Learn more about ‘Which Is Better For Your Health In Your 50s: Walking Or Jogging?’ To keep healthy, fit, and independent as you age once you reach your 50s, daily exercise is crucial. There are a variety of ways to maintain a healthy physique, but when it comes to exercise, many people choose to turn up the music and hit the pavement for some brisk cardio.
Since there is no equipment investment required, it is incredibly easy to include into your daily routine. Which is healthier for older adults: jogging or walking? We asked Ro’s Director of Medical Content & Education, Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM, a certified nutrition coach, certified personal trainer, and a member of our Medical Expert Board, for additional clarification.
Walking And Jogging Are Both Very Popular Forms Of Exercise
Both types of exercise are extremely well-liked. In fact, over 115 million Americans walk for exercise, and over 60 million don their sneakers and go for a jog or run, according to Statista.
Walking and jogging are cardio workouts you can do alone, with someone, or even with a group or club. Whether you work from home or are in the office, it’s pretty convenient to carve out time to do either each day. If you have a treadmill, the weather won’t ruin your routine. You no longer have any justifications for not engaging in regular, healthy exercise.
Walking And Jogging Elevate Your Heart, Increase Blood Flow, And Make You Stronger
So, in your 50s, which is healthier: jogging or walking? First of all, whether you choose jogging or walking, both exercises will give you good exercise as you get older. Dr. Bohl clarifies, “They both enhance blood flow and heart rate, which is good for your cardiovascular health. Additionally, they both strengthen the bones and exercise the muscles.”
What it comes down to is that the ideal form of exercise is the one that you enjoy and will consistently perform.
Jogging Provides A More Vigorous Workout Than Walking For The Same Investment Of Time, But Walking Is Better For Joint Pain
When comparing the two, jogging really causes your heart rate and blood flow to increase more than walking does. Jogging also causes you to burn more calories per minute than walking does, making it more effective. But as Dr. Bohl notes, walking is also quite advantageous “It has a lower impact than other activities, which may benefit people who have joint problems. It might also be linked to lower injury rates.”
Walking is very practical because you can do it in almost everything. Furthermore, talking to a friend while you walk may make it quite social, which is a huge plus. Jogging while chatting with someone is a little more difficult.
Walking And Jogging Both Present Risks
You can choose to conduct either a safe form of cardio or one that increases your chance of falling or getting hurt. Inflammatory conditions like plantar fasciitis or shin splints can result from overdoing it, performing it poorly, or utilizing the wrong equipment (such as bad running shoes).
Dr. Bohl advises, “Being a higher-impact sport, jogging can also be more taxing on the body than running, especially if you have joint discomfort. Additionally, it’s crucial to always live within your means. Make cautious to keep within your boundaries and avoid overexerting yourself if you are not accustomed to either activity or if you have a chronic illness that affects your capacity to do either.”
