Dr. Archita Mahajan, a nutrition dietitian, child care expert, and trained yoga teacher with multiple recognitions including national awards and honors from various government and social organizations, has shared insights on the health benefits of running and walking.
According to her, both running and walking are excellent cardiovascular exercises, but the choice between them depends on individual health goals and physical condition.
For weight loss, running is more effective as it burns nearly twice the calories compared to walking in the same time duration. For example, a 30-minute walk may burn around 137 calories, while running at a moderate pace can burn approximately 380 calories or more.
However, walking offers significant benefits such as low impact on joints, reduced risk of injury, and long-term sustainability. It is especially suitable for beginners, elderly individuals, or those recovering from injuries.
Both exercises contribute positively to heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke when performed consistently.
Dr. Mahajan also highlighted that fitness choice should depend on personal goals, existing health conditions, injury history, and lifestyle. People with medical concerns are advised to consult a doctor before starting intense workouts like running.
Ultimately, the most effective exercise is the one a person can maintain consistently, whether it is walking or running.
