Walkers Versus Runners

Image Source

Walking and running are great aerobic activity choices. Both are great for your cardiovascular health and improve your well-being. Both walking and running are beneficial in your daily exercise routine and enhance how you operate in other forms of exercise. However, should you classify yourself as more of a runner or walker? First, you need to understand how much of the aerobic exercise you can handle. If you are constantly having to take breaks then you should start off as a walker. Eventually, it will be easier to go on walks, jogs, or runs. That is when you can decide if you want to be more focused on running or walking.

Running vs Walking

Image Source

There are many advantages to being a runner or walker. Runners have less risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and heart disease. However, walkers reduce their risk of heart disease by more than 9 percent per hour, while runners reduce their risk of heart disease by about 4.5 percent per hour. Running also helps to suppress appetite and burns more calories. Therefore, running achieves weight loss goals. Regardless of whether you are walking or running, individuals have seen a reduced risk of hypertension and improved cardiovascular health. Running and walking are both health positive workouts.

A Runner's Ride

Image Source

Running helps relieve you of stress, boosts your energy, keeps your heart healthy, improves your mood, staves off sickness, and aids in weight loss. Running also regulates appetite hormones better than walking. Researchers think this may have to do with a runner's increased levels of the hormone peptide YY. This hormone helps you feel satisfied and full longer. Unfortunately, running does have its downsides; it puts more stress on the body and increases the risk of injuries.

A Walker's World

Image Source

Walking may be a lighter workout, but it is similarly beneficial to your health. Walking gives you time to think and warm up for more vigorous exercises. It reduces your risk of stroke and lowers levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. You are also less likely to develop colon, breast, or womb cancer with active walking. Walkers are able to gain definition to their calves, quads, and hamstrings while lifting their glutes. If you add hill walking it’s even more effective. If you pay attention to your posture while on your walk you’ll also tone your abs and waist. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to each cell in your body helping you to feel clear and alive. Walking even boosts vitamin D and makes you feel radiant.

Choose What Works

Image Source

Deciding whether you should run or walk depends on your body and goals. Being able to run depends on your endurance and tolerance. Walking works best when getting ready for more difficult exercises. Running can achieve permanent weight loss goals. Walking strengthens your mood. Figure out your fitness goals to choose the best aerobic option.