Running vs walking: What's more effective for weight loss
Photo: What is the best workout for weight loss (freepik.com)
Running and walking are two of the most popular ways to stay physically active, but when it comes to burning calories, which is more effective?
RBC-Ukraine answers the question and explains the details.
Running: Faster but more intense
Running is considered one of the most energy-consuming activities. On average, you can burn between 300 and 500 calories in 30 minutes of running, depending on your speed, weight, and fitness level. Running also has a post-workout effect: even after the session ends, your body continues to burn calories due to an accelerated metabolism.
However, running has its downsides. It creates significant stress on the joints and cardiovascular system, which can make it dangerous for people with injuries, obesity, or health problems.
Walking: Safer but slower
Walking is a less intense alternative that suits almost everyone. In 30 minutes of fast walking, you can burn between 150 and 250 calories, depending on your weight and speed. Although this number is half what you can burn while running, walking has its advantages: it puts minimal strain on the joints, reduces stress levels, and positively impacts the cardiovascular system.
Walking is also suitable for long-duration workouts: walking 10,000 steps (approximately 7-8 km) a day can effectively maintain health and fitness without overloading your body.
Which workout should you choose
The choice between running and walking depends on your goals and health condition. If you want to burn calories quickly and are ready for intense exertion, running is the better option. However, if you are looking for a less traumatic, longer-term way to stay in shape, walking would be a better choice.
Remember, the most important thing in physical activity is consistency. Whether it's running or walking, the key is to enjoy it and respect your physical capabilities.
Sources: Marca, Eating Well, Live Strong
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
