's just as effective."

The approach offers a gentler alternative to high-impact exercise whilst still achieving weight loss goals. These workouts require no equipment and can be performed consistently, even in limited spaces.

The fitness programme, known as "Walk the Weight Off," consists of structured walking workouts aimed at weight loss and improved fitness.

The regime begins with 1-mile walks and gradually increases to 3-mile walks.

Workouts within the programme vary in both duration and intensity levels. The walking sessions form part of a comprehensive fitness plan that includes options for cardiovascular exercise, strength training and high-intensity interval training.

The progressive nature of the programme allows participants to build endurance gradually.

By starting with shorter distances and advancing to longer walks, this approach accommodates different fitness levels whilst maintaining effectiveness for fat burning.

For the ultimate fat burn, Johanna advocates standing exercises over traditional floor crunches for targeting abdominal muscles.

"The truth of the matter is that I actually loathe crunches where I'm laying down on the ground and I think that's totally normal and okay! You can do other standing exercises that activate the same muscles and give you that same 'burn'," she said.

She emphasised that while these exercises strengthen muscles beneath belly fat, visible results require a holistic approach.

"In order to see steady weight loss, you need to combine daily movement (like this workout), proper sleep, and proper nutrition," Johanna explained.

"Remember that exercise is only part of the journey. If your goal is to see a physical change, you will also have to take into consideration the amount and quality of the food that you are eating!"

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In a 2021 systematic review, scientists revealed that moderate aerobic activity successfully reduces visceral adipose tissue.

The study found that exercising three times weekly for 12-16 weeks, with sessions lasting 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity, led to reductions in visceral fat.

Another systematic review demonstrated that individuals following calorie-controlled diets who engaged in exercise experienced a dose-dependent decrease in visceral fat compared to control groups.

These findings reinforce claims that walking represents "one of the most effective ways to reduce belly fat" when performed consistently.