by David Payne

Created on: May 31, 2010   Last Updated: November 01, 2010

The age old question of which is better, walking versus running. To the majority of people the answer seems obvious, running is offered up with few people questioning the response. It is of more cardiovascular benefit and burns more calories in a shorter time, are the main reasons why it is the superior exercise.

Except for the cardiovascular aspect running is more intense in general, and it does burn more calories. Call me difficult but its the wrong choice everyday of the week. Walking is by far, and i mean by far the best single exercise a human being can do not just for weight loss, but for longevity. If you want to lose weight in a healthy and safe way walk. I personally lost seven stone through walking. My weight crept up on me in my early twenties and i had a very hard time getting it off. The biggest factor in this weight loss was walking. Once i decided that enough was enough i sought exercises that were both low impact and of a good cardiovascular nature . Cycling and walking were the two i opted for after much research. The weight started to fall off very quickly at first, and continued at a steady rate until i reached with good diet my target weight.

Never did i feel during this time that i was straining myself beyond what my body would allow. My fitness increased month on month until i could incorporate other exercises such as rowing,swimming and minor weight training . I have tried running for several months, call it a gut instinct but it did not feel as healthy or as beneficial. It is not a low impact exercise to start with, your joints even with the best of trainers take a terrible pounding. The effort that your heart requires to run on a long term basis and for extended periods is immense.

I believe not just my  weight loss, but the overall well being you feel after a good and steady walk meets all the targets someone that wishes to be fitter needs. It is the most natural way to get your body moving whilst expanding your lungs and burning excess fat.  Even if you have severe health problems a gentle walk can start you on the road to recovery whilst not pushing your heart to far to soon. Do not run before you can walk springs to mind. An age old saying and wise words indeed. It is not just a moderate exercise either if you wish to improve your fitness greatly. Two hour and above walks at a steady pace will give all the cardiovascular exercise you need, at the same time letting your body do it the natural way. Running is about being in that zone, pounding your way to fitness. Walking is a more effective and social exercise. It can be done with all the family and you can incorporate learning into your exercise time. Teach your children about nature and local history as you put one foot in front of the other.

If further proof was needed then think about this. Compare how many elderly runners you see versus elderly walkers. The vast majority of people living into old age are keen walkers not runners. The walker nearly always looks healthier than the runner. Half the people that jog look like a heart attack waiting to happen. Rarely the case with ramblers. And finally if you wish to live longer, to be more healthy and take time to soak in all that lies around us in this natural world then WALK THE WALK.

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