Still Confused If It Is Better To Walk Faster Or Longer? Clear Your Doubts Here!

Also Read: Walk Your Way To Wellness: 8 Long-Term Walk Benefits 

What Are The Benefits Of Walking Fast Or Walking Longer? 

“Is it better to walk faster or longer?” depends on your fitness goals and personal preferences. Here are some of the health benefits that you can observe while walking fast or walking longer: 

1. Keeps Your Heart Healthy  

By investing 30 minutes daily in walking, you can improve your heart health as it increases your heart rate and breathing. It is also effective against heart disease. When you walk fast, your heart pumps more blood, and blood circulation in your body increases. This increase in circulation helps deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to tissues and organs, supporting the entire cardiovascular system.   

2. Helps In Calorie Burn  

If you want to maintain your weight, and that too in a sustainable way, start brisk walking. It can burn more calories in less time. When you walk quickly, your heart rate increases, and your muscles become active. This means your body uses more energy and burns more calories per minute. Brisk walking can be helpful for people who want to lose weight or stay fit.  

3. Improves Endurance And Stamina  

It is also a great way to improve your endurance and stamina. Walking fast or moderately for long periods can help you achieve good stamina. By gradually increasing walking time, people can improve the work of the cardiovascular system and compete in providing oxygen to the muscles. Gradual change leads to endurance, allowing a person to walk with ease and less effort for longer periods.    

Also Read: Top 9 Health Benefits Of A Night Walk After Dinner! 

4. Maintains Joint Health  

Your joint health depends on your physical activity. Unlike high-intensity exercise, which puts a lot of stress on your joints, long walks at a moderate pace are a low-impact form of exercise that promotes health, fitness, and longevity. Longer walks allow people to participate in physical activity without straining joints or risking injury. Rhythmic walking helps lubricate joints, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion.     

5. Boosts Your Mental Well-Being 

Walking is equally important for boosting mental health. Spending time in an open environment around nature by engaging in physical activities such as walking can positively affect mental health factors. Not only this, but these long walks provide an opportunity to get rid of the stress of daily life, allowing people to clear their minds, reduce stress, and improve their mood.    

6. Maintaining Personal Fitness Level 

The most important benefit of walking fast and longer is keeping fit. Starting with short, slow walks are recommended for beginners or those who have been around for a while.   These walks are a gentle introduction to exercise and allow the body to move slowly without stressing the muscles and joints. As fitness improves and endurance increases, individuals can climb faster or longer. This improvement can be achieved by gradually increasing the speed of each training session or combining both.   

Also Read: Delve Into Walking Workouts: Benefits, Exercise Plan, Types & Debunking Myths 

How To Do Walking For Weight Loss? 

Is it better to walk for speed or distance? Walking is a simple way to keep your health updated and fit. Everyone can do it in their own way, but considering these tips can maximise the benefits of walking for weight loss:  

1. Always Try To Make a Structured Plan 

It's important to establish a consistent walking routine by creating a structured plan and incorporating diversity to keep it interesting. As you gain muscle tone, energy, and endurance, your desire to continue walking will inevitably increase. 

2. Use Good Fitness Trackers 

Fitness trackers serve as motivational tools by recording your steps and distance. Aim to take 6,000–10,000 steps per day and find other ways to increase your activity level beyond walking. 

3. Walking Journal Can Be of Great Help  

Make sure to track your walking minutes, miles, or steps using a paper, computer, or app. Setting realistic goals and monitoring your progress frequently can help you stay motivated. 

4. Yes, Timing Matters 

Try to establish a consistent walking time that suits your schedule and preferences, whether it's a peaceful nighttime stroll or an early morning walk, to avoid distractions. 

Also Read: 8 Benefits Of Daily Walking For Weight Loss 

Expert's Advice   

As an expert, I encourage you to consider your goals and preferences when deciding whether to walk faster or longer. A short walk can increase calorie intake and cardiovascular benefits if you're focusing on weight loss or heart health.  

But longer, shorter walks may be more appropriate if you value endurance, joint health, or mental health. Ultimately, finding the right balance for your lifestyle and interests is crucial. The combination of brisk and long walks can provide versatile health benefits. Listen to your body and adjust your walking habits accordingly.  

Dt. Akshata Gandevikar  

The Final Say