Walking vs Running: Ending the Age-Old Debate

We all have had conflicts at some point in time about whether we should take up jogging or running for fitness and then resort to daily walking! But what we may not have realized is that walking and running both have very different sets of benefits. One does not cancel out the need for the other. Some may enjoy one more than the other and there is no loss or anything wrong with that. But let us understand what benefits each has and then you can make the decision what to do for your fitness journey.

Best Way to Achieve Fitness

Fitness has never been one size fits all. what may work out for your gym buddy may not work out for you and until you have tried a few things you wouldn’t know about it. Walking is ideal for beginners on a fitness journey since it is a low-intensity workout. On the other hand, running is more intense and can be beneficial for quicker results and more calories to burn.

Benefits of Running

Running is often an intense exercise and comes with benefits which include:

• Improved Cardiovascular Health- Improves blood flow, circulation, and heart health
• You end up burning more calories in a short period of time by doing intense activities like running.
• Faster weight loss- You can lose weight faster and more effectively if you practice running.
• Running can help your muscles get fitter and stronger.
• A runner’s high is what you experience after running because your body releases endorphin, the happy hormone.
• By keeping the bones well-oiled and used, you can avoid the possibility of having osteoporosis.

Running and Weight Loss

If weight loss is your primary goal, running is your best bet. This is because it could offer quicker results due to the higher calorie burn. A 30-minute run once a day can burn more calories than a 30-minute brisk walk. This helps you lose fat faster. Running also helps with metabolism which is a key element in maintaining weight. Even while you are at rest your body will keep burning fast when you indulge in running regularly.

While running is more effective, you need to start from somewhere and therefore, walking can be a good way to start slow and build on it with consistency if you want to lose weight healthily.

Benefits of Walking

If the running benefits haven’t already swayed you, walking benefits will definitely sweep you off your feet, Some of the perks of walking daily are:

• It is less intense but more fruitful
• Your heart health gets better significantly
• Helps in digestion especially when you go for a walk right after your meal.
• Helps you declutter your mind and gives you more focus and clarity
• Helps lose weight by burning a few calories.
• Helps maintain the weight.

How to Make this More Fun

What is the most important part of your fitness journey is whether you are enjoying it. The benefits of either walking or running are null if you are not having fun. Here is how you can spice up your daily walks or runs so you don’t get bored with monotony

• Explore New Routes: Find new paths to go on a walk or run on. You may encounter some good surprises along the way as you check out more of your neighborhoods.
• Music & Podcasts: Make sure you have carried your earphone and have a playlist to get you in the mood for some workout. You can also listen to podcasts or audiobooks during this time.
• Track Your Progress: Use apps or fitness trackers to set goals and celebrate small victories.
• Join a Group: Make your workouts social by joining a walking or running group.
• Set Challenges: Challenge yourself with goals, such as increasing your pace or covering more distance.

Takeaway

Whether it is running or walking both have their set of benefits and it is on you what is more comfortable with your timing, your goals and your lifestyle. You have to start from somewhere and this is your starting point. To make your workouts better you can try having gainers to maintain body mass. You can also have some electrolytes handy when you are on a longer run to help you stay hydrated and make up for lost minerals. Whatever you choose make sure to have fun on the way and find your peace to align with your goals.