Running versus Walking

Running Versus Walking...Just get off the couch!!

Which is Better for Overall Fitness, Wellness and Weight Loss?

Presently, I walk daily for fitness.  I use a pedometer to track my miles and wear SmartSole Exercise Insoles to both tone my legs and burn more calories.  With the NYC Marathon approaching on Sunday, I ask myself whether I should start a running program again.  The answer is a resounding “NO!”.  Both running and walking are excellent for aerobic exercise. They each have advantages. Which is a better fitness program depends on the individual.  I know that I personally hate running. I always felt great once I finished a run, but was  miserable while actually doing it.  I hated every minute I was pounding the pavement, and I believe the whole runner's high thing is a fairy tale!  I just got sore joints, pains and always was gasping for breath.

Running is more vigorous than walking. It will produce a faster heart rate and will produce training effects in less time.  Brisk walking does burn about the same number of calories per miles, but it will take longer to walk the miles than run them. Those wanting to lose weight and having limited time for exercise can burn calories in less time by running.  Personally, I would rather spend more time doing something I enjoy, than a little less time doing something I despise.

For those who like to see scenery while exercising, running allows one to cover ground faster than walking.  Walking allows more time to enjoy the scenery than to view it as a blur as you speed by in a sweaty hurry. Walking also is a wonderful stress reliever as you can mull through issues as you briskly walk.

Running is also very hard on knees, ankles, and other joints. Hard impacts repeated about 1000 times per mile produce extreme stress on these joints. Good shoes can help, but many people can not run because of this stress on their joints. Walking produces far less stress, so people with knee or other joint problems should walk rather than run.

Beginners who have been previously sedentary or those with health problems should start their exercise program by walking. Those who wish to can slowly build up to running. Those who do not wish to run can continue to reap the same health and fitness benefits by walking.  I feel I get the best of both world’s by walking in SmartSole Exercise Insoles as I am not stressing my joints and I am burning more calories because of the negative heel/positive arch construction of SmartSoles.

So which is better Walking or Running?

Both running and walking are excellent aerobic exercises. They will both improve anyone's overall health and fitness. Either is better exercise than sitting in front of the television and eating junk! Get off that couch and start moving those legs. Choose whichever of these exercise programs best meets your needs and preferences.

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