It may be hard to believe at first, but walking may actually be more beneficial for you than jogging — particularly when it comes to weight loss. There is growing support for this claim among health professionals. Harley Paternak, the personal coach of Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and Ariana Grande, is one of several key celebrity proponents for walking.
Running is an activity that focuses on a person’s cardiovascular endurance rather than weight loss. Some studies even show that too much jogging may lead to a slower metabolism and make the person susceptible to weight gain. This is due to hormones produced by the thyroid during overactivity.
Running also increases the likelihood of getting injured; people who run regularly are on average twice as likely to suffer an injury compared to those who opt to walk for their exercise. That’s because each foot has to support two-and-a-half times your body weight for each step you take while running, while the force is only one-and-half times your body weight when you’re walking.
After a long run we’re often left with a ferocious appetite and it’s tempting to guzzle down anything we can. That’s due to the body wanting to replace the calories lost during an intense exercise as quickly as it can. Indeed, overeating after a tiring run is an issue that many runners face and can be detrimental to attempts to lose weight. That’s why it may be better to opt for a more sedate activity such as walking.
In addition, walking helps you burn excess fat around many parts of your body including around your abdomen. The exercise also releases endorphins — happy hormones — into your body. That’s why walking for 30 to 60 minutes a day is a great way to lose weight and brighten up your mood.
With so many health benefits, it makes sense to include more walking in our lives. This can be done by getting off the bus several stops before your destination or walking around the block at the end of your lunch break. When the weather’s nice, there’s no better way to enjoy the afternoon than by taking a walk along the beach or in the woods. So what are you waiting for? 🙂
