Walking is one of the most accessible and affordable forms of exercise. It requires no special equipment or clothing, and you can do it almost anywhere. This low-impact, aerobic exercise is often recommended as an alternative to jogging, since it doesn’t put as much pressure on your bones, joints and muscles.
If you’re just beginning to walk for exercise, start by setting a distance goal. Whether you want to walk two miles, or just one, the distance you cover is entirely up to you.
How Long Does It Take To Walk 2 Miles?
On average, it takes around 40 minutes to walk 2 miles. This is if you walk at a pace of 3 MPH through out your walk. However there are many factors that affects the time you spend walking.
The time it takes you to walk 2 miles depends on the terrain and your goals. The faster you walk, the less time it will take to cover 2 miles, although this also depends on your fitness level.
Factors That Can Affect Your Walking Speed
There are many factors that can affect your walking speed. Some are co-incidental, such as an injury that keeps you from walking. But the most significant are your fitness level, and the terrain you will be walking over.
Lets have a look at some of the most important factors:
Weather
Walking in the rain or during a hot summer day can make it harder to walk faster, as less energy is used to cool the body. You will also sweat and this can cause discomfort.
In the winter, you will be wearing more clothes to maintain body warmth. Your body has to work harder to keep warm, and this will make it harder for you to walk as fast.
Depending on the weather, your overall body temperature may be higher than normal. To cool off, you will have to slow down and work harder to breathe. The more tired you get, the slower you will walk.
Terrain
If you are walking through hilly terrain, you will need to use more energy, but the slope of the terrain will affect how fast you will walk. Flat terrain is easier to walk through than a hill that is hilly. Hilly terrain can be harder on your legs than flat, and it may take more time for you to climb the hill.
The type of slope also matters. If you are walking on a steep incline, your body weight will be used against gravity to keep you on your feet. You will be moving much slower than if you are walking on a flat surface. If this happens, you have to slow down and work harder to breathe.
Some of the best terrain for walking is city streets and sidewalks. You won’t need to walk up and down hills, uneven ground or narrow alleys and roadsides. Because they are flat, they require little energy.
Terrain is important to consider, but you can adapt to different walking conditions. For instance, if you are in the summer and on a hot day, walking down a hill may be easier because of the wind that will cool you off. If you prefer flat terrain, try to walk on streets and sidewalks.
Walking uphill will also slow your pace by as much as 20%.
Fitness Level
If your fitness level is good, then it helps your walking speed. Walking at a leisurely pace will increase your endurance, but in return will make it harder to walk faster.
Running a mile will exhaust your body, and should you choose to run the same distance at a faster pace, you will run out of steam after halfway through. If your fitness level is low or moderate, walking at a leisurely pace is okay because there is less pressure on your legs and joints.
But if you start walking faster, then it will be harder on your muscles and body.
When walking fast, you will burn more oxygen than usual. Your body temperatures may rise, and this can make you tired. Walking faster will tire your muscles faster, and you may start to limp.
Conversely, if your fitness level is good, then it will be easier for you to walk at a slow pace. You can walk up hills more easily and without effort, as your body doesn’t need to work as hard.
Distance
You might be able to walk the first mile at 3 MPH, but the second mile might be harder. If you are walking for a long distance, it may be difficult to maintain a fast pace. You move slower as your muscles get tired. For example, if you walk for an hour, you will be moving at 1 MPH by the end of it.
Conclusion
So walking is usually a good way to stay fit and you can push your limits. It is a low-impact form of exercise that doesn’t put very much pressure on your joints and bones.
But there are many factors that affect the speed you walk at, such as terrain, weather and fitness level. Depending on the conditions, you can walk fast or slow.
Walking fast will not only increase your endurance but will also help burn calories. The faster you walk, the more calories it takes to maintain that pace. This means walking faster will have a positive impact on your overall health. You’ll become stronger and more muscular as time goes by.
Related Questions
How Long Does It Take To Walk A Mile?
