What burns energy, running a mile or walking a mile?
We’ve all heard it….”no pain, no gain”. Running has therefore got to be better because you sweat more, you breathe faster and therefore burn more energy!
Really?
I suppose you can use the same argument of “which is heavier, a 1kg of feathers or a 1kg of brick” – they are both the same! Therefore because the distance is the same, the energy used must be the same!
OK, that’s not strictly true, so here’s the science bit!
Take on average someone who weights 70kg, walking about 3.1 miles per hour, they use 50 units of energy per km but running at 6.2 miles per hour, they use 78 units.
So…..running is better so it seems! HOWEVER, at the start of the run, you are metabolising carbohydrates before you start to burn fat. 60% of your maximum aerobic capacity (reached at around 75% of maximum heart rate – generally 220 minus your age) is optimal, therefore low to moderate exercise is a better way to burn energy/fat and on the plus side can be easier on your joints! OK, so you do burn SLIGHTLY more energy when you run, but it’s not a huge significant amount.
Running is more of a workout per unit of time but if you think you’ll need to exercise for half the time if you run, you’re sadly incorrect! Then again, an amble round the park for three miles is equivalent of a three mile run, that isn’t quite right either!
Overall, even if you are running every single day, you won’t lose any weight if you are putting more energy into your body than you need.
I suppose the next question is comparing your exercise on a treadmill to that outdoors. Yes, you’ve got the pounding of the pavement on your knees and legs. Running outdoors does burn slightly more energy than indoors because of the air resistance but more tricks of the trade show that setting the treadmill to an incline of 1% evens this out!
Many scientific papers on movement and exercise do not take into account the impact of our mind and how we feel on the rest of the body. The psychological impact is yet to be truly explored.
The truth is what is right for you? We are all different and as such need to do what is right for your body and mind. If you don’t like or can’t run then walking is definitely the best thing for you and will make a significant difference to you health and wellbeing. If however, you are training for a marathon walking is not going to get you there (unless you are walking the 23 miles). I believe the outside is better for health as you get fresh air and can take in nature but if you get hay fever then the gym might be the place for you.
Do what is right for your body. The only thing science ever shows us is the average info for Joe Bloggs. Do what makes you feel amazing.
While we’re talking about lower body, here’s the fabulous exercise of the month!
Squat
Start with the feet just over hip width apart and then lower your bum down as far as you can and come back up. Try 2 sets of 12 and increase to 3! Make sure you rest for 60 seconds between each!
Have an awesome October.
