Running vs Walking for the Same Distance: Which Consumes More Energy?

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You’ve probably wondered which burns more calories: running or walking? We’re diving deep into the energy expenditure differences between running vs walking, exploring the science behind those calorie counts, and revealing which activity might be best for your goals.

Vertical movement in running vs walking

When running, the body moves up and down more compared to walking. This vertical movement requires the lower limb muscles to generate more force, expending more energy without contributing to forward motion.

Post-exercise energy expenditure: Running vs walking

When comparing running vs walking, running leads to a greater increase in energy consumption after the activity compared to walking. This is due to the higher intensity of running, which raises body temperature and replenishes energy reserves.

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Running vs walking: Speed matters

If walking speed is very slow (around 5 km/h), the basal metabolic rate will result in higher calorie expenditure over time. Conversely, if the walking speed is very fast (more than 8 km/h), running becomes more energy-efficient due to the coordination required for fast walking.

Our intuitive sense of running vs walking: Energy efficiency

Humans have a precise intuitive sense of the energy efficiency of different movement styles, particularly when it comes to running vs walking. The point at which one spontaneously switches from walking to running on a treadmill corresponds to the moment when walking becomes more energy-consuming than running. This instinctive shift highlights our bodies’ natural understanding of which movement style is most efficient for a given pace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to running vs walking, running consumes more energy than walking for the same distance. This is due to factors like greater vertical movement, increased post-exercise energy expenditure, and the relationship between walking speed and energy efficiency. However, both walking and running are beneficial for saving energy compared to other modes of transportation. Follow our official Facebook page now to receive more interesting information.

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