Walking is widely accepted as one of the most beneficial physical activities for overall health and well-being.
But did you know power walking can be even more beneficial than running? Power walking remains primarily overlooked and underrated – yet it has numerous health benefits, some of which may surprise you.
In this article, we will discuss why power walking is better than running and uncover three hidden advantages to power walking that you may not have been aware of.
If you’re looking to step up your physical activity and incorporate more of it into your life, power walking is the activity you have been looking for.
1. Low-Impact Exercise
Power walking is a low-impact exercise that offers a great alternative to running. It’s much easier on the body and joints but can still provide an excellent cardiovascular workout. It’s also more accessible, as anyone can do it, regardless of age or physical ability.
Plus, it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy a scenic route. Power walking is a great way to get fit and stay in shape while avoiding the strain and potential injuries of high-impact exercises like running.
2. Improves Balance and Coordination
Many people overlook the importance of balance and coordination in physical fitness. But these two areas can help you become a better runner and help you avoid injuries.
That’s why power walking is superior to running in this regard. When power walking, there is more emphasis on the whole body, which helps improve balance and coordination.
You’ll find that when you power walk, your feet are less likely to stumble, and you’ll be able to move in a more controlled and coordinated manner. This improved balance and coordination will help you become a better, faster, and safer runner.
3. Burns More Calories than Running
Power walking is an excellent way to burn calories, as it can burn more calories than running! Power walking is a low-impact exercise that ramps up your heart rate without the risk of straining your joints.
This makes it an ideal activity for people who cannot run, such as those with joint issues or the elderly. Power walking briskly will help you burn more calories than running, as your arms and legs must move faster to keep up with your movement.
Plus, the extra action of your arms helps increase your caloric burn even more.
Related: What Ashwagandha is Good for? Science-Backed Health Benefits
4. Strengthens Muscles without Weights
Power walking is a great cardio exercise and strengthens your muscles without needing weights. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, which means it puts stress on your bones, muscles, and joints, but without the intensity of running.
This makes it easier to strengthen your muscles without putting too much strain on your body. You don’t need to worry about using weights or having the right equipment – all you need is a good pair of walking shoes.
Related: 18 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Quinoa
5. Is Easier on Joints
Power walking is an activity that is often overlooked as a viable and beneficial form of exercise. Still, three hidden benefits to power walking are rarely discussed.
First, power walking is much easier on your joints than running. Running can be a jarring activity that can take a toll on your joints and muscles, but power walking is much more gentle.
You can enjoy the same cardiovascular benefits without the same wear and tear on your body. Second, power walking is easier to do with a partner or in a group. Whereas running can be a solitary activity, power walking is an excellent form of exercise to do with a friend or in a class. a
Finally, power walking can be done at multiple levels. You can start walking briskly and work up to power walking with hand weights or a weighted vest.
This allows you to increase your workout intensity and make it more enjoyable gradually.
Conclusion
Power walking has many benefits, making it a great exercise to include in a healthy lifestyle. It is less impactful on the body than running and is easier on the joints while providing an effective cardio workout.
Power walking also has the added benefit of increased oxygen intake and improved metabolism. With these hidden benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more people are starting to choose power walking over running.
