Is walking better than running? This is one of the heated debates in the fitness community today. They say running should be your priority if you want to lose weight faster. However, is it a sustainable workout for everyone?
Is It Better to Walk Than Run When You Exercise?
Yes, walking is better than running but for particular reasons only. One is sustainability, wherein all you have to do is walk. Therefore, you will not feel like it’s a burden. It contrasts with running, where you exert a lot more effort when you’re doing it.
Walking and running help boost your immune system and strengthen your heart, which is essential to avoid heart disease. Cardio also helps with mental health, especially anxiety and depression.
Benefits of Walking Regularly
To further discuss how you can convince yourself to walk regularly, below is a list of the fantastic benefits you can get from walking.
1. Strengthen Your Bones and Muscles
When you walk, even for at least 30 minutes a day, those bones and muscles work. And when you constantly work them out, you’ll feel stronger and more energetic when taking on physical activities like household chores.
But remember that you still need to increase your calcium and nutritious food intake to help strengthen them. If you have an illness related to bones and muscles, you must consult with your doctor first before engaging in this cardio exercise.
2. Increase Energy Levels
It may sound ironic because walking will make you gasp for air and sweat. Still, your energy levels will increase after doing it regularly. How? Exercise delivers the right amount of oxygen to your tissues, making your body work more efficiently.
Aside from helping your cardiovascular system, walking also improves your lungs. It means that you can do more physical tasks without feeling like you’re out of breath easily.
3. Lose Weight
It might be the most popular reason everyone does cardio, like walking and running. Don’t worry because it’s a valid reason. You can lose a lot of weight when walking by eating clean.
The weight you can lose when you walk is less than running. However, when you walk long enough and do it consistently, you will achieve your weight loss goals in due time.
Instead of running for 30 minutes straight, you can briskly walk for an hour using a treadmill. And, if you have the privilege of having a park or running track near you, you can also utilize them.
4. Improve Balance
Sometimes, when you lack exercise, standing feels like a chore. You can barely stand straight because of your poor balance. Walking can change that on top of improving your agility.
Only some have the athletes’ eye and body coordination and balance on television. Walking can be a great help with this because you will be able to consistently use your body, especially the lower half, to move from one place to another.
5. Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Your physical health is associated with your mental health. When your body does not feel good, so is your brain. Moving your body and sweating may help reduce anxious feelings and negative emotions. Not only will you distract yourself from overthinking, but you will also push your body to release happy hormones or endorphins to improve your mood.
Walking vs Running: What’s Better?
Is walking better than running? Here are some comparisons you can check out when choosing what works for your body and your schedule.
1. Burning Calories
Running burns more calories because of the high-intensity movements from start to finish. You can burn 200 to 500 calories when you run even for only 30 minutes. This way, achieving your weight loss goals will be faster and more efficient.
On the other hand, walking for 30 minutes will only let you lose 100 to 200 calories. This cardio activity is not recommended when your goal is to shed belly fat quickly.
2. Sustainability
Regarding sustainability and sticking to a program, it is with the assurance that you will commit to walking. It is an easy cardio exercise that will only require a small amount of energy but for an extended period.
You can start walking not to lose weight but to get your body moving and blood flowing healthy. Unlike running, which sounds like a task when you first think of it, you will enjoy walking, especially when there is a scenic view on your chosen track.
Running can be sustainable too, but only some have the mental strength to commit to it even though it’s a faster way to achieve your fitness goals.
3. Beginner-Friendly
If you’re a novice in fitness, then start with walking as your first cardio. But it is recommended that you find a partner to do this activity for additional motivation. You can also join community groups to help you out.
You should only engage in running right away if you don’t have a background in heart and lung diseases. Consult with your doctor to ensure that you will not experience any mishaps when you run.
Both walking and running require less equipment and budget, which is fantastic for beginners. And for as long as you stick with your fitness regime, you will be able to achieve your goals and live a happier and healthier life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Running Better Than Walking for Weight Loss?
Yes, when shedding weight, you can rely on running as your daily exercise. When you run, you will burn at least 200 calories depending on the intensity and for how long you will last. The longer you run, the better the chances of losing weight. Then again, it is also important to check if your body is fit enough to do daily running.
How Much Is Too Much Walking?
You can never really tell how much walking is too much for your body. As long as you rest in between your walking sessions, you’re good. It is also best that you remember that you need to achieve 10,000 steps a day for a healthier mind and body.
What Is the Best Form of Exercise?
Aerobic exercises are the best kinds of exercise you can do regularly. These are walking, running, swimming, dancing, cycling, etc. They are easier to commit to, unlike following programs like what they do in fitness gyms.
Do You Prefer Walking Over Running?
Whatever your preferences are regarding exercise, whether walking or running, your body will thank you for doing it, especially if you stay consistent. The effects of fitness activities only appear when you do them long enough.
If you have a history of asthma or cardiovascular diseases, you must consult a licensed doctor first. Avoid jumping into the fitness bandwagon unless you double-check whether your body will be negatively affected by physical activities.
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