When we talk about exercise, we often hasten to tell you that it doesn’t have to be too strenuous. In fact, if you haven’t done a lot of exercise recently, we positively recommend starting slow. You don’t have to be running full speed to experience all sorts of benefits. Let’s look at what you can and can’t do with jogging, or even brisk walking (https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/brisk-walking-and-jogging-benefits-disadvantages-and-research/).
It would probably help to start by defining what the differences are between walking, jogging and running. Brisk walking, which is the kind you need to exercise, normally has a pace of between three and four miles an hour (this can drop as you age). Jogging is generally between four and six miles. Past that, you’re running.
Walking is generally thought of as one of the gentlest forms of exercise, but if you still find it difficult or painful, you may want to try water aerobics or swimming instead. Brisk walking allows you to push your heart and lungs, helping boost your cardiovascular health. If you’re out in the sunshine, it can raise your vitamin D levels. The benefits aren’t just physical; you’re also likely to see improvements in your mood.
Jogging is the intermediate stage between walking and running, which means you’ll experience all the benefits of brisk walking, but intensified, and you’re still less likely to receive an injury than if you run. Other advantages of both brisk walking and jogging include a lower risk of developing eyesight problems when you age, reduced cancer risk, and better quality of sleep (especially after menopause).
There are some disadvantages to walking and jogging, however. For example, you’re mostly working your lower body, though you still engage your core. You’ll need to find another type of exercise to work your arms and shoulders for a more well-rounded workout. Walking also doesn’t burn calories as well as more strenuous exercise. Jogging may be safer than running, but it still puts a lot of pressure on weight-bearing joints, which may be damaging, and it could even increase your risk of heart attack.
Everyone works differently, which means everyone responds to exercises in variable ways. Whether you try brisk walking, jogging, running or something else, you need to figure out what suits your temperaments and your goals. Make sure you use the safest techniques, listen to your body and don’t rush into anything.
