Running or walking
#2
I believe it's the distance covered that is important. Whether you walk it or run it is less important. But this is a point that is debated a lot. When I read an article that says running is 'more intense,' I interpret that to mean that you pack more travel (more distance) into a shorter time. Running is more aerobic (increases the need for oxygen) but an out of shape person who walks will breathe pretty hard while getting back in shape. Running is more high-impact than walking, meaning you hit the ground pretty hard with those feet! This puts a lot of stress on joints, particularly when you are out of shape. There's a reason exercise physiologists and kinesiologists study running - runners want to be safe and fast.
#3
I agree with everything Kathy said.
The key is to get your heart rate up. If 15 minute miles (4 mph), which is a pretty fast clip for a walk, isn't getting your heart pounding, you might start jogging a little. But if it takes you 25 minutes to walk a mile and you are pretty winded, stick with walking. Either way it is all great exercise, especially when shared with a friend (human or canine)
The key is to get your heart rate up. If 15 minute miles (4 mph), which is a pretty fast clip for a walk, isn't getting your heart pounding, you might start jogging a little. But if it takes you 25 minutes to walk a mile and you are pretty winded, stick with walking. Either way it is all great exercise, especially when shared with a friend (human or canine)
#4
FitDay Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 1
Today, my resting heartrate is still about 60 bpm, consistently. So, as far as I'm concerned, walking is pretty much as beneficial as all that jogging was and a lot easier on the old joints.
#5
FitDay Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 84
I think you also want to ask what is best for you personally. I was a walker and then worked my way up to jogging. However I found that because I didn't like jogging that I lost my consistency in my workouts. So back to walking. I also found I can keep walking and increase my HR and calorie burn by using the incline on the treadmill. You will have to walk longer than you would have to jog for to get the same calorie burn but again if walking is your thing, you won't mind.
#6
FitDay Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 139
I'm 74 and jogged for 35 years. My resting heartrate was between 56 and 60, regularly. About seven years ago I had to quit jogging because it was bothering my back. I guess all the "impacting" was finally getting to me. So, I started walking, fast walking, two miles a day at about 12 minutes per mile.
Today, my resting heartrate is still about 60 bpm, consistently. So, as far as I'm concerned, walking is pretty much as beneficial as all that jogging was and a lot easier on the old joints.
Today, my resting heartrate is still about 60 bpm, consistently. So, as far as I'm concerned, walking is pretty much as beneficial as all that jogging was and a lot easier on the old joints.
#7
FitDay Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 2
Walking Poles
If you really want to progress with the walking...think about adding walking poles...they engage your core muscles as you walk and allow you to increase calories burnt while promoting good posture. Lots of benefits!
#8
FitDay Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 2
I believe that it is really individual preference and goal orientated.
Yes, running does place an increased amount of impact on joints, especially when someone is carrying a little extra weight. Therefore walking can be a great alternative. However, you have to remember that your body will get used to that 1 hr walk in ~3-4 weeks and you will have to change something up so that you limit or prevent yourself from the infamous plateau. A great way to do this is change your walking routine (if that is the only activity you are participating in). For example, increase walking speed for short durations or do some hills (intervals/hill training)...both will allow you to increase the number of calories burnt...while reducing the possible plateau. Also...could add walking poles....
Yes, running does place an increased amount of impact on joints, especially when someone is carrying a little extra weight. Therefore walking can be a great alternative. However, you have to remember that your body will get used to that 1 hr walk in ~3-4 weeks and you will have to change something up so that you limit or prevent yourself from the infamous plateau. A great way to do this is change your walking routine (if that is the only activity you are participating in). For example, increase walking speed for short durations or do some hills (intervals/hill training)...both will allow you to increase the number of calories burnt...while reducing the possible plateau. Also...could add walking poles....