Walking vs Jogging

Should I walk to lose weight or jogging is a better option?

Is jogging a better alternative for my overall health than walking?

These questions often cross our minds, as many people are still uncertain about whether they should walk or jog.

So, today, let's have a quick discussion about which option is the best.

Walking and jogging are both excellent cardiovascular exercises. Any physical activity that raises your heart rate above its normal resting state is a form of cardio. Some of the benefits of walking and jogging are:

helps burn extra calories or maintain an ideal weight

• Boosts stamina
• Improves immune system
• helps prevent or manage chronic conditions
• strengthens your heart
• can help you live longer

However, there are certain differences to be aware of. First and foremost, if you are new to exercising, walking is without a doubt the greatest choice, as your body requires time to acquire strength. As you gain strength you can increase your pace and begin jogging.

Let's break down the differences into three sections:

First, Weight-Loss:

While walking is the primary base for getting in shape. Jogging can help you lose weight at a faster rate. Why so? It is because jogging increases your metabolic rate more when compared to walking, which burns more calories and helps with weight loss.

You can walk briskly and keep up with a jogger, but the difference is in your foot movement. While jogging or running the supporting one foot can leave the ground, whereas while walking one foot must remain on the ground at all times. Hence, when compared to jogging or running, walking has a lower impact, even when done at a high speed.

But, if you're overweight, your joints are already under a lot of stress, so it might be preferable to lose weight gradually by walking, which will not put your joints under the same amount of stress.

Next, Heart Rate:

Heart rate also plays a major factor here. Walking at a brisk pace of roughly 100 steps per minute elevates your heart rate to around 100 beats per minute, while jogging or running raises it to around 120-130 beats per minute. As a result, a long fast run might cause a surge in adrenaline, as well as artery inflammation. Therefore walking or slower jogging is the best option to gain all the health benefits cardio has to offer.

Lastly, Age Factor:

I would like to recommend that as we become older, we should prefer walking over jogging. Muscle and bone degeneration occur as people age, so walking is a safer option because it puts less strain on your joints and reduces the risk of injury.

So here are a few differences that will help you decide what you should opt for, be it walking or jogging. Remember that everything should be done in moderation or you may end up harming yourself rather than benefiting your health.

Stay healthy, Stay happy. Namaste!

(Authored by: Dr Hansaji Yogendra, The Yoga Institute)