By Ana Wallace-Fitness Trainer

Power walking and running both offer great health benefits, but power walking has some unique advantages that might make it a better choice for you:

1. Lower Impact on Joints: Power walking is gentler on your knees, hips, and ankles compared to running. This makes it a great option if you’re concerned about joint health or are recovering from an injury.
2. Reduced Risk of Injury: Because it’s a lower-impact activity, power walking carries a lower risk of injuries like shin splints, stress fractures, and knee pain³.
3. Full Body Engagement: Power walking engages your core, arms, and legs. Swinging your arms with intention can help tone your upper body, while your legs and glutes get a good workout with each step.
4. Accessibility: Power walking doesn’t require any special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. It’s suitable for nearly all fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those looking to ease into a fitness routine.
5. Calorie Burn: While running burns more calories per minute, power walking can still be an effective way to burn calories, especially if you walk at a brisk pace. For example, power walking at 4.5 mph can burn a similar number of calories as jogging at the same speed.
6. Mental Health Benefits: Both power walking and running can boost your mood and reduce anxiety and depression. However, the lower intensity of power walking might make it a more enjoyable and sustainable activity for some people.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal fitness goals, health considerations, and preferences. Do you prefer a gentler, more sustainable workout, or are you looking for a higher-intensity exercise?