Differences Between a Jog & a Run

There is no distinctive difference between running and jogging. General consensus indicates jogging is a slower, less physically stressful form of running. "Fitsugar" defines jogging as slower than a 9-minute mile and running as equal to or faster. Jogging is often engaged as a warm-up or cool-down exercise immediately preceding or following a run or race.

  1. Physical Difference

    • Running and jogging are forms of bipedal locomotion that are faster and more intense than walking. While walking, you always have at least one foot on the ground, whereas while running or jogging, there are regular intervals where neither foot touches the ground. The caloric expenditure and bodily impact of running exceeds that of jogging and jogging exceeds that of walking.

    Posture

    • Exercise on a Treadmill

      When running or jogging use correct posture; it is the same for either exercise. Land midfoot; landing on your toes strains your shins and landing on your heel is inefficient. Hold your arms at waist level, with you elbows bent at 90 degrees. Relax your body and form, as a tense body does not absorb shock effectively and can cause undue strain and even injury. Avoid bouncing, as that increases the impact each stride has on your knees.

    Health Benefits

    • Jogging and running are both effective aerobic exercises for improving fitness, losing weight, decreasing blood pressure, and increasing bone density. Running, being the more intense of the two, takes these benefits to a further degree. However running also damages the body, placing more stress on joints and muscles. The appropriateness of jogging or running depends on your fitness level. If you have led a sedentary life, it's best to work your way up. If jogging does not challenge you, it's time to increase the intensity and run.

    Injuries

    • Several types of injuries are associated with jogging, and even more with running. Running is high-impact exercise with a repetitive motions that can inflame the joints of the ankles, knees, and hips. Other associated injuries are runner's knee, shin splints and tendinitis. Jogging is lower-impact and reduces the risk, but it can lead to similar discomforts.