running vs walking at the same speed

kiku76

Does one have more benefits than the other?

lizard053

That is an excellent question! I don't know the answer to it but...

Walking is lower impact on the body, and much less harmful to the joints.
Running is usually at a higher perceived effort level, and feels like more work.

Personally, I find running burns more calories, as my heart rate increases more when running than walking for the same speed.

elion7

I've heard for a long time that you burn the same number of calories per mile, whether you're running or walking. But I found this article to be interesting
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html

MoreBean13

Walking is lower impact so it's easier on your joints. At a certain speed running becomes more efficient than walking so its actually easier to run than to walk really fast so the calorie burn per distance is actually higher for walking and its lower impact.

The big benefit for running vs. walking at the same speed is that power walkers usually look like humongous tools. Sorry!

Lift_This_

The big benefit for running vs. walking at the same speed is that power walkers usually look like humongous tools. Sorry!

I enjoy walking and so don't look like a humongous tool. For now it is better for my ankles that I walk more than I run.

taunto

Running builds endurance and stamina. Walking is great for burning calories but if you want to increase your stamina, see if you can get some running mixed in.

kiku76

LMAO about the power walkers.
I just asked cause I dont have a HRM (I know, I know. Get one) and was playing around with the exercises log. I'm starting c25k on monday and wondered how running compares to walking since I've been doing walk at home DVDs. At the same speed, it says that walking and jogging burn the same calories.

kiku76

I've heard for a long time that you burn the same number of calories per mile, whether you're running or walking. But I found this article to be interesting
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html

just read through this. that was very interesting. thanks for the link

AZKristi

There is not much difference in my running vs. walking speed because I am a beginning runner and I am still pretty heavy. I am sure my speed will improve with practice. For me, walking simply isn't challenging enough to get my heart rate anywhere near my target HR zones for interval training. So, I run!

jsapninz

I've heard for a long time that you burn the same number of calories per mile, whether you're running or walking. But I found this article to be interesting
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html

I was JUST wondering about this a few hours ago (yeah I suppose I could have tested it with my HRM but at least I know now). It does make sense that running burns more because with that gait your heart rate is more elevated.

Thanks for posting this!!!!!

chevy88grl

LMAO about the power walkers.
I just asked cause I dont have a HRM (I know, I know. Get one) and was playing around with the exercises log. I'm starting c25k on monday and wondered how running compares to walking since I've been doing walk at home DVDs. At the same speed, it says that walking and jogging burn the same calories.

I just want to say - I lost ALL my weight without a HRM. So, while it is a nice tool to have, it isn't necessary by any means.

LilRedRooster

Walking is lower impact so it's easier on your joints. At a certain speed running becomes more efficient than walking so its actually easier to run than to walk really fast so the calorie burn per distance is actually higher for walking and its lower impact.

Basically, that. Generally speaking, there are certain speeds where it is inefficient to continue running, because it's so slow that it just becomes physically cumbersome to continue the stride. Same thing with walking. A higher speeds, it just becomes much more efficient mechanically to switch to a different stride, because your joints, bones, and muscles will be working with the speed, and not against it.

As for calories burned, they are probably going to be pretty similiar in general, though the muscles worked and overall physical conditioning will be different.

runnercheryl

I burn 89-111 calories per mile walking, and 116-134 per mile running. This is based on the last week of my stats.

kazzari

The big benefit for running vs. walking at the same speed is that power walkers usually look like humongous tools. Sorry!

Sadly for them, I have to agree. I feel bad saying it, but let's be honest. :-)

johnwhitent

Running builds endurance and stamina. Walking is great for burning calories but if you want to increase your stamina, see if you can get some running mixed in.

This, plus a big one, running builds bone density and walking does not. I am turning 60 on my next birthday making me old enough to start thinking about bone density as I age, so it's a is a huge push towards running for me. It's also a issue for all women of any age.

kazzari

I've heard for a long time that you burn the same number of calories per mile, whether you're running or walking. But I found this article to be interesting
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html

I was JUST wondering about this a few hours ago (yeah I suppose I could have tested it with my HRM but at least I know now). It does make sense that running burns more because with that gait your heart rate is more elevated.

Thanks for posting this!!!!!

It does make sense. The idea that intensity has no impact on total calories burned over a certain distance has always baffled me. Nice to have that issue finally cleared up.

LorinaLynn

Power walkers always look to me like they need to find a bathroom ASAP but are afraid the flood gates will open if they break into a run. :blushing:

kazzari

Running builds endurance and stamina. Walking is great for burning calories but if you want to increase your stamina, see if you can get some running mixed in.

This, plus a big one, running builds bone density and walking does not. I am turning 60 on my next birthday making me old enough to start thinking about bone density as I age, so it's a is a huge push towards running for me. It's also a issue for all women of any age.

