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I like to run. My friend prefers to walk. Which is better?

We can argue the benefits of running versus walking, but the end results is that both are excellent forms of exercise. Which do you like most? Which meets your goals. The facts of physics are that a person gets about the same amount of exercise per mile regardless of whether they walk or run.

There are limitations. A person with a medical condition such as a heart problem will be advised to keep their exercise within the capability of their body. That usually means that heart patients walk rather than run. On the other hand, a highly competitive athlete will probably not improve their conditioning significantly by walking. About the only way to be prepared to run up and down a basketball court for ten to fifteen minutes at a time is to get out there and run. The rate at which one exercises must be high enough to prepare one's body for future exercise, but at the same time below the limits where bodily injury occur. Non-athletes might as well exercise at a pace that is comfortable, usually a brisk walk.

There is psychology and motivation. I like to run because I feel like I am doing more. Actually I do the same amount of work, but my body is challenged. I feel like I am meeting a goal. Furthermore, I get two to three times as much of a workout in the same amount of time as someone walking.

My friend prefers walking because he does not have to struggle. His goal is not to feel physically challenged. His goal is to walk a certain distance, and he has plenty of time. Perhaps if he tried running, he would give up because of the difficulty and discomfort.

Both walking and running are great exercise if one sets a program and keeps to it. Either form of exercise can reduce weight, increase muscle strength, improve endurance, increase respiratory capacity and improve cardiovascular fitness. The two most significant reasons people usually have for walking or running programs are weight loss and cardiovascular health.

The type of endurance exercise gained by walking or running reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. Walkers and runners benefit in both categories, but walking and slow runs seem to be more effective in reducing cholesterol, especially the "bad cholesterol" while running at a fast pace is the more effective way of reducing blood pressure.

I prefer to run because of the physical and psychological challenge. Of course, being a victim of hypertension, my running habits help keep my blood pressure in control. Others probably would not get much of any exercise if they ran, because they would have difficulty taking that first step. For them walking is best.

In the final analysis, is running or walking best? They both are excellent forms of exercise, but personal preference is usually the determining factor.

Learn more about this author, Reynold Conger.
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