Walking vs running: how do they stack up, calorie-wise?<\/p>\n
A quick Google reveals humans can burn between 100 to 200 calories<\/a> of \u201cbrisk\u201d walking. Jogging ramps this up to between 280 and 520 calories<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cCalorie expenditure is decreased when walking compared to running, due to a lack of intensity and stress put on the aerobic energy system,\u201d says Telegadas.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting that calorie counting isn\u2019t an exact science (although the best fitness trackers<\/a> can provide more accurate estimates based on your unique biodata). All of this relies on factors such as cadence, your height, and weight, and whether you have a pesky headwind slowing you down or back wind pushing you along\u2026<\/p>\n Do I need gear to get going?<\/p>\n The short answer is no. The long answer is it depends.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth running and walking require minimal gear investment, but I would stress that quality running shoes are crucial for both activities,\u201d says Mooney.<\/p>\n If you want to jump on the gear bandwagon and take your running up a notch, you\u2019ll probably want to invest in a good pair of shorts, a decent hat, sunglasses, gels, a smartwatch, a water bottle, though the list goes on. Ditto for walking; if you\u2019re hiking long-distance, you might want to add a rucksack and walking poles.<\/p>\n Basically, both activities can be as cheap or as costly as your capitalist urges to spend spend spend will allow. If you have the budget and space, a treadmill<\/a> isn’t a bad investment for postponed outdoor runs on rainy days (they even make folding treadmills<\/a> as a space-saving option).<\/p>\n At a very basic level, all you need for either is some comfortable clothes, and a good pair of comfortable trainers. That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n Am I going to get injured?<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re pioneering a pretty innovative walking technique or overdoing it on an incline treadmill,<\/a> it\u2019s going to be difficult to get injured walking. Running is a different game.<\/p>\n \u201cInjuries are higher in runners who do not incorporate resistance training into their routine,\u201d says Telegadas. \u201cThis is due to repeated stress placed on the ankles, knees, hips, lower back, etc. Total body training splits performed twice a week can help.\u201d<\/p>\n