No one disputes that jogging is the ideal form of exercise. It's accessible to everyone and has health benefits. However, scientists claim that brisk walking is even more accessible and, most importantly, far more beneficial than running.
Scientists conducted a study analyzing health data from 33,000 runners and 15,000 race walkers. They found that runners and walkers significantly reduced their risk of developing serious illnesses compared to those who did not exercise at all:
– the risk of primary hypertension in people who run is reduced by 4.2%, while walking reduces the risk by 7.2%.
– the risk of diabetes in people who run is reduced by 12.1%, while walking reduces it by 12.3%.
– the risk of developing coronary heart disease in people who run is reduced by 4.5%, and by 9.3% in people who walk
– cholesterol levels in people who run are reduced by 4.2%, while walking reduces them by 7%.
To calculate the data, the experts considered the distance covered by the athlete, not the time spent on physical activity. The scientists also note that both running and brisk walking engage virtually the same muscle groups.