Running is a highly intense activity that is great for building your fitness levels; walking is a less intense form of exercise which can be more suitable for those that struggle with their joints and mobility. Both running and walking are great for your physical and mental well-being; you can lose weight, improve your heart health and generally feel better when you increase your activity levels. In this article, we look at the advantages of walking and running so you can decide what’s best for your health and routine.
Walking is an activity that anyone can enjoy, no matter what their fitness level. It is also a great way to get back into exercise slowly and begin to increase your stamina and fitness levels. Walking is an exercise that’s easy to stick to and do on a regular basis. Unless you walk very far or are very out of shape, walking shouldn’t lead to aches and pains, unlike running. By walking daily, people can improve their overall health and lose weight when done consistently and combined with a healthy diet. Walking is the perfect form of activity for those that struggle with their joints; it's a low-intensity exercise that won’t cause any additional damage or pain in most circumstances. In addition, walking can be really enjoyable and very accessible; you only need a good pair of shoes to get started. If you’re new to walking, we suggest starting on a nice day in a scenic area with a path; follow a set route with a distance suitable for your fitness level. Start at a comfortable pace, and if you want to improve over time, use a fitness tracker or timer to measure your progress. Once you get used to walking regularly, you can increase your distance and speed; faster walking burns more calories as it increases your heart rate.
Running is an activity that many people enjoy; it's great for improving your cardiovascular health and losing weight. When running, you will burn more calories in a shorter time compared to walking; this can be beneficial if you want to maximise your output in a short amount of time. Running can also be a great social activity and a way to make new friends. You can join a local running group to meet new people that also love running. Participating in running events can be an adrenaline-filled exhilarating experience, especially if you’ve worked hard and improved your stamina to work up towards the event. Running does require more equipment than walking; you may need to buy energy gels for runners if you’re participating in long-distance events. However, if you’re just getting started, you will only need a good pair of running shoes and a water bottle to keep you hydrated. For beginners, it's best to start off slowly when running; following a plan that combines short bursts of running and walking is a good way to build up your stamina and stop you from becoming injured. In addition, following a running programme can help you stay motivated and keep up with running, which can be challenging initially. If you already have a gym membership, you might find it easier to start running using the treadmill first before you decide to try running outside. The treadmill can often be less daunting as you can start off walking slowly and gently increase your pace. Remember to stretch and warm up before any run; there are many videos you can follow on YouTube that will show you the best way to warm up before running; doing these can help prevent injuries.
In conclusion, both running and walking offer numerous health benefits and contribute to overall physical and mental well-being. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, fitness levels, and specific goals. Walking is a low-intensity exercise that is suitable for individuals with joint issues and offers a gentle way to increase stamina and fitness. It is easy to stick to and can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels. On the other hand, running is a high-intensity activity that can significantly improve cardiovascular health and aid in weight loss. It provides a greater calorie burn in a shorter time and can be a social and exhilarating experience, particularly when participating in running events. However, it requires more equipment and careful training to prevent injuries.