Walking and running are both great forms of exercise, but when it comes to health benefits, walking briskly is often considered the winner. Many people assume that running is the best workout because it is more intense, but this is not necessarily true.

In fact, walking briskly can help you burn more calories, improve your cardiovascular health, and reduce your risk of injury.

The Benefits of Walking Briskly

Walking briskly, or speed walking, is a low-impact exercise that can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels. It involves walking at a faster pace than normal, usually around 4 miles per hour or faster.

This type of walking is an excellent way to get your heart rate up and burn calories without putting too much stress on your joints.

Burn More Calories

While running may burn more calories per minute than walking, walking briskly can still help you burn a significant amount of calories. In fact, a person who weighs 155 pounds can burn about 149 calories by walking briskly for 30 minutes.

That same person can burn about 298 calories by running for the same amount of time. However, running can be harder on the body than walking, so if you are looking to shed some pounds, walking at a brisk pace for a longer duration may be the right approach.

Improve Cardiovascular Health

Another benefit of walking briskly is that it can improve cardiovascular health. Regular cardiovascular exercise like brisk walking can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and improve circulation.

Walking can also help improve cholesterol levels by lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Reduce Risk of Injury

Walking at a brisk pace is a low-impact exercise that is gentler on your joints compared to running. Many people suffer from knee, hip or ankle injuries from running, which can make it difficult to stay active.

Brisk walking is an excellent alternative for those who still want to exercise but want to avoid the risk of injury.

Improve Mental Health

Finally, walking briskly can help improve mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which can help alleviate depression and anxiety.

Walking outside is also an excellent way to get some fresh air and enjoy nature, which can improve your mood and reduce stress.

The Benefits of Running

While walking briskly may have several health benefits, running also has its advantages. It is important to find the exercise that works best for your body and fitness level.

Burn More Calories Quickly

Running is a high-intensity exercise that burns more calories per minute than walking. This makes it a great option for those who are short on time and want to burn a lot of calories quickly.

Improve Cardiovascular Fitness

Just like walking briskly, running can improve cardiovascular health. It can help strengthen the heart and lungs, improve blood circulation and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Regular running can also help reduce high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Stress-Buster

Running, like all forms of exercise, can be an excellent stress-buster. Running releases endorphins that can improve mood and reduce anxiety. It can also be a great way to clear your mind and escape life’s stresses for a while.

Walking vs. Running: What’s Best for You?

Choosing between walking briskly and running depends on a variety of factors, including your fitness level, age, and personal preference.

Age and Fitness Level

If you are new to exercise or have joint issues, walking may be a better option for you. It is a low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and reduce the risk of injury.

However, for more advanced fitness enthusiasts, running may be a better choice. It is a high-intensity exercise that can quickly burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.

Personal Preference

Finally, personal preference is an important consideration when choosing between walking and running. Some people love the feeling of running and enjoy pushing themselves to go faster and farther.

Others prefer the gentler pace of walking and enjoy the time to clear their minds and enjoy nature. Ultimately, the best exercise for you is one that you enjoy and can stick to in the long run.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to walk briskly or run, both are excellent forms of exercise that offer numerous health benefits.

However, walking briskly is often considered the healthier option because it is lower in impact, reduces the risk of injury, and is a more accessible form of exercise for people of all fitness levels. Ultimately, the best exercise for you is one that you enjoy and can stick to in the long run.