Why walking is better than running: Four reasons to try slow exercise

Walking may be better than running if you are just starting out on your fitness journey and it is kinder to your joints. Photo / Getty Images

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is all the rage these days, but is it really any better than traditional cardio?

While it may churn through body fat at a faster rate, research also shows it's less enjoyable, with poor adherence rates for those trying to lose weight.

The best exercise is the one you do consistently and stick to long-term. Enter Lower Intensity Steady State cardio, or LISS for short. This is basically the opposite of HIIT and is defined as exercise that elevates your heart rate to 40 - 50 per cent of your estimated max (calculated by 220 - age), or exercise at a level where you can talk and sing comfortably.

Belting out your favourite tunes while you exercise is definitely a bonus, but there are many circumstances where LISS is actually better for you.

Here are four reasons why you should opt for a lower intensity workout:

YOU'RE JUST STARTING OUT

If you're new to fitness, it's important to gradually build up your exercise regimen to let your body adjust. Going too hard too soon can increase your risk of injury, such as stress fractures, muscle strains, inflamed tendons, and plantar fasciitis.

Bypass the bootcamps for now and focus on building a base of fitness instead by accumulating at least 30 minutes of cardio a day such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming and doing plenty of stretches after to stay injury free.

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• S E L F C A R E • You exercise and eat well, but when was the last time you did something for yourself? ... As women, we are such givers of our time and energy. But it's important to recharge your batteries so you can be the best mother, daughter, friend or partner ... Luckily you don't need to book a tropical health retreat (although you totally could!) to practice self-care. Head to my blog for easy self-care rituals that you can do in as little as 2 minutes a day! Link in my bio🌱✌️

A post shared by Sarah Liz King | Ex Phys (@sarahlizking) on Jan 11, 2017 at 1:45am PST

YOU DON'T ENJOY HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING

It's a complete myth that you need to run or get your heart rate ridiculously high to reap the benefits of exercise. According to a study in the Journal of Sports Science Medicine, moderate intensity steady state cardio, like brisk walking, provides the same heart health benefits as HIIT, but is much more enjoyable.

Some easy ways to make exercise more fun is to buddy up with a friend or partner, listen to your favourite music, or head outside for a walk in nature. Finding joy in movement will ensure you keep up the habit throughout your lifetime, which is the ultimate goal.

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• M O V E M E N T • Why should you bother working out and what are the benefits? Hint- it's not about a thigh gap! Fitness is should make you feel amazing!!! Today on the blog I'm sharing my top 5 feel good workouts for ultimate wellbeing. You guys are gonna love it. Link in my bio🌱✌️️

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YOUR BODY AND BRAIN ARE STRESSED

Stress can come in many different forms, but two of the most common are mental stress from work, and physical stress from lots of intense exercise. Both of these lead to chronically high levels of a hormone called cortisol, which can lead to increases in blood pressure, weight gain around your waist, and a suppressed immune system.

The good news is that you aren't powerless against stress, and engaging in some mind-body forms of exercise like pilates, Tai Chi, or yoga, will boost your mood, health, and energy levels while lowering cortisol.

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• W O R K O U T • Because you love your body, not because you hate it or as a punishment for what you ate. I'm on a mission this year to help you find balance with your body and ditch excessive or intense exercise that isn't serving your mental or physical wellbeing . Remember that your body is NOT an ornament, it is the vehicle to your dreams. It's important to foster a healthy relationship with exercise and your body by finding a type of movement that makes you feel good. You could sign up for a class, get some sessions with a PT, go for a walk with a friend, or join a sports team. The options are endless!!! What will you choose?🌱✌️

A post shared by Sarah Liz King | Ex Phys (@sarahlizking) on Feb 27, 2017 at 10:02pm PST

YOU WANT TO TAKE IT EASY ON YOUR JOINTS

Let's face it pounding the pavement with long runs or lots of box jumps in Crossfit aren't exactly kind to knees, ankles, or hips. That's why it's important to include lower impact exercise into your weekly routine.

One or two active rest days where you go for a light swim, or walk will give your body sufficient time to recover between high intensity sessions. It's during this time that your muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons repair so you're fitter and stronger next time you hit the gym.

While LISS is kinder to your body long term, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy HIIT training from time to time. Just be sure to listen to your body, and switch to lower impact options if you start to feel exhausted instead of energised from your workout routine.

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• R E S T • In the words of Jess from @JSHealth "a rested body is a healthy body". I'm definitely embracing this today after battling a stomach bug. Lemon water, naps, and some legs up the wall have all made me feel a little bit better. You've got to listen to your body🌱✌️

A post shared by Sarah Liz King | Ex Phys (@sarahlizking) on Feb 8, 2017 at 12:59am PST

Sarah King is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, and founder of SK Active.