Conflicting info running vs fast walking at incline

Bump as I would like to know this too

The most effective is going to be the one you enjoy more as you'll keep doing it.

I can't wait to lose enough weight to be running again. I spend walking sessions desperate to break into a run, but I'd hurt myself at present.

And unless the person saying it is a qualified fitness professional, she's probably saying it to make herself feel better as she plods around at 2.6 kmph.

Both are great and both will burn plenty. I started running by walking on inclines. It's a great cross training exercise but by all means RUN!!!

Do what makes you happy as long as what you're doing it to be a better you.

Do both! By adding variety, you can try to avoid repetitive motion injuries. My running coach told our group that running and walking use different muscles.

The whole idea of the "fat burning zone" is basically a myth- perpetuated by a lot of stuff in the fitness industry- in particular cardio machines with "Heart Rate Zones" showing the "Fat Burning Zone".

Go for total calories burned. While it is true that a greater PERCENTAGE of fat calories are burned at lower intensities, what comes in to play is the "cross-over point". Also, what I'm talking about here isn't my opinion, it is based on science.

Lets say that someone's maximum effort of 100% yields a 1 mile time of 10MPH, so a in a 100% effort they would cover 10 miles in an hour. Lets also assume that this person will burn 100 calories for every mile they cover.

So if they work at 70% and run 7MPH for 1 hour, they will burn 700 calories, and say 30% of those come from fat. So they will have burned 210 fat calories, 490 carb calories.

If that person follows the "work at a lower intensity" and does 1 hour at 30%, 3MPH, they will cover 3 miles and burn 300 calories, 70% of the calories will be from fat, so they'll burn 210 fat calories, and 90 carb calories.

So yes, you burn more "fat" at a lower intensity, but BFD. Focus on total calories burned. Do the training that is appropriate for your sport-goals-likes-ability,. etc... Mix it up.

Hope this helps.

I think running is a faster burn - and more importantly, the more you run the more you can run (if you know what I mean).

On the other hand, if you hate running, then its pretty much useless - definitely need to find something you like (or at least, don't hate!)

But if you are equally happy with either, I'm pretty sure that running will torch calories a lot faster than walking

I love running! For those people posting who feel too heavy to run yet---please consider water running, it is a great way to "run" without the negative impact on your body. You can run in place in deep water with a water vest [or even a water noodle in a pinch].

Also, a reminder---folks please don't run on sidewalks as they can damage your knees, ankles and hip. Running on asphalt [safely] or dirt paths are much better for joints.