There are benefits to both walking and running, but which is better — running or walking for the heart? Let’s find out.
Walking and running are very similar: both are aerobic exercises, help with heart health, and help burn calories. Though they have similar benefits, these can change depending on a particular person’s health needs and fitness level.
Walking vs. Running
Cardiovascular exercise often uses many of your body’s muscles, gets the heart pumping, and increases breathing rate. Cardio is great for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and it’s relatively simple to incorporate into your daily routine.
Both walking and running are great at weight management and at reducing the risk of high blood pressure. They can also help with high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, and diabetes.
In addition, both activities provide various benefits that some people may take for granted. These benefits include burning calories, lowering cholesterol, and helping prevent or manage health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Other benefits include strengthening the heart, improving sleep, lowering stress, and increasing stamina. Finally, they help improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression, increase bone density, and boost the immune system.
Better for Weight Loss
The amount of calories burned while walking or running depends on many factors. For example, running burns more calories compared to walking.
In other words, running is the better option if you need to lose weight but don’t have a lot of time in the day to exercise. However, if you have the time, walking can burn the same amount of calories – you simply walk for longer.
Studies show that storing too much fat in your midsection is linked to diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In this case, running may help reduce belly fat more efficiently.
According to a study on middle-aged females with obesity, those who performed high-intensity exercise lost much more belly fat than those who did low-intensity exercise or no exercise.
However, a 2018 review on HIIT workouts and abdominal fat found that low-intensity exercise was more effective in reducing abdominal fat. On the other hand, high-intensity training worked best at decreasing overall body fat.
Better for Your Joints
While running has many benefits, some common injuries and risks include fractures, soft tissue injuries, and shin splints. If you have joint issues or have concerns about getting injured, walking is the better choice.
In fact, those who have arthritis, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions should talk with their doctor before considering running. In these cases, walking will have the same benefits but less risk of injury.
Improving Heart Health
Running and walking have tremendous benefits on your health: they both help strengthen your heart, lungs, and help with blood flow. However, if you feel like you’re not at a good fitness level for running, walking is a great place to start.
If you make it part of your daily routine, you will see results in the long run – and HeartBeet Complete can help you meet your health goals. It’s the most complete heart health formula available and supports circulation, stamina, cholesterol, and energy levels.
Try HeartBeet Complete alongside your exercise of choice if you want to give your health the boost it needs today.
