When I am walking to and from class every day, I often get irritated by the number of people who choose to drag themselves down the sidewalk at a snail’s pace. Now, I can take comfort in knowing that they will potentially face health consequences for it in the future.
Walking is the most popular form of physical activity in America, with 62% of the population taking at least one 10-minute walk per week. It is one of the most basic forms of exercise, and something almost everyone does in some form during their day. However, some people are getting more benefits out of it than others. A study done by Paul Williams of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory showed that there is a correlation between the speed that people walk and how early they die. Walking with a brisk pace has significant health benefits and can extend longevity over those who walk at a relaxed pace. This study also shows that slower walkers are at higher risk of heart disease and dementia later in life.
Another study from the University of Pittsburgh confirmed these results, stating that there is a correlation between how fast people walk and how long they live. The researchers found that each increase in gait speed of .1 meters/second correlated with a 12% decrease in the risk of death. The reason behind this is that walking speed reflects vitality, as it involves so many different organs and systems of the body.
With many different studies confirming the same result, it is difficult to remain skeptical as to whether walking fast is that much healthier than walking slow. However, as soon as that question is answered, another rises– walking or running?
Different studies will give different answers. The Daily Mail states that walking is as good for you as running, and will equally reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. They re-confirmed the importance of walking at a brisk pace, and state that the total energy used is more important than the intensity of the workout.
On the other hand, the New York Times prefers running to walking, as runners are much more likely to maintain a healthy weight, even if energy expenditure is around the same. This is due to runners being more able to control their appetite and eat healthier diets, for reasons that are still unclear.
My theory is that people who start walking are typically unhealthier than those who start running, and the NY Times has skewed data because of it. Reverse causation comes into play here, as people who are unhealthy are more likely to walk, rather than the other way round. Not many severely obese people will start jogging as soon as they start exercising.
In the debate of walking at a normal pace against walking at a brisk pace, we have a clear winner. Walking quickly has numerous health benefits that can be obviously seen and have been studied repeatedly. However, the debate between walking and running continues, as both sides have convincing data to back them. At the end of the day, both are fantastic for the body, and the benefits of one over the other are minimal.
Your post is really interesting I’m a naturally fast walker too. Since I’ve gotten to penn state though with the huge campus I’ve been walking so much more. I found this article that talks more about the health benefits of walking, you should check it out! http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/lose-your-belly-fat-8-week-walking-workout
Wow great post. My friends mom lost 50 pounds just by walking fast everyday at the local track. I have to agree with you when you say it is healthy for you. Your evidence and studies you mentioned seemed legit but I also saw something that suggests that walking slow is healthier(link below). Not only does walking slow reportedly burn more calories it is also easier on your joints. This is like killing two birds with one stone.To me both statements might be subjective for it all depends on the biological make up and age of the person being tested. Andrew always told us the only way we can come to a good and sound conclusion is if we make sure our experimental design is done properly.
http://walking.about.com/od/weightloss/a/slowwalk0605.htm
I also agree on this being a very interesting topic. I to am a fast walker but I prefer running over walking anyway. I believe the health benefits are far better and rewarding. Also if i’m walking down the side walk and I see a 80 year old man on a nice jog throughout my apartment I think to myself if he can do it why can’t I. Either way I think we can all agree that we can’t stand being behind slow walkers. Some of these kids on campus walk slower than the walkers on the Walking Dead and I’m happy that this blog has been published to show that they can suffer from problems. http://health.sify.com/11-benefits-of-brisk-walking/
This post is extremely interesting to me because I am myself a fast walker. I never knew the speed you walked had to do with health. I just always thought walking no matter what is great exercise. After doing more research on this topic I now see why speed is important. I used to think that distance was the only thing that mattered. here is a good article on the effects of walking http://www.marksdailyapple.com/17-reasons-to-walk-more-this-year/#axzz3GtfFQsHe.
Great post! I love walking because I personally think it is the easiest way of doing exercise. Although many people believe that walking in a fast pace is healthier for you, the researchers at University of Colorado, Boulders said that walking slowly also have benefits. They said, walking slowly burns more calories than walking in a fast speed. It is also better for the joints in your legs, because it reduces 25% loads in the knees.
http://walking.about.com/od/weightloss/a/slowwalk0605.htm
I was able to relate to this topic 100%. I often walk too fast to classes to the point where people never want to walk with me and I personally get annoyed at all the slow walkers I pass on my way. According to this article http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20110104/walking-faster-may-lead-to-a-longer-life , you’re actually more likely to live a longer life if you walk faster!
I think this is a really interesting topic to blog about because it’s prevalent in society today, especially living on a huge campus with over 40,000 kids. I too often find myself getting annoyed with the slow walkers when I’m trying to get somewhere in a hurry, so this data is interesting. Third variables may be affecting the pace at which walkers walk, such as if they are in a hurry or not, their overall feeling (hangover?), or over variables like that. It’s good to know that all these years of being annoyed with the slow walkers and speeding past them has given me a slight benefit! Thanks for sharing.