Both power walking and jogging are excellent forms of cardiovascular activity, and at first glance, they may not seem so different. When compared, jogging may appear as the more beneficial of the two types of exercise, since it has the potential to burn the most calories. Still, power walking offers distinct advantages over jogging, which should be considered before committing to either type of exercise. Power walking may be a better choice, depending on your limitations and fitness level.
Lower Impact
Power walking is a form of exercise where your feet never leave the ground concurrently. This saves the joints in your hips, knees and ankles from the abrupt impact of your feet hitting the hard surface of your pavement. This is especially important if you suffer from joint conditions, such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Since you needn't propel your body forward in the way you do when jogging, you can enjoy a lower-impact version of running that won't do damage to your joints.
Energy Level
In what may be one of the more surprising benefits of walking over jogging, your energy level may be positively affected during exercise. A study published in a 2008 issue of "Psychology and Psychosomatics" found that mild to moderate exercise increased subjects' energy levels. However, it was the lower-intensity exercise that proved to be the most beneficial on energy levels. Walking was found to be particularly beneficial. In adopting a walking routine rather than a jogging routine, you may see a general improvement in your energy level throughout the day.
Less Injuries
When you're jogging and your feet leave the ground during each stride, your feet must make contact with the ground once again. This puts you at risk for more injuries over power walking, where one foot is always on the ground. Even seasoned athletes can run the risk of a rolled ankle and pulled muscles because of jogging. Walking allows you to control your movements more efficiently to help you avoid painful injuries that could sideline you from exercise for weeks at a time.
Fitness Level
While jogging is sometimes viewed as a method of exercise meant for those who are already fit, unless you have certain medical conditions, walking is well within your fitness level. That means that nearly anyone can begin power walking as a way to create healthier habits and an overall healthier lifestyle. Power walking can help you maintain flexibility, build muscle and lose weight, even if you have a low fitness level due to inactivity. The only way to start is to put one foot in front of the other until you've increased your fitness level as a gateway to other methods of exercise.
References
- "Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics"; A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Feelings of Energy and Fatigue in Sedentary Young Adults with Persistent Fatigue; Timothy W. Puetz, et al.; 2008
- Fit Sugar; You Asked: 60-Minute Brisk Walk vs. 30-Minute Jog; June 2009
- St. John Providence Health System: Jog or Walk? Both Boost Your Health
Member Comments