Walking vs Running

Posted on June 22, 2009 at 10:13 AM

It's always a great debate., and why is it that so many people who walk don't believe it is a worthy form of exercise.So what is the real difference between running vs walking? There are pros and cons to each activity and you might be surprised at the similarities and differences.

Depending on your weight, you’ll burn approximately 100 calories for every 1.6kms that you walk or run. And while running might burn a bit more calories than walking, km-for-km the two activities are very close in the calorie-burning comparison.

Walking is also an activity that can be done with little disruption or gear. You can walk at lunch without having to get a shower before heading back to the office. There is far less pounding of the joints with walking, as compared to running. And walking can be mixed into the day for local errands and other short trips.

Running, on the other hand, can burn calories quicker for those with less time. .

So what’s the right answer? The one that works for you! If you find a healthy activity that works with your routine, than stick with it. Daily walking is part of my routine (and our dog’s ;-). I do it because I enjoy getting out doors and it has become a good long-term habit. Albeit a bit chiily at the moment and requiring quite a large dose of will power!

I enjoy running but find it more difficult these days but for some walking might never be an option and running is still an ideal way to burn calories, strengthen your heart, and get fit. If you’re pressed for time, a 5 km run is much easier to squeeze in your schedule than a 5km walk.
One downside of running is that you have to pay special attention to your body to prevent injuries, as running injuries can be quite common.

Walking can be relaxing and a way to escape the daily grime. You can do it almost anywhere and at anytime. It also takes you out of the house and away from the kitchen . And while it takes more time to cover the same mileage as running, the pounding on your joints is much less.

There’s no saying that you have to choose…do both if you want to! Walking can be a terrific addition to a running routine and vice versa. If you don’t have time to run and shower at the office, why not get out and go for a stroll? And if you’ve been walking for years, why not add a few sections of jogging in the middle? When it comes down to it, the outcome of the debate of running vs walking need not be an either / or decision...it could be BOTH!