Do you want to know how quickly you walk? You may need to know your walking speed while completing an entry form for a walking race. Additionally, you may want this information when using a walking calorie calculator. At times, all you want to know is how long it will take you to walk from point A to point B.
If you’re in any of these circumstances, you’ll need to know how to calculate your walking speed. Luckily, there is a simple way to measure your walking speed without using special tools. As a general rule, the average person walks approximately four miles per hour. Of course, you will have to do a bit more research to find out what your exact walking speed is. You can quickly find this information by monitoring the distance traveled over the course of one minute.
Walking speed is also affected by your fitness level, the kind of terrain, and the amount of effort expended. Additionally, your metabolic rate, body fat percentage, and waist circumference may all be used to measure your fitness level. Walking pace is also affected by muscle strength, particularly in the lower body and hip flexors.
See also: Pace Calculator
Average Walking Speed by Age
In general, walking speed falls dramatically as one age. According to a 2011 study, walking speed drops modestly with aging. This equates to an average difference of 1.2 minutes slower walking speed per kilometer (.62 mile) at age 60 compared to age 20.
Use this pace calculator to calculate your walking speed.
Many people are unaware of their walking speed or are in denial that their slower speeds may pose a problem. Regardless, the average walking speed by age is below.
- Age 20 to 29:
1.34 Meters/second to 1.36 Meters/second
3.0 Miles/hour to 3.04 Miles/hour
- Age 30 to 39:
1.34 Meters/second to 1.43 Meters/second
3.0 Miles/hour to 3.2 Miles/hour
- Age 40 to 49:
1.39Meters/second to 1.43Meters/second
3.11 Miles/hour to 3.2 Miles/hour
- Age 50 to 59:
1.31 Meters/second to 1.43 Meters/second
2.93 Miles/hour to 3.2 Miles/hour
- Age 60 to 69:
1.24 Meters/second to 1.34 Meters/second
2.77 Miles/hour to 3.0 Miles/hour
- Age 70 to 79:
1.13 Meters/second to 1.26 Meters/second
2.53 Miles/hour to 2.82 Miles/hour
- Age 80 to 89:
0.94 Meters/second to 0.97 Meters/second
2.10 Miles/hour to 2.17 Miles/hour
Walking is an excellent strategy to help avoid the deterioration in physical function that often occurs as we age. It’s free, simple to perform, and portable, making it a great type of exercise for people of all ages. Research has also indicated that high-impact sports are not the only exercise effective in helping people avoid falls. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, maybe just as effective. Seniors are less likely to engage in the recommended amount of exercise each week, which may lead to physical deterioration. Maintaining physical fitness when you are younger will make it simpler to maintain it as you age.
Pace vs Speed
Depending on how much we walk per day and for how long, you could be considered a fast or slow walker. But most people don’t know about pace vs. speed, so they can determine whether or not they need to put on the brakes and speed up their walking. Let’s dive right in!
Pace: Your stride length and arm swing determine how many steps you take per minute. For example, walkers who stand on one leg or walk with crutches or canes are at a disadvantage in this metric because their stride length isn’t the same as others. Faster stride length is an advantage when you are walking slowly because your arms are able to swing faster.
Speed: Speed is how fast your feet and arm swing out and back. Generally, the faster you walk, the more you will need to balance yourself and take shorter steps.
A quick move backward resulting from sudden shock to your body, for example, if someone bumps into you, but you can slow back down in a set amount of time. Your center of gravity can also cause this effect if you are walking down a steep hill or on a sloping sidewalk. Also known as acceleration (acceleration = deceleration + forward motion). Now that we know what pace and speed are let’s determine whether or not you are fast or slow in your walk. It’s important to note that this is determined by how many steps per minute you take, not how many calories you burn in a day (although it might be helpful when looking to lose weight).
Your speed is expressed in minutes per mile or kilometers per hour. The pace is defined as the ratio of time to distance. Distance divided by time is the definition of speed. The following are typical walking speeds:
- Walking at a leisurely pace of 20:00 minutes per mile (3 mph) or 12:25 minutes per kilometer or slower.
- Moderate to vigorous stroll: 15:00–20:00 minutes per mile or 9:19–12:25 minutes per kilometer.
- Walk quickly: 15:00 minutes per mile or 9:19 minutes per kilometer.
Rules of Thumb for Walking Speed
If you’re just recording your daily steps with a pedometer while you go about your business or putter about the home, you may choose a speed of 2 miles per hour (30 minutes per mile) or 2.5 miles per hour (24 minutes per mile). That is 3.2 to 4 kilometers per hour.
Easy health stroll: If you’re taking an easy walk around the neighborhood or park and are capable of carrying on a complete conversation, stick to a pace of 3 miles per hour or 5 kilometers per hour.
Moderate to brisk walk: Use 4 miles per hour or 6.5 kilometers per hour if you are walking at a determined to the rapid pace and breathing heavily.
Fast walking: Generally, fast walkers are aware of their speed or have it measured. Many people can walk at five mph with some basic skill and practice, while racing walkers may walk at six mph or faster.
Measure Your Walking Speed on a Track
It’s not always possible to walk on a track, but measuring your walking speed can help you make some changes to your daily routine. A new study has recently been released suggesting that the fastest walking speed for people is 4.92km/h while the slowest is 1.7km/h. By walking at different speeds, you can better determine what works best for you. If your walking speed is below 1.7km/h, then it’s likely that you aren’t getting enough exercise. Walking at this pace doesn’t burn many calories, which means that you need to increase your speed to get the most out of your workout.
The majority of outdoor running and walking tracks, such as those found around high school football fields, are 1/4 mile or 400 meters in circumference. In a fixed location in the inside lane, clock yourself and circle four times to get your minutes per mile. You may convert your time and distance into speed and pace using a pace calculator. Additionally, you may need to convert miles to kilometers.
Walking Speed Apps
Many factors impact the speed of a walker, including body type, stride time, terrain, level of fitness, and age. However, this article focuses on apps that estimate your walking speed. The apps below are available for download on the App Store or Google Play.
WALKMETER – A paid app that tracks your walking distance, average speed, and calories burned. Requires iOS 6.0 or later.
PEDOMETER PRO – A paid app that calculates your walking speed based on the length of your stride. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
MAPMYWALK – A paid app that tracks your walking distance and route and saves it on a map or in a list, which can be shared with friends and family. The app also comes with a calorie counter that estimates the calories burned based on height, weight, age, and gender. Requires iOS 6.0 or later.
SPEED TRACKER – A paid app that tracks your average walking speed by measuring the length of your stride.
GPS trackers may be less accurate if you are walking in an area with a high concentration of tall buildings or if you are strolling in a gully or close to an embankment. When viewing the map plot, it may seem as if you’re teleporting between locations. Take repeated readings along various paths to improve accuracy. Apps often display your current pace in minutes per mile and your workout’s average speed. Additionally, they may display your speed in either mile per hour or kilometers per hour.
Gadgets to Measure Your Walking Speed
You can now measure your walking speed and distance more accurately than ever before with the help of some cool new gadgets! With a step counter and pedometer wearable (such as Fitbit and Jawbone), you’ll know how many steps you take, how many calories you burn, and even which direction you’re heading. Continue reading to find out which gadgets we think are the best for measuring your walking speed.
Walking/running speedometers may take the form of watch-like gadgets, fitness bands, or smartwatches that display your speed through GPS. These techniques, however, have the same GPS restrictions as mobile applications. You can still purchase devices that use a shoe sensor accelerometer that can be used inside. Certain non-GPS pedometers measure your speed and distance using your step cadence, but they must be calibrated precisely.
The Best Way to Determine Your Speed Using a Mapping Website
You’re always looking for ways to measure your performance. Maybe it’s with a fitness tracker or race time, or maybe even just by the amount of work you get done in a day. Every now and then, you can take our speed of walk/run to the next level by measuring distances on maps with Google Maps.
You may determine your walking speed by utilizing a watch, a handy route, and a walk mapping application online. MapMyWalk and WalkJogRun both allow you to enter an address or zoom in and out on a map to determine your position. After that, you may use the mouse to sketch the path on the map. It then determines an exact distance. These programs can calculate your speed, pace, and calories burnt based on your time and weight.
What is a Brisk Pace?
A brisk pace is a term for a pace that’s faster than normal. You might be trying to apply this term to your walk, but it can also be used in terms of how long you would break between sets during an exercise routine. This article provides examples of how you might use the brisk pace technique for different workouts. Walking at a brisk pace requires you to walk quicker than you typically would. Your speed is somewhat affected by your fitness level. Many fitness gurus estimate 100 steps per minute or 3 to 3.5 miles per hour to be a fast walking pace.
A quick pace is relative since it relates to your degree of effort, which varies according to your level of fitness. To qualify at a quick pace, your heart and breathing rate must be increased. When jogging fast, you may feel somewhat out of breath or sweaty. Working out at a quick pace is good for your health. It causes your heart to beat faster and get stronger. When you exercise at a quick pace, you get better results in less time because the time spent making up for lost oxygen is shorter.
