Choosing the Best Way to Exercise: Walking or Running

We are always told to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day to keep our body and mind healthy. And this is a true fact. In order for your body to function properly, you need to add a regular dose of exercises in your schedule. Not only will it make you look good, but it will also keep you healthy and ward off problems such as a heart disease.

running vs walking

Choosing the way in which you exercise can be a difficult thing, considering the vast options. Two of the most popular and simple exercises are actually walking and running. So how do you choose between the two? Fortunately for you, this article will give you some the pros and cons of both exercises.

Contents

Walking

Pros to walking:

  • It’s cost effective and really easy to do. Everyone loves a good walk to take their mind off things, and you don’t particularly need to gear up in order to do it. A pair of comfortable shoes would be just enough.
  • It’s a low-impact exercise, which means it’s a friendly exercise to the tissues and joints. If you don’t think you can’t handle challenging exercises, walking is the sport for you.
  • It allows you to achieve your fitness goals if used regularly. It helps you lose weight, combat stress and regulates your blood pressure.

Cons to walking:

  • You may not achieve your fitness goals if you are already used to more intense forms of exercise, such as running, boxing or swimming.
  • You may not burn many calories per hour, because walking is not such an intense exercise.

Running

Pros to running:

  • You burn more calories as opposed to walking, using the same amount of time. If you want to lose weight faster, this is the exercise for you.
  • You won’t need to work out for a longer period of time, simply because it is intense and it burns more calories. If you are short on time to spare, running is the choice for you.
  • It’s just as cost effective as walking. You don’t need to gear up with expensive tools to go for a run, just put on a pair of sneakers and some comfortable clothes, and you’re good to go. Take your music player with you and get pumped up for your exercising.

Cons to running:

  • If you have just decided to pick up fitness, running may not be for you. It’s a better idea to opt for a less intense exercise if you have been leading a sedentary life for an extended time.
  • You’re at a greater risk to get injured because it is a high-impact exercise. Your joints are predisposed, and you’re more likely to end up with a sprain, a strain or any sorts of injuries.

Both walking and running are beneficial for your health. Now, you will only need to weigh the pros and cons mentioned to every exercise, considering the capabilities of your body and the results you wish to achieve.

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