In today’s fast-paced world, walking can be a refreshing and healthy activity that helps us stay fit and improve our well-being. One common question that arises when it comes to walking is – how long does it take to walk 2 km (kilometers)? In this article, we will dive deep into this topic, taking into consideration various factors such as walking speed, fitness levels, and other related aspects.
Average Walking Speed
The time taken to walk a certain distance, in this case, 2 km, largely depends on an individual’s walking pace. People generally walk at different speeds based on multiple factors such as age, fitness level, terrain, and even weather. However, an average walking speed for a regular person ranges between 4 to 5 kilometers per hour (km/h) or approximately 2.5 to 3 miles per hour (mph).
Moderate and Brisk Paces
Walking paces can be further classified into moderate and brisk. A moderate pace is typically defined as a speed of 4 km/h (2.5 mph). This pace allows people to indulge in comfortable conversations without getting short of breath. Meanwhile, a brisk pace refers to walking speeds of about 6 km/h (3.7 mph), which can lead to noticeable improvements in long term health outcomes.
Calculating Time to Complete a 2 km Walk
Once you know your walking speed, calculating the time needed to cover 2 km becomes relatively straightforward. To do this, you can use the simple formula:
Time (minutes) = Distance (km) / Speed (km/h) × 60
Using this formula, you can input your speed and determine how long it will take to walk 2 km. Let’s see how this works for both moderate and brisk paces:
- Moderate pace (4 km/h): Time = 2 / 4 × 60 = 0.5 × 60 = 30 minutes
- Brisk pace (6 km/h): Time = 2 / 6 × 60 = (1/3) × 60 = 20 minutes
As you can see, the time taken to walk 2 km ranges from 20 minutes at a brisk pace to 30 minutes at a more leisurely, moderate pace.
Considering Steps Per Kilometer
Another interesting factor when discussing walking distances is the number of steps involved. Generally, people walk with an average stride length of about 0.5-0.7 meters. This means that in order to cover 1 kilometer, one would need to take approximately 1,400-2,000 steps.
For a 2-km walk, this translates to about 2,800-4,000 steps. However, note that these values may differ for individuals based on factors such as height or walking technique.
Fitness Level Impact on Walking Duration
The level of personal fitness also plays a crucial role in determining the duration needed to complete a 2 km walk. For instance, someone who is physically fit and generally active may easily manage a brisk pace of 6 km/h, thus covering the distance in a shorter amount of time.
On the other hand, people who are relatively less active might find it challenging to maintain even a moderate pace for an extended duration. For such individuals, it is essential to start slow and gradually build up the walking speed as their stamina and fitness improve.
Calories Burned During a 2 km Walk
One of the primary reasons people engage in walking exercises is to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. The number of calories burned while walking depends on factors like weight, age, gender, distance covered, and walking speed. On average, you can expect to burn approximately:
- 100-150 calories during a leisurely-paced 30-minute walk covering 2 km
- 150-200 calories if you complete the same distance at a brisk pace in 20 minutes
Remember that these are approximate values and may differ from person to person. However, they provide a general idea of the caloric expenditure involved in walking 2 km.
In summary, determining how long it takes to walk 2 km relies on several factors – primarily the individual’s walking speed or pace. On average, for a regular person with a speed range of 4 to 5 km/h, it should take approximately 20-30 minutes to walk 2 km. Other aspects, such as fitness levels and stride length, also play minor roles in influencing those times. Happy walking!
