Walking Or Jogging - Which Is Better For Your Body
Looking for a good exercise routine, you probably heard walking, running, jogging, aerobics, yoga… the list goes on and on for what you "should" be doing. But what is right?
if you're not exercising, most recommend you start walking. They call it the easiest exercise for anyone to do.
But, what if you want to do more? What if you used to run and want to get back into it?
Let's take a look at the difference and see what will work best for you and your body.
Exercise Is Exercise – Right?
When you start, you start off big, don't you? You make sure you get to every class or you work out every day at your set exercise routine because exercise is exercise, right?
Turns out this is one thing the experts can agree on - if you start too fast, the chances are you will get hurt or burn out quickly.
If you're going to start exercising, or even up your routine, you should do it with a plan and stick to moderate levels of exercise for whatever you intend to do.
If you haven't exercised in a while, a half-hour three times a week is plenty to get you started. You don't need to jump into a class every day. Or aim to walk around the block once. You're probably not going to make it very far before you need to turn around, and if you wear yourself out the first time out, It puts a severe damper on your enthusiasm.
If you're already exercising and you think you might want to add some jogging or running to your routine, it's best to start with one, maybe two days a week and slowly work your way up. Realize you're not going to run a full mile on your first outing.
Let's look at the three different types of motion you can do just about any time anywhere.
Walking
Walking is considered a low impact, high return activity. It's the first recommended exercise for people who have not exercised in a while and is very entertaining.
This type of exercise primarily focuses on the lower half of your body, although weights and different exercises could be added to incorporate your whole body. One of the key points is to keep your core tensed, so when you walk, your legs do the work.
However, it's not an overly cardio exercise, and it could take much longer to build up stamina and endurance by just walking.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Gentle on the body
- Excellent companion exercise
- Helps maintain weight
Cons
- Focuses on the lower body
- Difficult to build endurance
- Difficult to maintain cardio levels
Jogging/Running
Another excellent activity to get into if you've already been exercising for a little while. Running is faster than jogging, but they have the same health benefits.
Jogging is an excellent cardio sport, engaging the whole body and providing many health benefits. It's a great way to help people maintain their weight and even help with a little weight loss.
The endorphins released during the intense portions of the exercise can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body and help modulate the balance of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Running is one of the confirmed exercises to help reduce mild to moderate depression.
However, it can be very easy to hurt yourself. Running injuries are very common. They range from pulled muscles, torn tendons, twisted ankles, plantar fasciitis, back problems, and arthritis. Working with a running coach or a physical trainer that knows, running can help you avoid most of these injuries.
For people with back problems or women with larger breasts, running may cause further injury if not done correctly or with the proper supports. Be sure to have the right equipment to make running more comfortable.
Pros
- Excellent aerobic exercise
- Excellent for strength building
- Helps maintain weight
- May help depression
Cons
- Not for people who haven't exercised previously
- Easy to hurt yourself when done incorrectly
You can look at jogging or running as the next step up from walking. By practicing good walking skills, you can build up your muscles to start running or jogging. And when done correctly, a light jog added to your walk can significantly increase the benefits you get.