In the world of fitness, many people view running as the ultimate exercise for burning calories, improving cardiovascular health, and achieving peak physical condition. However, recent studies and fitness experts are increasingly recognizing that walking, a simpler and lower-impact activity, can often be more beneficial for most people—especially those looking for a sustainable and enjoyable form of exercise.

Here’s why walking might be a better option than running for many people:

1. Walking Is Gentler on the Joints

Running, while excellent for cardiovascular fitness, places a lot of strain on the body, particularly the joints. The repeated impact of each stride, especially on hard surfaces, can lead to knee pain, shin splints, and even long-term joint damage for some individuals. This is especially true for people with a history of joint issues, those carrying extra weight, or anyone returning to exercise after a long break.

Walking, on the other hand, is a low-impact activity. It allows the body to move more naturally, with less jarring force on the knees, hips, and ankles. Because it’s gentler on the body, walking allows people to stay active for longer periods without the injury risks that often come with running

2. More Sustainable and Easier to Maintain Long-Term

For those looking to establish a long-term exercise routine, consistency is key. Many people start running with enthusiasm, setting ambitious goals like running a certain number of miles or completing a race. However, running can be physically exhausting and mentally draining, especially if you don’t see the results you’re aiming for quickly. Failing to meet these goals can lead to discouragement and, in some cases, giving up entirely.

Walking provides a more sustainable approach. Because it requires less recovery time and puts less strain on the body, it can be done daily and for longer stretches. This makes it easier to incorporate into a busy lifestyle and allows people to stick with it long-term without the same risk of burnout.

3. Mental Health Benefits of Walking

Exercise isn’t just about physical health—it has a profound impact on mental well-being. Running, while known for the endorphin rush or “runner’s high”, can also be mentally taxing. The pressure to run faster or achieve specific targets can create unnecessary stress, turning what should be an enjoyable activity into something that feels like a chore or punishment. When progress slows or injury occurs, this can lead to feelings of failure, which can negatively impact mental health.

Walking, by contrast, is more forgiving. It allows for a meditative pace, which can help reduce stress, enhance creativity, and provide a much-needed mental reset. You can easily adjust your pace or time spent walking without feeling like you’ve failed at your workout. Plus, spending time walking outdoors in nature boosts mood and reduces anxiety, offering mental health benefits that can rival—or even surpass—those from running.

4. Walking Can Be Done for Longer Periods

One of the biggest advantages of walking is its sustainability. While running can be too intense for some to do more than a few times a week, many people can walk daily without strain. Because it doesn’t require the same intensity of recovery. It can be built into a daily routine, allowing for greater cumulative activity.

This means more calories burned over time. Also, more opportunity to engage in physical activity, and a better chance to maintain or improve cardiovascular health. Even a brisk 30-minute walk can have significant health benefits when done consistently.

5. Walking Is Accessible to Almost Everyone

Perhaps the greatest benefit of walking is that it is accessible to virtually everyone. It doesn’t require special equipment or advanced training techniques. It can be done anywhere—whether in a park, on city streets, or even indoors on a treadmill. People of all fitness levels can start walking today and enjoy the benefits immediately, without the barriers that often accompany more intense forms of exercise like running.

For those new to exercise, walking is a perfect entry point. It builds confidence, improves physical health, and creates a foundation for potentially more challenging activities later on. And for those who have struggled with injury or who simply don’t enjoy running. Walking provides a safe and effective alternative.

Conclusion: Walking May Be the Ideal Exercise

While running has its place in fitness, walking offers a more approachable, sustainable, and enjoyable option for most people. Its lower impact on the body, mental health benefits, and accessibility make it an ideal exercise for anyone looking to improve their health without the pressure of high-impact workouts or lofty performance goals.

Ultimately, the best exercise is the one you can stick with. So for many, walking is the key to long-term fitness success.

Self-Mastery Health and Fitness