Walking is one of the most popular and accessible forms of physical activity. It can help you improve your health, fitness, and well-being in many ways. But how long does it take to walk 5 miles? This is a common question that many people ask, especially if they are planning to walk for a specific purpose, such as weight loss, charity, or fun.
The answer is not as simple as you may think. There are several factors that affect how long it takes to walk 5 miles, such as your walking speed, terrain, weather, and fitness level. These factors can make a big difference in your walking time, energy expenditure, calorie burn, and health benefits.
In this post, we will explore these factors and give you some tips on how to walk faster and longer. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about walking five miles. Such as how many calories you burn, how many steps you take, how often you should walk, and whether walking five miles a day is good for you.
Walking Speed
The most obvious factor that answers how long does it take to walk 5 miles is your walking speed. The faster you walk, the less time you will need to cover the same distance. The average walking speed for adults is between 2.5-4 miles per hour (mph) or 12.5-9.4 minutes per kilometer (min/km). At a speed of 2.5 mph, it would take 2 hours (120 minutes) to walk 5 miles. While at a brisk speed of 4 mph, it would take just 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) to walk 5 miles.
However, your walking speed may vary depending on your age, sex, fitness level, and other factors. For example, older adults tend to walk slower than younger adults. Women tend to walk slower than men and people who are overweight or have health problems tend to walk slower than people who are fit and healthy.
According to popular researchIt will take men between 1 hour and 22 minutes and women between 1 hour and 28 minutes to walk five miles.
Terrain
Another factor that affects how long does it take to walk 5 miles is the terrain you are walking on. Walking on flat and smooth surfaces, such as sidewalks, roads, or tracks, is easier and faster than walking on uneven and rough surfaces, such as trails, hills, or sand. The terrain can also affect your energy expenditure, calorie burn, and muscle activation.
Based on many findings, walking five miles on flat terrain would take about the same time as walking four miles uphill or six miles downhill. Walking five miles on sand would take about the same time as walking seven miles on flat terrain or nine miles downhill. Walking five miles on grass would take about the same time as walking four-and-a-half miles on flat terrain or five-and-a-half miles downhill.
Weather
The weather can also influence how long does it take to walk five miles, as well as your comfort and safety while walking. Walking in hot, humid, cold, windy, or rainy conditions can affect your body temperature, hydration, clothing, and motivation.
Walking in hot and humid weather can increase your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. You may need to drink more water, wear light and breathable clothing, and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. Walking in cold weather can increase your risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory problems.
You may need to drink warm fluids, wear layers, and windproof clothing, and cover your head, hands, and feet. Walking in windy or rainy weather can affect your visibility, stability, and speed. You may need to wear a hat, sunglasses, raincoat, and waterproof shoes, and avoid walking on slippery or flooded surfaces.
Fitness Level
Your fitness level can also affect how long does it take to walk 5 miles, as well as your health benefits from walking. The fitter you are, the faster and longer you can walk without getting tired or injured. The fitter you are, the more calories you burn and the more muscles you tone while walking.
To improve your fitness level, you need to walk regularly and progressively. That means walking at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time and gradually increasing your distance, speed, intensity, and duration. You can also add some variety to your walking routine by changing your route, terrain, incline, or pace. You can also do some cross-training activities, such as cycling, swimming, or strength training, to enhance your overall fitness.
Based on important improvements, walking five miles at a moderate pace would take about 16 minutes less for a fit person than for an unfit person. Walking five miles at a brisk pace would take about 19 minutes less.
Walking five miles uphill would take about 28 minutes less for a fit person than for an unfit person. Walking five miles with poles would take about 12 minutes less. Walking five miles with weights would take about 9 minutes less.
Tips on How to Walk Faster and Longer
If you want to walk faster and longer, here are some tips that can help you:
- Warm up before you walk. Do some dynamic stretches and start with a slow pace for the first few minutes.
- Cool down after you walk. Do some static stretches and end with a slow pace for the last few minutes.
- Maintain a good posture. Keep your head up, shoulders back, chest out, and core engaged.
- Swing your arms naturally. Bend your elbows at 90 degrees and move them forward and backward in sync with your legs.
- Take short and quick steps. Land on your heel and roll through your foot to push off with your toes.
- Breathe deeply and rhythmically. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
- Listen to music or podcasts. Choose something that motivates you and matches your pace.
- Walk with a partner or a group. Find someone who has a similar goal and pace as you.
- Track your progress. Use a pedometer, smartphone app, or GPS watch to measure your distance, speed, time, calories burned, etc.
- Reward yourself. Celebrate your achievements and treat yourself to something healthy and enjoyable.
FAQs on How Long Does It Take To Walk 5 Miles
How many calories do you burn walking five miles?
The number of calories you burn walking five miles depends on your weight, speed, terrain, incline, and other factors. However, on average, a person who weighs 150 pounds (68 kg) burns about 300 calories walking five miles at a moderate pace of 3 mph on flat terrain. A person who weighs 200 pounds (91 kg) burns about 400 calories doing the same activity.
How often should you walk five miles?
The frequency of walking five miles depends on your goal, fitness level, schedule, and preference.
Is walking five miles a day good for you?
Walking five miles a day can have many benefits for your physical and mental health, such as:
- Burning calories and fat.
- Strengthening your heart and lungs.
- Lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Improving your blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.
- Reducing your risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers and many more.
What are some of the drawbacks?
These are some of the drawbacks:
- Taking too much time and effort.
- Causing boredom and monotony.
- Increasing your risk of injury and overuse.
- Interfering with your recovery and adaptation.
- Neglecting other aspects of fitness, such as strength, flexibility, and power.
What should you do before asking how long does it take to walk 5 miles?
You should consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns. You should also listen to your body and adjust your walking frequency, intensity, duration, and distance according to your needs and goals.
Conclusion
Walking five miles is a great way to stay fit, healthy, and happy. However, how long it takes to walk 5 miles depends on several factors, such as your walking speed, terrain, weather, and fitness level. On average, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk five miles at a moderate pace on flat terrain.
You can use our calculator to estimate how long it will take you to walk any distance at any pace. You can also use our tips to improve your walking speed and endurance. Remember to walk regularly and progressively, but also vary your routine and enjoy yourself.
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