Since walking and running are among the most popular physical activities in the world, you may be wondering which is better? Running or brisk walking?
The short answer is that fast walking is healthier but running gets faster results. However, the things you need to consider go much deeper than short-term results.
Running v Brisk Walking
Faster walking is considered a moderate-intensity exercise, which is defined in simple words as an activity during which you can have a conversation, but it is difficult enough to allow you to sing.
Running and brisk walking are equally good for weight loss, raising mood, and energy levels, lowering blood pressure, cancer risk, heart disease, and more. Running is, of course, a much more challenging activity and is considered a high-intensity exercise.
Both are activities for which we do not need money, we can afford them, so we can practice them anywhere and throughout the year. Both workouts are social activities – so we can do them in groups and with friends.
But if you can’t run for any reason, brisk walking gives you plenty of benefits. Even walking for 30 minutes a day can have a positive effect on physical and mental health.
Parkrun
Parkrun is a weekly, Saturday morning, a five-kilometer event for runners held in parks and reserves around Australia and the world. Participants are predominantly runners, but 15% of them are walkers!
For some of them, running was the primary activity, but injuries, age, mobility, fitness, or weight prevented them from continuing running, so they started walking as an alternative.
“You could either run four or five kilometers in 30 minutes or walk the same distance in an hour. I think whatever you do regularly is probably going to give you the most benefits.”
Professor David Bishop from Victoria University’s Institute for Health and Sport.
Participants enjoy the social and physical benefits of walking parkrun, staying connected to family and friends, and meeting new people.
Benefits of Walking
Walking is the only exercise that has an impressive list of benefits and minimal risks, so many experts consider it an exercise that deserves a “gold medal”. You do not need expensive equipment, and the exercise itself is contraindicated for very small conditions and chronic diseases.
Walking a little faster is a great way to regulate your blood sugar, blood pressure, and stress. People of all ages and fitness levels, from beginners to elite athletes, can get a lot of walking if they use the right techniques.
Body weight and age must certainly be taken into account when it comes to running, while with brisk walking it becomes less important.
The Risk Of Injury
Both walking and running have numerous benefits. But they have one main difference. Running is an activity that can strain joints, ligaments, and tendons. As well, the risk of injury is higher in runners. if you don’t enjoy running, or if it hurts and you think it will hurt you, you may be much more motivated to do brisk walking.
Since fast walking is derived from a natural action – walking, it tires your body and joints less than running. A running knee is an injury that is much more likely to happen if you run than if you walk fast.
Walking or brisk walking is a good exercise for those who are just starting to exercise or people with health problems. It can also be a good basis for future runners with poorer physical conditions.
