When it comes to choosing between running and biking, many people often wonder which activity burns more calories. As someone who loves both running and biking, I can provide some insights based on my personal experiences and the research I’ve done. So, lace up your running shoes and fasten your helmet, because we’re about to dive deep into the calorie-burning world of running and biking!
The Science Behind Calorie Burning
To understand which activity burns more calories, let’s first take a look at the science behind calorie burning. The number of calories burned during an exercise depends on various factors such as intensity, duration, body weight, and metabolism.
In general, running tends to burn more calories than biking because it is a weight-bearing exercise that engages more muscles. When you run, you use your legs, core, and upper body, which results in a higher overall calorie burn. On the other hand, biking is a low-impact exercise that primarily targets the lower body muscles.
Calories Burned While Running
Running is a high-intensity exercise that can help you torch calories quickly. On average, a person weighing 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms) can burn approximately 606 calories per hour of running at a moderate pace (5 mph or 8 km/h). If you increase the intensity and speed, the calorie burn can go as high as 861 calories per hour.
However, it’s important to note that individual factors such as weight, fitness level, and running efficiency can affect the number of calories burned while running. For example, a person weighing 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms) will burn more calories than someone weighing 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms) while running at the same pace.
Calories Burned While Biking
Biking is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that provides a great workout for the lower body muscles. The number of calories burned while biking depends on factors such as speed, resistance, and terrain.
On average, a person weighing 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms) can burn approximately 292 calories per hour of leisurely biking (10-12 mph or 16-19 km/h). However, if you increase the intensity and tackle challenging terrains or pedal at a faster pace (14-16 mph or 22-26 km/h), you can burn up to 584 calories per hour.
It’s worth mentioning that the number of calories burned while biking can vary depending on the type of bike you use. Riding a stationary bike or an electric bike, for example, may result in a lower calorie burn compared to riding a regular bicycle.
Which Should You Choose?
Now that we’ve looked at the numbers, it’s important to consider personal preferences, physical condition, and overall fitness goals when choosing between running and biking.
If you’re looking for a total body workout and want to maximize calorie burn, running might be the better option for you. Running not only burns more calories but also helps improve cardiovascular endurance and strengthens the entire body.
On the other hand, biking is a low-impact activity that puts less stress on the joints, making it a great choice for individuals with joint issues or those recovering from injuries. It’s also an excellent option for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors and prefer a more leisurely pace.
In Conclusion
Whether you choose to run or bike, both activities offer numerous benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. While running tends to burn more calories due to its higher intensity and engagement of more muscles, biking can still be a fantastic way to stay active and fit.
Ultimately, the best exercise for you is the one that you enjoy and can sustain in the long run. So, listen to your body, follow your passion, and find the right balance between running and biking to achieve your fitness goals.