10 Benefits of Walking Instead of Running

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Walking is often celebrated as a gentle yet effective form of exercise, accessible to a wide range of individuals regardless of age or fitness level. Unlike running, which can be high-impact and daunting for those with joint concerns or those just starting their fitness journey, walking provides a low-impact alternative that can still confer significant health benefits. It is a sustainable way to improve cardiovascular health, bolster bone density, and enhance mental well-being without the enhanced risk of injury that can accompany more intense forms of exercise like running. By integrating walking into one’s daily routine, individuals can enjoy the outdoors, engage in active meditation, and promote longevity through a simple, yet profoundly beneficial, physical activity.  Here are 10 reasons why you should consider using walking instead of jogging as part of your workout routine.

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Calorie Burning

You can burn just as many calories walking as you can running, depending on circumstances. For example, if you jog slowly and don’t tax yourself, you might just walk a bit further at a faster pace and burn the same amount of calories that you would have if you jogged slowly. There is no reason you can’t burn just as many calories walking, it might just take you a little bit longer to do it.

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Less Chance of Osteoarthritis

This is a serious health issue that is often associated with running. Many people have felt the stress of this health issue, but it’s not directly caused by running. However, it’s been shown that after many years of running, people are far more likely to suffer from this health issue than those who do not run, which gives walking a bit of an edge.

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Lesser Risk of Injury

When you run, you run the risk of injury (pun not intended). What we mean is that there are far fewer injuries associated with walking than there are running. It doesn’t mean running is going to hurt you or that it is bad for you; it is not. It just means that walking might mean you have a lesser chance of being injured more severely. That said, it also does not meant that walking means you will never experience any injuries throughout the course of your life.

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Less Cartilage Damage

Your cartilage does take a specific beating when you run, and that means that you can reduce this risk by walking. It’s a simple concept, really, and it’s something that many walkers consider. Some people who do have health issues will state that they are happier to walk so that they can avoid the risk of damaging their body parts. In fact, this means that for some people with past injuries, walking is a better solution.

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Improve Your Mood

You are not going to feel any happier running than you do walking. Both are going to help you increase your mood and become happier than you were before. Both release the same endorphins that cause a good mood and happiness, and both are going to ensure that you have some time to feel good and relax a bit. Exercise, as a whole, is good for you – no matter how you like it.

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Fewer Chances of Heat Stroke

Running does increase your chances of heat stroke, which is where walking is a better choice. Perhaps those with health issues might not want to run when temperatures rise. Another good example of the benefits of walking instead of running might come for a woman expecting a child. A woman with child is already more likely to suffer heat stroke, and while it’s fine for her to run, it might be a better idea for her to walk in this situation to avoid health issues that could harm her and her baby.

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Less Cardiac Stress

Your heart takes quite a ride when you exercise. And because running does require a great deal more work and effort than walking, the chance of cardiac stress occurring on a run is increased over a walk. This means those with heart issues might prefer to take a long, brisk walk in lieu of a refreshing run. It’s not forever or even for everyone, but it can be beneficial at times.

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Relaxes You

One of the good things about walking is that it can relax you a bit more than running can. Some people state that they feel a state of exhaustion after they run, but others state that they don’t. However, it’s pretty much a basic agreement that most people feel relaxed and stress-free after a good walk, which is why it can be a bit more beneficial to some than it can to others.

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Not as Taxing on Your Immune System

Running can, believe it or not, tax your immune system. You’re working your body very hard when running and it can cause your immune system to suffer a bit. This means that you might find it a bit more difficult to stay as healthy and on top of your game as you might if you took up walking more frequently than you do running. Of course, all forms of exercise are good for you and your immune system, so you’re going to have a stronger immune system running than you are doing nothing. But it’s going to be even better if your favorite method of exercise is walking.

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It Motivates You

Walking can motivate you to want to work out more often. This is a wonderful way to help you feel good about you, and that’s what exercise is really all about. What we’ve done is come up with a list of reasons you might want to consider walking sometimes, but not give up running. There is no need to give up something so good for you, but there is a reason to consider walking on top of running, or in place of it at times.