Should I run or walk?

Posted by abby on Jul 6, 2010 in Life, Workout | 0 comments

A friend made the statement this past weekend that “you burn more calories power-walking than running”. I vaguely remembered having heard similar claims, but doubting the validity of them. So, I challenged that calories burned is a matter of moving mass over distance, so whether you “power-walk” or run that distance you will burn basically the same amount of calories. Of course I also pointed out the exact number of calories will vary widely person by person, and even by fitness level of a particular person. For example, 2 years ago before I started running regularly I likely burned more calories per mile than I do now simply because my body is much more efficient at running.

A bit of searching online basically supports my line of thinking, although it isn’t quite that simple (it never is!). Here is a nice write up of running vs. walking. And a bit more info at thatsfit.com.

So, the bottom line is – get out there (or on a treadmill if the weather is bad) and get moving! It will burn calories, condition your cardiovascular system, and boost your mood (and possibly absorb some Vitamin D if the sun is shining). Do what feels good to you, but challenge yourself as well, and you will reap the benefits