Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Fitness / Walking vs Running: Which is the right exercise for you?

Walking vs Running: Which is the right exercise for you?

Team AckoSept 18, 2023

A morning walk is a great way to start your day. It gets your blood flowing and gives you a chance to reflect on the day ahead. Similarly, running is a great way to get your body moving and energised.Butis walking better than running? Well, walking vs running has always been a hot topic among everyone who wants to start their day with a little cardio exercise. So how do you know which one is right for you? Well, this blog features the benefits of running and walking and discusses their pros and cons in detail. Keep scrolling ahead to learn more!

Contents

Top 5 Benefits of Morning Walk
Top 5 Benefits of Running
Morning Walk vs Running: Which is Better?
- Morning Walk
- Running
When Should You Prefer Walking Over Running?
Conclusion
FAQs

Top 5 Benefits of Morning Walk

If you're not a morning person, you may not be too thrilled about the idea of going for a walk first thing in the morning. But there are some great benefits to taking a morning walk, even if you're not a fan of the early hours. Here are the top 5 benefits of a morning walk:

1. It Wakes up Your Body and Mind

A morning walk is a great way to wake up your body and mind. It gets your blood flowing and your heart pumping, and it can also help clear your head and get your day started on the right foot.

2. It's a Great Way to Get Some Exercise

A morning walk is a great option if you're looking for a way to get some exercise. It's low-impact and a great way to get your body moving.

3. It Can Help You to Relax

Walking is a easy and friendly way to relieve stress. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, a morning walk can help you to clear your head and relax.

4. It Can Boost Your Mood

Exercise has been shown to boost mood and improve mental health. If you're feeling down, a morning walk can help you get out of your rut and start your day positively.

5. It's a Great Way to Start Your Day

A morning walk is a great way to start your day. It can help you wake up, feel more alert, get moving, and set the tone for the rest of your day.

Top 5 Benefits of Running

Running is a great way to get in shape and improve your overall health. Here are five benefits of running that you may not have known about:

1. Running Can Help Improve Your Heart Health

Regular aerobic exercise like running can help increase your HDL (good) cholesterol and lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can help improve your overall heart health.

2. Running Can Help Strengthen Your Bones and Muscles

The impact of running helps build and maintain strong bones and muscles. Running is one of the best exercises for strengthening your legs and lower body.

3. Running Can Help Boost Your Immune System

Moderate exercise like running can help increase the production of immune cells in your body, which can help protect you from getting sick.

4. Running Can Help Improve Your Mental Health

Exercise has been shown to help reduce stress and improve mood. If you're feeling down, a quick run can help boost endorphins, which can improve your mood.

5. Running Can Help You Live Longer

Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly tend to live longer than those who don't. So, if you want to add some years to your life, start hitting the pavement!

Morning Walk vs Running: Which is Better?

Walking vs running! Which one to choose? There are many benefits to walking and running, but which is better for you? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Morning Walk

Pros:

Walking is a low-impact exercise, so it's easy on your joints.
A great way to get your heart pumping and improve its health.
Walking can be done anywhere, so it's a convenient form of exercise.

Cons:

Walking at a slow pace may not be as effective as other forms of exercise for burning calories.
If you're looking to build muscle, walking may not be the best option.

Running

Pros:

Running is a great way to burn calories and lose weight, and is an excellent form of cardio.
Running strengthens your muscles and bones.
Running can improve your mental health and help reduce stress levels.

Cons:

Running is a high-impact exercise so that it can be hard on your joints.
Running may not be the best option if you have any existing joint or back problems.
You need access to a safe and spacious place to run, which may not be possible for everyone.

So, which is better for you? It depends on your individual needs and goals. If you want to lose weight, running may be the better option. But walking may be a better choice if you're trying to be easy on your joints.

When Should You Prefer Walking Over Running?

We all know that running is great for our health. But did you know that walking can be just as beneficial? In fact, in some cases, walking may even be better than running! Here are some reasons why you might consider walking over running:

Walking is Easier on Your Body: Running is a high-impact activity that can put a lot of stress on your joints and muscles. Walking may be a better option for you if you have any injuries or underlying health conditions.
Walking Can be Just as Effective as Running: Walking may not be as intense as running, but it can still give you a great workout. In fact, a brisk walk can actually burn more calories than a slow jog!
Walking is a Great Way to Start Exercising: If you're new to exercise or trying to get back into shape, walking is a great way to start. It's low-impact and easy on your body, so you can gradually build up your fitness level without putting your body at risk.
Walking is a Great Way to Stay Active: Even if you can't commit to a regular exercise routine, walking is a great way to stay active and get some exercise. Walking is something that can be done anywhere, so it's easy to fit into your busy schedule.

So the next time you want to do cardio, but don't feel like going for a run, consider going for a walk instead!

Conclusion

There are many benefits to both morning walks and running, but which is better for you? It depends on your goals and preferences. Running may be a better option if you're looking to lose weight because it burns more calories. But a daily walk may be better if you're trying to improve your cardiovascular health because it's easier on your joints.

Ultimately, the best exercise for you is the one that you'll do consistently, So if you enjoy running, stick with it. If you prefer walking, don't switch just because you think it's not as effective. Do what you enjoy, and you'll likely stick with it in the long run.

FAQs

What is the best time for a morning walk?

The best time to walk is usually right after you wake up. This is because your body is already in a natural state of increased blood flow and cortisol levels - both of which can help you wake up and feel more energetic.

How long should my daily walk be?

Ideally, it would be best if you aimed for a 30-minute walk. This is enough time to get your heart rate up and give your body a good workout without being too strenuous.

What time of day is best for walking?

Morning is generally the best time for a walk, as it can help to energise you for the day ahead. However, you can walk at any time that suits your schedule.

Walking vs. Running: Which is better for me?

Both running and walking are excellent ways to get your body moving. However, it mostly depends on your goals to decide which is better. Walking is easier on the body and builds endurance over time. In comparison, running is more on the higher intensity side.

What should I keep in mind before starting daily runs?

First and foremost, buy good quality shoes to avoid impact injury. Second, always start with a warm and end with a cool-down routine to prevent muscle cramps. And lastly, make sure to take recovery or rest days in between.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/walking-vs-running
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/walking-vs-running

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet. As this content piece is not vetted by a medical professional, please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions. Explore more: