IS RUNNING BETTER THAN WALKING

You know, if I had N100 for every time someone asked me this question, I would be quite the millionaire.

 

Many runners caution against just walking, insisting that walks do not burn enough calories for weight loss. Walkers, in turn, warn that running can be too hard on the joints and bones over prolonged periods of time. A number of studies have been conducted in regards to the age-old debate concerning whether the stroll or the sprint wins this race for better health. And the conclusions?

 

Running does burn more calories than walking per hour, which makes running a better fit for those whose longterm fitness goals centered around weight loss. A study completed by the Life Sciences Division of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory compared recreational runners and walkers in 2013. The survey compared stats such as age, weight, height, health risks and existing health problems, and took a sampling of nearly 50,000 runners and walkers over the course of six years. The results proved that runners, statistically, were in better shape

 

 Walking has a real edge over running in how accessible it is for a person to start doing, however. Walking does not place undue strain on the joints, does not strain or tear muscles, and does not require shoes that are designed to specially absorb the shock of pounding the pavement, which running does. Running has also been known to elevate the likelihood of cardiac distress in distance activities, such as marathons. Likewise, running has been linked to osteoarthritis as well as damage to cartilage over time. Choosing which habit, running or walking, is better for longterm fitness goals is up to the individual; the choice seems to be centered around whether a person is looking for rapid weight loss and increased endurance, or in building a manageable routine and maintaining a healthy body.

Research suggests that walking can offer the same health benefits as its speedier cousin if the activity is done for a longer period of time. It is not inadvisable, either, to both run and walk in variation. Fitness experts urge runners and walkers alike to listen to their bodies and to neither strain nor take it too easy where personal fitness is concerned. The benefits of both activities manifest themselves over time and bear repeating for the best results.

 

 

 

 

 

BUILD MASSIVE LEGS WITH THE WALL SIT

"Construction" was a widely despised punishment during my secondary school days, along with squats, isometric arm holds, and a gauntlet of as many sadistic exercises and positions as could be imagined by the human mind. 

 

Looking back, as much as we hated the punishments, we were very strong, we would be woken from bed to run about 10 Km (with the threat of being whipped if you didn't keep pace), and our injuries healed faster. Apparently, what couldn't kill us made us stronger!

 

 

This exercise basically involves sitting with your back against a wall in a squat position, or for the more adept, performing the position in mid air and simply holding the position for as long as you can. It is important that the legs are at a 90 degree angle. Apparently you are not supposed to rest your hands on your thighs, but instead to hold them above your head or even in front of you to work your shoulders. The exercise builds isometric strength as well as endurance in the quads and glutes – a favorite exercise to perform for the running season, or if you're interested in the martial arts.

 

This is one exercise you can perform just about anywhere, with no need for gym equipment. With practice, you should be able to increase your muscular endurance and hold on for longer times. My longest time was above 5 hours ( I had a sadistic prefect standing over me with a belt!!). I wasn't smiling at the end, I assure you.