Running is the marmite of exercise. Either you love it and run regularly for mental and physical wellbeing, or you just can’t get into it. It can take years to feel comfortable jogging – and even then, there’s no guarantee that you’ll start experiencing that elusive runner’s high.

Perhaps that fact goes some way to explaining the grip hold walking has on many of us. Unsurprisingly, the tracking app Strava found that there was a huge upturn in walking during lockdown, with 6.3 times more walkers in London and the South East compared to the same time in 2019. And since Covid, we’ve seen umpteen walking trends go viral on social media – from hot girl walks to grumpy girl stomps.

Running may boast many benefits – including helping to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular fitness and strengthen muscles –but walking is much more gentle on the body. It’s been linked all kinds of positive outcomes, many of which are similar to those associated with running.

Running vs walking: 3 ways walking benefits your mind and body in no time at all