Which is better? Running or walking hills?

[Leiloshka]

I usually lift weights 3 times a week, but I don't get on the treadmill as often as I'd like due to time restrictions. But, I want to make the most of the time I do get on it...so here is the question...is it better to jog at various speeds or is it better to walk hills from 1-10 incline at various speeds not topping 4.2 mph? It seems after 4.2 I have to jog to get some momentum.

Or should I do both in the same session?

Each spring I do this at the gym...I push really hard in the spring to get in "short sleeve and skirt" shape, then as fall comes I stop the treadmill work almost all together. I feel if I had a plan for the treadmill time and knew what was really most beneficial it wouldn't be such a grind in my limited time.

If I had to choose which I liked better, it would be walking.

Any advice?

THANKS! :)
Leigh

[rawfigure]

I usually lift weights 3 times a week, but I don't get on the treadmill as often as I'd like due to time restrictions. But, I want to make the most of the time I do get on it...so here is the question...is it better to jog at various speeds or is it better to walk hills from 1-10 incline at various speeds not topping 4.2 mph? It seems after 4.2 I have to jog to get some momentum.

Or should I do both in the same session?

Each spring I do this at the gym...I push really hard in the spring to get in "short sleeve and skirt" shape, then as fall comes I stop the treadmill work almost all together. I feel if I had a plan for the treadmill time and knew what was really most beneficial it wouldn't be such a grind in my limited time.

If I had to choose which I liked better, it would be walking.

Any advice?

THANKS! :)
Leigh


BOTH !

I think you will get the best results doing a combo. The body loves to adapt to the stress we give it so mix it up. I do both.

Today I walked flat 5 min, ran 5-6 mph for 15, walked up and down the incline 4.2 3.6 for another 15 min, than did interval runs the last 10 min, then walked to cool down 10 min.

Other days I may set the mill at anywhere from 4.2 at the flat to 3.3 mph at the top walk 1 min at each level up to 15 then back down a min at each level to get 30 min work out.

Sometimes I will set a Jog at a reasonable level on the flat, and jog up as long as I can stand it, then start back down when it gets to hard.

Be sure to add in a pure walk day to.

Reason i do incline. My Bum (otherwise know as the Glute... :p ) it keeps it in tip top shape !!!! :D

[misslinda]

I agree with Rawfigure, variations offer so many benefits.

The concern with contant incline is knee problems. Myself I've been walking hills since 1996 and never had issues but for most, it's a area to be aware of.

Running steady is definately an overall body condtioning and and endurance builder......the incline definatley does LIFT the seat and build strength and toning too.

When I walk/jog my hills, I always change the pattern and variance of walking path and such. Have fun! :)

[pamojamo]

I agree with the above opinions-both is best.

[Leiloshka]

Thanks for the replies.

It's like I read an article about jogging and that seems to be the thing to do, then I read about someone developing a great tush and they are walking inclines and that seems to be the thing to do. Okay, I'll mix it up and then I guess I'll get the benefits of both. :D

[misslinda]

Thanks for the replies.

It's like I read an article about jogging and that seems to be the thing to do, then I read about someone developing a great tush and they are walking inclines and that seems to be the thing to do. Okay, I'll mix it up and then I guess I'll get the benefits of both. :D

LOL,,,,,,,,as a runner and with a runner's ego, I'd say running is the ONLY thing to do. hee hee :D

[solarliving]

I personally believe running is hard on the body unless you are running in soft sand barefoot. I used to walk around my old house and there were many hills. My body never looked so good. Now I walk up to my gym every day, uphill, then do the treadmill on an uphill climb. I do work up a sweat and get cardio. After about 1 1/2 week of consistency I am noticing some results.

[heabrook]

My husband and I love to hike (and snowshoe when weather permits, which where we live is quite often!). I don't enjoy running, I think it is too hard on the body. I think it is better to take long hikes in the mountains. It feels more physical (total body) and gives me more energy. At least, that is my preference :)

[eatyourbroccoli]

ive been an avid runner for over almost 2 years now..preceeded by a lengthy career in VERY competetive soccer. i used to run upwards of 5 miles a day, and accepted the pain that followed as "normal" because i was brought up always playing VERY INTENSE soccer and was very used to aching joints, twisted ankles, swollen knees, etc (boy was i crazy.. ) :p

but i will admit

today i walked uphill on a treadmill for only 10 minutes.... my hamstrings have NEVER seemed to get such a workout in such a short amount of time. granted walking uphill works different muscles than normal jogging, i seemed to work up more of a sweat and felt more physically involved, rather than just gettin into a groove with running and going on physical autopilot.

just my experience though :)

[theresaann]

I agree that both are good. But I also think, whatever pushes your booty is GREAT!!! I LOVE hiking hills and running down the other sides. That's both, right? :p

[misslinda]

LOL........ :p okay, you people have me confessing.,,...,.,,,,


I sometimes put my high heels on and do lunges :D something about that inclination gets deep into the cheeks! :)