From what I have read, running only builds bone density in your lower leg bones. I also have read that the best way to build bone density in your hips is doing weighted squats. Admittedly, it has been a few years since I read this, and new studies are coming out all the time , so I could be wrong.

kazzari

Power walkers always look to me like they need to find a bathroom ASAP but are afraid the flood gates will open if they break into a run. :blushing:

Q
LOL. Well then I probably spend a lot of time looking like a power walker after all.

meshashesha2012

at the same speed? i dont think you're going to get as many benefits from running if it's at a speed that you can walk since it's not that difficult for your body.

once you reach the walking/running threshhold it's harder for your body to walk since it's less efficient and therefore more calories burned. for instance my threshhold is about 4.8/4.9 on the treadmill. it's more comfortable for me to run it (gives me a lower heart rate) than if i were to power walk it

lion_queen

Im not sure, if I can walk with a 10mph speed...

kazzari

at the same speed? i dont think you're going to get as many benefits from running if it's at a speed that you can walk since it's not that difficult for your body.

once you reach the walking/running threshhold it's harder for your body to walk since it's less efficient and therefore more calories burned. for instance my threshhold is about 4.8/4.9 on the treadmill. it's more comfortable for me to run it (gives me a lower heart rate) than if i were to power walk it

That article did say that when you get to a certain speed then you burn more calories walking vs. running.

McKennaShephard

Actually, they aren't. If you walk a mile, you burn 93 calories. But if you run a mile, you burn 135 calories.

scorpio516

Im not sure, if I can walk with a 10mph speed...

Some people can. High level race walkers do a 20k in 1:20. That's right around 6:00/mile, walking...

Nopedotjpeg

I'm not sure how you're walking and running the same speed....

FloraSin

I can burn more calories in a day's walking because I can literally walk for hours (and do so in the evening with my friend and my Mom who can't run because they have arthritis)...Running? not so much.

I'm on the second week of c25k. I had started previously, got sick and am now starting over. It's amazing. You'll be alternating between walking and jogging (though, I pick up into a run during the jog part) and even after the cool down walk, I'd say squish in a little more walking.

Again, can't stress how awesome C25K is. It helped me quit smoking and get back to running like an average non smoker.

Are you using the program through your iPod? Before my Fitbit came this month, I was using an old watch with a hrm built in (though I barely used it) and eventually just started using Nike+ because it's free and seemed fairly good for tracking.

Finally, if you like running, you should run. I do and it feels awesome when I do it. My friend on the other hand couldn't enjoy it if she were running to a giant brownie that was magically zero calories. She walks.

I'm rambling. lol. I forget what we're talking about.

Pick the one that feels right, and adjust how long you do it to fit your calorie burning needs.

kiku76

I can burn more calories in a day's walking because I can literally walk for hours (and do so in the evening with my friend and my Mom who can't run because they have arthritis)...Running? not so much.

I'm on the second week of c25k. I had started previously, got sick and am now starting over. It's amazing. You'll be alternating between walking and jogging (though, I pick up into a run during the jog part) and even after the cool down walk, I'd say squish in a little more walking.

Again, can't stress how awesome C25K is. It helped me quit smoking and get back to running like an average non smoker.

Are you using the program through your iPod? Before my Fitbit came this month, I was using an old watch with a hrm built in (though I barely used it) and eventually just started using Nike+ because it's free and seemed fairly good for tracking.

Finally, if you like running, you should run. I do and it feels awesome when I do it. My friend on the other hand couldn't enjoy it if she were running to a giant brownie that was magically zero calories. She walks.

I'm rambling. lol. I forget what we're talking about.

Pick the one that feels right, and adjust how long you do it to fit your calorie burning needs.

I downloaded the one for android. Forget which one.
I have never been a runner but have wanted to be able to run for awhile now so I'm finally going to give it a go

johnwhitent

Running builds endurance and stamina. Walking is great for burning calories but if you want to increase your stamina, see if you can get some running mixed in.

This, plus a big one, running builds bone density and walking does not. I am turning 60 on my next birthday making me old enough to start thinking about bone density as I age, so it's a is a huge push towards running for me. It's also a issue for all women of any age.

From what I have read, running only builds bone density in your lower leg bones. I also have read that the best way to build bone density in your hips is doing weighted squats. Admittedly, it has been a few years since I read this, and new studies are coming out all the time , so I could be wrong.

It is untrue that running only builds bone density in the lower legs. I do agree that weigthed squats are great for hips, but running benefits hips (and the entire body) as well. My md advocated running to help heal a broken arm. Running benefits the entire muscular/skeletal system. Here is a link that touches on this issues. The article is more about alleged knee issues with runners but it does provide some info directly related to this discussion.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285--12232-0,00.html

PS: In my original post I overstated in saying that running helps with bone density but walking does not. Walking does help, just not near as much as running.

grinch031

Walking is better than running when done at the same speed (at a fast walking speed) because it is more intense, lower impact, and burns more calories. However I think most would be better off running, presumably if it is at a faster speed than they are capable of walking.

mandylooo

Actually, they aren't. If you walk a mile, you burn 93 calories. But if you run a mile, you burn 135 calories.

But those burns are speed dependent. What we're talking about here is what happens if you walk at eg 4.5 mph for eg. 10mins compared with what happens if you at the same speed for the same time.

Nopedotjpeg

Wouldn't crawling be even better if you could do it at the same speed as walking? Then you get to work in arms amirite?!