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Walking is Better Than...
Running? Sex? Chocolate? Sleeping Late?

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 12, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Walking is a great exercise, a great sport, a great way to meet people and build relationships.

Better than running? Yes!
Better than sex? Sometimes!
Better than chocolate?
Better than sleeping late?

Walk, Don't Run

  • Fewer Injuries: Two out of three joggers are affected by injuries each year, most commonly of the knees. Walking produces far fewer injuries, the least injuries of any aerobic exercise.
  • Lower Impact: Runners impact with 3 times their body weight each step, walking only produces an impact of 1.5 times your body weight. Walking is far lower in impact yet still is a weight-bearing exercise that will prevent bone loss.
  • Burn Fat: It is easier to set a "fat burning" pace when walking as opposed to jogging. A fat burning pace is one where you are breathing noticeably but able to carry on a conversation.
  • Less Sweat:In many climates, you can walk during lunch without needing to shower afterwards.
  • Become a Champion:Learn to racewalk and have a great chance at winning trophies at races, whereas a duffer runner has no chance at all. As a master you can often win your age group even as a beginner.
  • Stop and Smell the Roses: Walkers can slow down, enjoy a view, explore a trail, duck into a shop or stop for a snack. Runners just jog on by, intent on getting in their time.
  • Wear Normal Clothes:Runners have to put on their jogging suits, while walkers can often walk in whatever they happen to be wearing, perhaps with just a switch to comfy shoes. I walked 2 miles each way in New York to a Broadway play wearing my slinky dress and sandals - in perfect comfort.
  • Never Hit the Wall: Marathon runners face hitting the wall as they burn out all available fuel. Walkers generally do not hit the wall on a marathon because they use fully aerobic, fat-burning energy sources.

Next Page >> Better Than Sex

Related Sites
Jogging/RunningAll kidding aside, running is excellent exercise and walkers have benefited from running research in shoes and training. If you enjoy both walking and running, come visit our Running site.
Exercise Above all, we need to get moving. The Exercise site can help you tone up and spice up your exercise routine.

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