If you love being fit, you have probably tried running, jogging, fast walking, and more. They all have pluses and minuses, and have different effects for each of us.
If you want to know exactly which type of exercise is best for you, you need to weigh them carefully. Walking and running are considered to be among the best aerobic activities, in terms of a total body workout for physical fitness as well as weight loss.
Even though both these activities stress on the use of the large muscles in our body in order to get the desired results, people tend to get confused when it comes to choosing between the two. When making a choice between these two aerobic activities, one has to take certain points of distinction in the speed comparison.
Let's us have a look at each of these activities individually, before determining which of these two have an upper hand in the comparison. Speed walking, also referred to as power walking or race walking, is actually a long distance athletic event, wherein individuals are expected to walk according to the stipulated guidelines of the sport.
More recently, this athletic event has found a place for itself in the long list of aerobic activities for physical fitness and weight loss. The fact that this activity is easy to do, and has a fewer risks as compared to various forms of running, makes it one of the most popular aerobic activity among the people of various age groups today.
Running is a more intense activity, wherein both the feet of the person are off the ground at a given point of time. This is in stark contrast of speed walking, wherein either foot of the person is in contact with the ground at any given point of time.
Most popular versions of running are jogging, wherein a considerable distance is covered in a long span of time, and sprint, wherein individuals run fast over a short distance. This form of aerobic activity is more popular among the youngsters, as the several health risks associated with it tend to keep aged people and people with underlying health problems away from it.
However, running also has a series of advantages of its own, some of which even outweigh the health benefits of walking. The most prominent differences between speed walking and running are related to the intensity and the health risks of these activities.
In terms of intensity, running has an edge over speed walking. When it comes to evaluation of speed, calories burnt need to be taken into consideration.
Even the slowest form of running, i.e. jogging, tends to burn as much calories as burned by speed walking, within the same duration of time. The impact of these aerobic activities is directly proportional to their intensity.
Speed walking being slower, has a low impact on the overall body, whereas running being faster has a high impact. This also means that running has the tendency of demonstrating the desired effects in a short time as compared to speed walking.
As far as health risks are concerned, a lower intensity walk does take an upper hand over running. Studies have revealed that the people who take to a faster pace are more vulnerable to certain health risks than those who take to the former.
While running, an individual is more likely to exert himself, and result in injuries like burnout. Similarly, studies have also revealed that people who tend to take to jogging for a prolonged duration are more likely to suffer from problems associated with knee joints and other joints in the leg, as a result of excessive wear and tear that they are subjected to.
That, however, does not mean speed walking is totally injury free. Irrespective of which form of exercise you take to, the rule of the thumb is to increase its intensity gradually, and undergo proper warm up before starting the activity.
When it comes down to it, what is right for you body is completely up to you. If you have strong joints and muscles, you may lean more toward something faster.
If you are more joint pain and sensitivity, try something slower. That being said, it will depend on the individual's preference as to which one would suit his health and lifestyle.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels is an accomplished expert in health and fitness. He recommends the besttreadmills you can find in the market.
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