What burns more calories - walking downhill, or walking on a flat surface?

Question

I know that it seems like the answer is obviously walking on a flat surface, but I feel like it's more complicated than that. When you're walking downhill, you have to manipulate your muscles to keep yourself from falling down/forward, etc. Answer?

Answer 1

when u walk downhill it works your main muscles more. which means its more like a leg muscle workout. if ur looking to burn calories. i fast walking pace on a flat surface is the way to go. u feel like the work out is harder going downhill but really the calories r burning from the flat parts more then the hill. happy to help =D

Answer 2

I'm sure the calorie counters on the treadmill are probably not accurate however It says I burn a lot more on the the uphill setting.