Exercise is essential for staying fit, being healthy, and losing weight. Everyone knows this, but for those who can't or don't exercise, walking is often recommended. However, walking doesn’t mean strolling leisurely; it refers to brisk walking. That’s when it becomes beneficial. If you’re walking to lose weight but doing so slowly, it’s completely ineffective.
Now, let’s talk about running. Running is also a fantastic way to stay fit and lose weight. But which of the two is more beneficial? When should you walk to stay fit, and when should you run? A doctor has provided some insights on this.
Run or walk to stay fit?
If we look at it, both walking
and running are essentially the same thing; the only difference is that running
is faster, while walking is slower. However, the impact on an individual
depends on factors like their age and any existing health issues.
For a normal individual looking to improve their health, running is generally more beneficial, especially if they are young. It helps strengthen their knees and muscles, making them stronger overall, which also benefits their bones and overall health.
Another difference between walking and running is that you can walk for a longer duration, but you can't run for too long unless you're well-trained. It has also been observed that after walking, a person feels a bit more energetic, while after running, they may not feel as energized and can feel somewhat exhausted instead. This also depends on the individual's internal capacity and how much practice they have had.
How long should you run?
It has been observed that whether you walk or run, if you do it consistently, the benefits are significant. For example, it helps maintain your heart health, keeps your blood pressure and sugar levels in check, and if you already have issues, it helps control them. Additionally, it has been noted that regular walking and running can protect you from various types of cancer. Mentally, it keeps you healthy and can help prevent age-related issues like Alzheimer’s disease, which we often refer to simply as forgetfulness.
When engaging in walking or
running, it’s crucial to wear good quality shoes and, if possible, to exercise
on natural surfaces rather than cement ones. This reduces the risk of injury to
your knees and muscles.
If you perform any exercise for more than 10 minutes at a time, it is said to have an addictive effect. So, if you run for more than 10 minutes or walk for more than 10 minutes in one go, and if I do three sets of 10 minutes each throughout the day, it means I've effectively completed 30 minutes of exercise.
An important thing to remember is to warm up before starting any exercise to protect your muscles and joints from injury. When walking, you should also ensure that your speed is good and that you aren't engaged in too much conversation with someone else. If you're chatting, it likely means your speed isn't optimal, and you won't receive as many benefits.
That's true. A person gets more tired when running, so they can't run for long periods. However, they can walk briskly for longer. So, keep the tips provided by the doctor in mind, but choose one based on your own situation.
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