A fast pace is generally estimated to be around 4 or 5 miles per hour, which is approximately the speed of a brisk walk. A pace this fast requires you to breathe in sharply, with your chest pushed forward in deep breaths. You should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity every week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The more quickly you walk, the better. You may improve your walking speed by improving your technique. This entails enhancing your posture, stride, and arm movement. Wear supportive athletic shoes and loose, comfortable attire that allows for maximum mobility.
Walking Speed and Health
When it comes to your physical health, walking is one of the most important things you can do. Not only does walking help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attacks and diabetes, and generally improve your cardiovascular system, but it also helps spare wear and tears on your joints and spine. The use of physical activity such as walking, which can assist to strengthen memory, slow the progression of mental decline, and minimize the risk of acquiring dementia, is particularly beneficial when the speed of the activity is raised.
Walking may help you maintain a healthy weight, decrease your blood pressure, and improve your mood. You may have a decreased risk of having a stroke or developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, you’ll fortify your bones and muscles. These advantages increase as you walk longer and more regularly.
What is the Best Walking Speed to Ensure Good Health?
It’s estimated that 13% of adults in the United States are currently walking for exercise. Those who walk between three and five miles per hour burn more than 300 calories per hour. Walkers who walk at two miles per hour burn about 250 calories, while those moving at approximately one mile an hour burn 200 calories each hour. At the same time, your risk of health problems falls too. The advantages of walking are enhanced when you push yourself by walking faster or uphill. According to a 2018 study, walking at a rapid speed might help you live longer. When compared to sluggish walking, brisk walking more efficiently reduces the risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease. Brisk walking had a larger protective impact on elderly persons.
FAQs
What is a good walking speed?
A good walking speed is anything from 3.5 feet per second to 6 feet per second. It takes 37 strides per minute to walk at 3.5ft/s and 57 steps to walk at 6ft/s.
What speed is a brisk walk?
According to the American Heart Association, a brisk walk is anything from 3.5 – 4.8 feet per second or between 37 – 71 strides per minute.
Is a 20-minute mile a good walking pace?
A healthy, fit adult who walks at a speed of 4.0 feet per second can walk a mile in 20 minutes. The average person takes 7,000 strides per hour if they are walking at 4 feet per second. This means that it would take 20 minutes to walk a mile.
How many miles should I walk a day?
A healthy, fit adult should walk 20 to 25 miles a week.
What is the best way to tell whether I’m walking too fast?
To get to your destination safely and get home without becoming too tired, it’s important that you slow down when you get tired or when you start hearing your legs creaking. When you walk slowly enough that you can hear the sound of your shoes on the pavement, and your legs make no more than one thump with each step, then you’re walking fast enough.
How fast can you walk a mile?
With a steady pace, you can walk a mile in 8 minutes.
Why should I walk fast?
When you walk slowly, you’re not burning calories, and you’re not doing any stress-reducing exercises, which are very important for good health. If you want to lose weight or get in shape to look good for a special occasion, walking slowly is not the best way to do it.
Is it better to walk faster or longer?
You should be able to walk a mile in 8 minutes, but if you can’t, don’t worry about it. Just make sure that your step frequency is slow enough that you can feel the benefits of walking. When you feel the freshness in your legs, and the muscles in your legs stop aching from walking, then you’re walking faster than a slow walk.
Is 6 km per hour a good walking pace?
6 km per hour is a very slow walking pace, but it can vary depending on where you are in the world. For instance, the speed of 6 km per hour translates to 3.5 feet per second in England and Canada. But in Spain, it’s equal to 4.3 feet per second.
Is it healthier to walk fast or slow?
Both fast and slow walking can be very healthy, depending on how far you walk and how often you do it. If you’re not used to walking, it’s better to start by walking 20 minutes at a speed of 3.5 feet per second, so your body gets used to the new exercise routine. As time passes by, increase your speed to 4 feet per second, so you can get the most beneficial effects from this kind of exercise.
What does your walking speed say about your health?
Your walking speed says a lot about your overall health, but it also says something about how fast your muscles are working. When you’re moving your legs quickly, your muscles are burning more calories.
What are some tips to help get you started?
One way to start is by standing in place while you walk or run for a few minutes before you start moving around. This will help to start the blood flowing so that your legs will have the energy to perform effectively when you’re doing out.
Does the speed of walking matter?
The speed of walking does matter. The faster you walk, the more calories you burn. Move your legs as though you are running, but don’t actually run. Walk with steps that are two or three times as long as normal steps. For instance, instead of taking a step forward with your right foot, take three steps forward with your right foot. This will help you to move faster and burn more calories than walking at the usual place.