The mechanics of walking are somewhat different from the mechanics of running. These differences affect energy efficiency, maximum speed and the level of exposure to the body.
When walking and running, approximately the same number of calories is burned if the same distance is passed at the same speed, but the degree of impact on the body and the muscles that participate in each type of movement are different. Below you will find the answer to the question of how walking is different from running.
Knee angle
During the run, the knees are bent at a greater angle than during walking, which increases the force of impact on the ground during the run compared to the one that acts while walking.
An increase in the bend of the knee joint also increases the force generated by the quadriceps (knee extensors). This is one of the reasons why running is a more tedious activity for the knees and quadriceps of the thigh than walking the same distance.
Top speed
The average walking speed is about 5 kilometers per hour, but fast and strong walkers can often develop it over 8 kilometers per hour. The speed with which you feel more comfortable when running than when walking is known as break point. A typical point for many people will be somewhere between 6 and 8 kilometers per hour. For most people, a running step allows you to increase your overall maximum speed better than a walking step.
Ground contact
What distinguishes running from walking is the time during which each foot is in contact with the ground. During walking, at least one of your legs will be in contact with the ground at any given time. During running, the period of such contact of each leg is minimal.
Walking is a low-impact exercise that makes it safer than running. It can give all the benefits of running for health, but with less chance of injury. On the other hand, running has a strong effect on joints and ligaments, which can lead to sprains, deformations and blisters. The surface on which you move can increase the chances of injury, so it’s important to choose it correctly, like shoes.
Strength
Running is a more intense exercise than walking. Not only do you use twice as much energy while running compared to walking, you also burn more calories when training for the same amount of time. This is what distinguishes walking from running. For example, when running, a 70-pound person can burn 800 calories in one hour, compared with only 300 calories when walking. Thus, the first type of exercise provides more benefits for burning fat in less time.
Also, compared to walking, running “explodes” the muscles and improves the performance of fast and slow muscle fibers.
Endurance
How is running different from walking in terms of endurance? So, in terms of energy consumption and weight loss, running is more effective. Burning the same amount of calories while walking takes more time. People who spend as many calories while walking get the same benefits for the cardiovascular system: lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol. Nevertheless, running improves endurance better than walking. Those who regularly run will be able to do physical work for longer periods of time and develop more stamina than those who only walk, even for long distances.
Summary
So, we found out how running is different from walking. Deciding which form of exercise is best for you. Ultimately, the choice depends on your body type, health and general goals. Those who are overweight or are just starting to exercise can prefer walking. It is suitable for those who have certain injuries.
Nevertheless, those who want to lose weight faster, get a more effective workout or improve their stamina should prefer running. In any case, always consult your doctor before starting any new workout.