Running vs fast walking?

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Which is better for health and fitness - running or fast walking?

Depends on your goals. I find walking suits me as it doesn't burn muscle.

I used to run a lot and still occasionally do. Walking is more sustainable and you can think while doing it.

Running also tends to make you hungry afterwards so its easy to eat the calories back.

Then theres the wear and tear - if you run enough over a lifetime by the time you get older you might have knee problems.

I try to walk a couple miles per day on Sweatcoin.

Haven't tried to jog for years because my calves are huge, after a while the blood in them pools up, and I had a couple occasions in relatively rapid succession where I had a sheet of muscle separate from top to bottom and across in my calf and I had to hobble my way back home - couldn't walk normally for a couple weeks.

Moral of the story - know your body type and know your risk signals.

I have arthritis and torn menisci from running.

I still run….but may cut down and start to only walk.

I can't ride a bike because I have epilepsy, even with a helmet on.

However, whenever I have time to do so, I use the indoor track my school has in its gym.

It depends what you prefer and like.

I like running, but being now overweight I will only walk until I go to proper weight.
Running on strong surface like concrete makes your whole body absorb strong hits and your spine and knees and ankles and hips get more damage per step in running.

Your running speed also matters for how much damage you get.
Running surfaces like running circles or grass are superior, but you run the risk of twisting your ankle if you have weak stabilizing muscles. So go easy at first until you have more stability.

Further more if you walk or power walk you actually get almost as good cardio pulmonary development and muscle development as jogging as you are almost doing the same amount of physical work as jogging if not more.

The good thing about running is that it helps harden your bones and makes you less likely to get osteoporosis in old age.

The bad thing about it is that eventually you can over work your joints and muscles too much, so its important to work on other muscle groups that support your running.

Running technique and shoes area whole other science that I am not even getting into.

I mostly walk instead of run, but I walk at a speed that is almost considered a jog (4 mph) so it is pretty good cardio

If I want more intense cardio I sometimes use the stair climber at the gym. I can get my heart rate to 170 within about 5 minutes on that machine, but it's easier on my knees than running. One caveat: you have to pay attention so you do not miss a step.

Ultimately, the best form of exercise is the one that you will stick to and enjoy doing. If you're new to exercise or haven't exercised in a while, it's a good idea to start with a moderate intensity like fast walking, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workout as your fitness level improves. If you have any concerns about your health or fitness level, it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.