Running versus Walking

mhesterruns

Okay so on Biggest Loser it was said running is the same as walking. I enjoy running but it does hurt my knees. Today because it is so darn hot, I ran for 15 minutes, walked fast (really fast arms pumping) for 10, then ran for about 3 and walked the rest about 10. I normally can run the full 30. I do enjoy running and the challenge but wlaking got me the same distance and I can actully walk up the stairs afterwards.

What is best/better?

jrich1

From my understanding you burn the same amount of calories per mile on each, about 70% of your body weight in calories

trainguy917

Running burns more calories than walking. Even if you could, in theory, walk at 5mph, you would still burn more calories running at the same pace because you are propelling your entire body into the air on every step. If you go to exercise and look at the database, it will tell you how many calories you burn going at different paces. The faster you run, the more calories you burn per minute, and it's not just because you go farther in a minute running than you do walking.

brwneyes71

It really doesn't matter which one you do as long as you get your heart rate up because you get the same benfits either way.. Try doing the treadmill in intervilles until the weather allows you to run outside. or just do the treadmill in a incline that gives you a really good workout as well. Of course this is just my suggetion. Good luck with your choice.

canroadrunner

As long as you run or walk the same distance, the calories are comparable. But the key is that your knees hurt. The minimal amount of calories you burn running is not worth the wear and tear on the knees and the future problems it causes. Stick to walking.

brwneyes71

Try swimming it has less of an impact on your body and your knees.

amyday1

when you are running or jogging it is more of a cardio (fat burning) exercise than walking. No doubt if your NOT going to run or be able to run power walking is the next best thing. Look at it this way, are you getting more of a WORKOUT, when you walkin in place or when you jump up and down in one place. Do both things for two minutes then you decide which one is getting your heart rate up more. The most important thing. DONT STOP DOING SOMETHING... Good luck

trainguy917

I think my reply was probably incomplete. Running does, in fact burn more calories per minute and per mile. That is, however, not the reason to run or not run. Yes, your knees not hurting is important and if running wrecks your knees, don't do it. My experience is the opposite of that, though. I find that when I run consistently, my achy knees actually get better. I've read in Runner's World that this is less unusual than you might think. But the important thing is not running vs. walking. It's interval training versus going the same rate all the time. Chugging along at 3 or 4 miles an hours for an hour will indeed burn a ton of calories, but doing anything in which you get your heart rate higher for intervals and then recovering for intervals will increase you metabolism in the short and long term. You will burn more calories in general and at an even higher rate for quite a while after your workout has ended. It's like getting a fire going super hot. It takes longer for the coals to cool back down. So if you can't run, find another way to integrate intervals, like hills or the elliptical.

knittygirl52

Hey, what matters is that you are working out and not sitting around. Keep doing whatever works for you.

antiadipose

do what u think u can do more of.
if u can walk for long and not injure ur knee, which means u can walk everyday.. this benefits u longterm!
but running 30 minutes, ending up with bad knees for a couple of days and not being able to hit the gym again for 2 days .. not good for longterm.

leanmeanrunningmachine

I do intervals and it is a lot easier on my body and I still burn a ton of calories and keep a good pace.

DoctorLaura

I would personally reccommend talking to your doctor. I have been living with rheumatoid arthritis since I was 5 years old and always used knee pain as an excuse to not run. For many people running may do more harm than good, however it depends on the individual. My doctor said that for me the benefits of running FAR outweigh the drawbacks so if I wanted to run I should run.

I have learned I just have to listen to my body. Right now I can run twice a week with little issue...anything more and it starts to slow me down. On days I don't run I walk, bike, golf, or do some other activity I enjoy.

All in all, find something you enjoy--and trust your body. A little soreness is ok, but pain is not.