When you are exercising to lose weight, the question always comes up. “Should I walk or run?” Instinctively, you likely assume that running I better because it requires you to work harder and probably burns more calories. Well the answer isn’t that simple. Sometimes walking is better for a particular individuals and their specific situation. The goal is to find an exercise that you will stick to and that is comfortable. You can always increase the toughness of your workouts as you get in shape. Both walking and running share a lot of the same benefits and either is an excellent choice.

Some of the biggest factors in determining whether or not you should walk or run is how good of shape you are currently in, your health and what you want to get out of your exercise plan. If you have not done any type of physical activity in years or even months, it is not a good idea to throw on your funning shoes and go on a long job. You probably won’t make it very far and if you do manage to gut out a mile or two, your body will be the worse for it. You will definitely feel it in the morning. In these cases, you should start off with a walk, whether or not it is slow or brisk will depend on how you feel. As stated early, it is fine to start slow. As your fitness levels increase, you can start more challenging workouts.

Your health will also make a big difference in whether or not you should begin a walking or running program. The first thing that you should do before you attempt either is to set up an appointment with your doctor. You need to make sure that you are healthy enough to do anytime of exercise. Only after you have gotten clearance should you begin. If you are an individual in poor health but have your doctor’s ok to exercise, you should probably begin with walking. This will likely be a much safer option. However, ask your doctor what he or she recommends as they will have the best and most safe advice.

Your fitness goals will also play a big factor in whether or not you walk or run. If your goal is to run a 5k or you have your mind set on becoming weekend warrior at your church’s basketball league, then you will need to run or jog. Walking won’t bring your fitness level up to where it needs to be if you want to be a competitive athlete, even as a amateur. You may not be interested in competing against anyone, you might simply want to be in great shape. If this is the case, you need to run.

Some people have different goal, though no less lofty. They just might want to be able to walk a mile, lose some weight or stay active. Their interest in being able to jog for miles may be non-existent. That’s ok. They just need to come up with a plan to meet their own goals.

Walking and running both have a number of tremendous benefits. They are good for improving cardiovascular health. They are free to do and can be done just about anywhere. You don’t have to buy an expensive gym membership. Both forms of exercise help reduce levels of stress, tone of the muscles, help ward off osteoporosis, keeps one weight down, improve energy levels and general health.

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