There’s no doubt that exercise is important for our physical and mental health, but sometimes it can be tough to decide which type of exercise is best for you.
Some people swear by their daily walks, while others wouldn’t dream of skipping their strength training sessions.
So which one is better? Let’s explore the pros and cons of both, and hopefully, by the end of all of this, you’ll be able to make a much more informed decision about which type of exercise is right for you. So let’s get started!
What are the Similarities?
Whether you believe it or not, walking a strange thing actually has quite a few similarities. For starters, both exercise forms can help improve your overall health and fitness levels.
So whether you’re hitting the pavement for a brisk walk or lifting weights at the gym, you’re doing your body a favor by engaging in physical activity. But this isn’t the only similarity. Here are a few more:
- Both can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Cable being modified to suit individual fitness levels and goals.
What are the Differences?
Otherwise, as you said above, walking and strength training have some similarities, but there are also some key differences. First and foremost, walking is a form of cardiovascular exercise, while strength training is focused on building strength and endurance.
But those aren’t the only differences. Let’s look at a couple of others:
- Walking is a low-impact exercise, whereas strength training is more of a high-impact exercise.
- Equipment varies greatly. Walking requires little to no equipment restoration.
- Both forms improve overall health, but walking is good for cardiovascular while strength training is better for muscle mass and bone health.
Pros and Cons: Walking vs. Strength Training
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a form of exercise is key to determining whether it fits into your fitness journey. With that being said, here is a look at the pros and cons of both walking and strength training.
Walking
Pros:
- Low impact
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Reduces the risk of chronic diseases
- Helps reduce stress and improve mood
- Get you out into nature.
- Easy and accessible
Cons:
- Doesn’t build muscle mass and strength
- Not as challenging as other forms of exercise
- May be time-consuming
Strength Training
Pros:
- Increases muscle mass and overall strength and endurance
- Helps improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- It can help boost metabolism
- Helps improve posture and reduce the risk of injury
- Easily customized to target specific muscle groups and fitness goals
Cons:
- It can be intimidating for beginners
- Requires access to equipment
- Stress on your joints and muscles
- It may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions or injuries
Which One is More Beginner-Friendly?
When it comes to choosing between walking strength training and beginner-friendly exercise, it really depends on your personal preference and physical abilities.
Walking is generally considered to be a very beginner-friendly exercise because it’s low impact and doesn’t require any special equipment or training.
On the other hand, strength training can be a bit more intimidating for beginners. This is especially true if they’re not familiar with weightlifting techniques or how to use exercise equipment properly.
Walking and strength training can begin from an extra, depending on your preferences and physical abilities. It’s important to choose the exercise that you enjoy, that feels comfortable for your body and always listen to your body signals to avoid injury.
Which One Gets Better or Faster Results?
Now when it comes to getting the best and fast results, it’s important to remember that every person’s body is different and will respond differently to different types of exercise.
If your goal is to improve cardiovascular health or lose weight, walking can be an effective way to see results. Walking briskly for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week can help improve your heart health and burn calories.
If your goal, on the other hand, is to build muscle mass, increase strength, or improve body composition, strength training may be a more effective way to see results.
By using its resistance bands, you can target specific muscle groups and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to build strength and muscle.
Ultimately the best way to see results is to combine both walking and strength training into your exercise routine. By incorporating both types of exercise, you can achieve a well-rounded fitness routine and see results beyond physical appearance.
For example, she said she improved her mood, reduced her stress levels, and improved her overall health.
Final Thoughts on Walking Vs. Strength Training
In short, both walking strength training have their own advantages and disadvantages. As we’ve said, walking is a very beginner-friendly exercise to help improve cardiovascular health and burn calories.
On the other hand, strength training can help build muscle mass and increase strength. In the end, whether you choose to do one or both is really up to you and the results you’re looking to achieve.