The difference between jogging and running can be whittled down to a few defining factors, such as pace, movement and mindset. Running, for instance, requires longer strides, while jogging is characterized by a bouncing movement. Experts and studies have weighed in on the differences. One study, in particular, showed that jogging may be better for your health than running at a faster pace.
Jogging vs. Running
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Jogging and running, both considered aerobic exercise, are often used interchangeably, but take a closer look and you may be able to spot the differences. For starters, running is faster. According to BetterHealthChannel, the key difference between running and jogging has to do with intensity. Running requires more effort from the muscles, heart and lungs. In other words, runners generally have a greater level of fitness.
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Personal trainer at Minimal FIT, Robert Jackson, points out that the differences between running vs jogging go beyond the physical. Runners and joggers may also have a difference in mindset. For example, runners might be more goal-oriented, while joggers have a more casual approach. They might be happy to remain at a leisurely pace, while runners are more wary of their speed and committed to a specific goal.
Read more: How Long Should a Jog Last?
Jogging Better for Health
Now you know that running and jogging have their differences, but is one better than the other? The answer: yes. A 2015 study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that jogging may add years to our lives, while running does not.
The study followed 5,000 participants and tracked their pace. The participants' health and mortality were then followed over the next 12 years. The results: 28 of the joggers and 128 of the non-joggers died. Researchers concluded that the moderate-intensity joggers had a lower risk of mortality than the strenuous runners.
Moreover, the fact that the sedentary participants had the same mortality rate as the fast-paced runners, suggests that the benefits of aerobic exercise reach a certain limit, after which point they decrease. The bottom line: going for a moderate-intensity jog a few times a week can improve life expectancy, among other benefits.
Read more: The Effects of Jogging Every Day
Differences in Body Movement
One of the main differences between jogging and running has to do with body movement. Adnan Munye, a personal trainer, sports injury specialist and founder of AMMFitness, says that jogging has a bouncy cadence, while running is composed of longer strides and quicker arm movements. Because running demands longer strides and the accompanying arm movements, it often requires greater physical exertion.
Jogging, on the other hand, can be compared to fast-paced walking, says David Barbour, co-founder of Vivio Life Sciences, in a November 2018 article published by Elite Daily. "The impact on the joints and muscles is less harsh." He goes on to say that you may be able to sustain jogging for longer distances and times.
Where They Overlap
Despite their differences, running and jogging have plenty in common, beginning with health benefits. Their common denominators, according to BetterHealthChannel, include:
- Muscle strengthening
- Helping maintain weight
- Burning calories for weight loss
- Strengthening muscles
- Building strong bones
They also overlap in several other regards, including gear (sneakers, layers) and safety precautions (wearing plenty of sunscreen, staying hydrated).