Why Walking is still the simplest form of exercise to burn fat

Washington D.C: Turns out, you're likely burning more calories than you thought when you're walking.

A Southern Methodist University study found that under firm, level ground conditions, the leading standards are relatively inaccurate and have significant bias.

The standards predicted too few calories burned in 97 percent of the cases researchers examined, said SMU physiologist Lindsay Ludlow.

A new standardized equation developed by SMU scientists is about four times more accurate for adults and kids together, and about two to three times more accurate for adults only, Ludlow said.

Ludlow noted that the new equation is formulated to apply regardless of the height, weight and speed of the walker and it's appreciably more accurate.

The study appears in the Journal of Applied Physiology.