Walking far or fast is good for health?

Should you focus on speed to maximize the benefits of walking, or is distance the most important aspect of this exercise?

In recent years, walking has become increasingly popular because of its benefits for both physical and mental health.

According to Dr. Johanna Contreras, Mount Sinai Heart Hospital (USA), walking activates the cardiovascular system, increases circulation, improves blood sugar metabolism and helps control inflammation. Basically, this is a simple activity, even beginners can do it, according to Women's Health .

Walking is becoming more and more popular because of its benefits for both physical and mental health.

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If you’re not aiming for 10,000 steps a day, are you wondering whether walking farther or faster is better for your health? “Both are good, but you can only choose between energy or time. Whichever you choose, starting to walk will make a difference in your health,” says Dr. Contreras.

Walking further increases endurance

First, you need to determine the minimum speed you need to get the benefits of walking. According to Dr. Contreras, this will vary from person to person, and the easiest way to determine this is when your heart rate starts to increase, even just a little. That's when you'll start to sweat, and walking will have its benefits.

The biggest benefit of long-distance walking is improved endurance. In other words, the ability to sustain physical activity without overloading the heart, because it helps you get used to keeping your heart rate elevated for a longer period of time. Dr. Contreras also notes that longer walks are a better option for older adults, because they don't need to raise their heart rate as much to get the same benefits.

Walking faster improves cardiovascular health

Walking faster will increase your heart rate, which will trigger a stronger cardiovascular response. Your heart will pump blood around your body faster, helping your muscles use oxygen more efficiently.

“Your heart rate increases, your exercise capacity—your body’s ability to use maximum amounts of oxygen during high-intensity exercise, reflecting your cardiovascular and respiratory endurance—increases, which requires more effort from your metabolism and blood pressure control. It’s harder than walking at a slow pace, of course, but you can cut the time in half,” says Dr. Contreras.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/di-bo-xa-hay-nhanh-moi-tot-cho-suc-khoe-185250921164947686.htm