Are you an adventurous person who loves the outdoors and wants to stay active but cannot decide between hiking vs. running? Both activities are beneficial for your health, but one may be better depending on what you want to achieve.
When it comes to staying active, there is no wrong choice. Here, you will find all the necessary information to make that decision based on your personal situation and goals.
What You'll Learn
The Definition of Hiking and Running
Hiking is a long, energetic walk, done anywhere in nature, whether it’s the countryside or the mountains. Usually, there is a specific place you want to reach when you go hiking, like a mountain peak. Going on hikes alone is not advisable since it can be dangerous.
If you decide to visit those far away or hard-to-reach places, you would also need special hiking gear. But, in other cases, you can easily do it in your sports clothes and comfortable shoes.
For the best hiking experience, you would have to be well prepared. Therefore, it is necessary to check the weather forecast, find the right route, and pack your backpack thoroughly.
Running is a fast movement where, unlike walking, at times, neither of your feet are touching the ground. Unlike hiking, running can be done outdoors and indoors on a treadmill.
You may be jogging, running at a slower pace depending on the speed. Or you could sprint, which is extremely fast. Running is often associated with a healthy lifestyle. It is also considered the most accessible sport since you can do it almost anywhere and require no special equipment.
Even though it can be done almost anywhere, it doesn’t mean it should be. The ground is much better terrain for running than concrete or asphalt.
Hiking Pros and Cons
Pros of Hiking
Cons of Hiking
Running Pros and Cons
Pros of Running
Cons of Running
To Sum Up the Pros and Cons
To better understand the pros and cons of hiking vs. running, check out the infographic provided below.
How to Decide Between Hiking and Running
There are many things to take into account before making this decision. Both are great outdoor activities with significant health benefits, but the decision should rest solely on your goal.
Go hiking if:
Go running if:
Final Thoughts on Hiking vs. Running
There are many similarities between the two exercises, but the minor differences may be the deciding factor. Both activities do not require costly gear, and they are both excellent for your physical health.
Take your current health, fitness goals and how much time you have to dedicate to this activity into consideration. If you are still unsure, try hiking first, and if you find it too slow or unchallenging, slowly make the switch to running. However, if you want to start running right away, check out this simple guide to running for beginners.