Power Walking

We all have heard and seen on television people walking so rapidly like there was no tomorrow. Well, they don't do that just for fun as this exercise technique has many health benefits. Many trainers, athletes, and fitness aficionados are including power walking into their daily exercise program. Highly recommended by doctors, this simple, yet beneficial workout aids in reaching your fitness goals without injuring your joints (as compared to running or jogging). But what is this walk after all? Seems like any other kind of walking. Or is it? That's what we are here to find out.

Run or Power Walk

Call them power or speed or fast walking, of course, it has many positive points to be noted. But before we get into any details about speed walking vs running (or jogging), let me make something clear. Do not confuse what we are discussing with Olympic walking. What they do at the Olympic level is called race walking, where there are specific rules and regulations which need to be followed for walking fast. So now that we have that out of the picture, we'll go over the obvious differences between running and jogging and this style of walking, along with the calories burned table.

Opt to Run
Although there is a significant difference between running and jogging, this type of physical activity is considered to be intense. The runner's feet, at the time of movement, are off the ground at a particular time. If the running technique is properly executed, running can improve cardiovascular and respiratory health, reduces overall blood cholesterol, helps lose weight, tones your body, strengthens bones and your immune system. Also, running can aid in reversing the effects of aging and help in boosting your self-esteem.

Regardless of age, anyone can indulge in running inside a gym/home or outside in a park. But even though there are so many health benefits, an individual can often face some drawbacks as well. If the technique is not followed correctly, a runner can have sore muscles, knee pain, or other joint pain and knee pain after or while running. Which is why, knowing how to run correctly is essential.

Opt to Walk
What is this walk all about? When normal walking gait is combined with elevated level of speed, you will engage in this walk. Usually the pace is between 4.5 mph to 5.5 mph. For a person to power walk, he/she has to keep one foot on the floor. The contact is constant where one foot will be touching the floor, as compared to running or jogging where at one point of time, both feet are off the floor. Along with the feet, your arms also have an equal part to play. The arm swings are amplified as it helps in supporting the entire body while on this rapid gait.

The power walking technique is becoming popular day by day, and is soon replacing jogging and running. Why? Because it helps in speeding up your metabolism and also boosts overall calories burned. The workout is low-impact, which means less stress or risk of injury to your joints. But, this can still provide you with one of the best rigorous aerobic exercise. Plus the music can help you a lot too.

Total Calories Burned

The following is a table where you can see the total calories burned while running and speed walking. The reason why we gave 2 tables is because you can compare the calories burned while power walking with running. The weight is calculated in pounds and the distance covered is calculated in miles per hour. After going over the table, you can understand how many calories you can burn by performing the walking exercises.

Running Weight Distance in mph Calories 110 5 435 130 5 514 150 5 593 170 5 672 200 5 790

Power Walking Weight Distance in mph Calories 110 5 385 130 5 455 150 5 525 170 5 595 200 5 700

As I mentioned earlier, power walks and running for physical fitness have many health benefits. If you wish to learn the correct technique of a power walk and would like to include it into your daily workout schedule, talk to a fitness trainer for guidance.