What’s not to love about walking? It’s free, easy and offers tons of health benefits. But can it help you lose weight? On the one hand, walking may help prevent weight gain over time, according to the results of a 15-year study. However, it may be tough to shed weight through walking alone: “Without dietary changes, you [would] need to do a lot of exercise consistently for a number of weeks to see a shift in the scales,” says Shelley Keating, PhD. “But, of course, it is possible!” she adds. Here’s how you can make it happen. As more places begin to re-open, look at what’s available around you for indoor areas where walking is easy. Of course, there’s always the treadmill at the gym, but this could also include walking around an indoor mall or indoor track. If you have kids in after-school activities, like dance or hockey, consider walking around in those buildings during their practices. You don’t need a formal walking track to increase your step count. Even if you feel self-conscious at first walking around the auditorium while your child is in ballet, that could be the only chance you have to get your steps in, so it’s worth it. You might even encourage other parents to join you! A parking garage can be a great way to boost step counts if you park as far away from the entrance as possible. Take the stairs rather than waiting for the elevator, and — while carefully watching for cars — consider walking a lap or two of the parking garage, provided it’s cool and shady.