Will I burn more calories biking or walking the same distance?

Question

Its a pretty hilly area.

Will a brisk walk or a moderate/vigirious bike ride burn more calories?

Answer 1

walking

Answer 2

You will burn more calories going over the same terrain walking.  Biking is an excellent means of burning calories but unless you are constantly pedaling you will coast going down hill.  That means no calories will be consumed other than what is being used to ride the bike.  On the other hand you will have to work harder to come down a hill.  That is because you must constantly break in order to keep the body from going into a run.  That combined with the effects of gravity make it more work.

Answer 3

A bike ride is more difficult, but you accomplish the distance in much less time. Calorie wise, im not sure. But I would assume the same distance=same calories burned. I'd do which ever one you perfer. I think biking...gives you much more freedom, keeps you alert, and alot more is going on. Whereas, walking is more calm, less activity. I would say biking would get your legs in better shape and may prepare you for the future more.

These people are just dead wrong.

1. Those with a semester or two of physics under their belts, on the other hand, reason that since the amount of work involved is the same, running a mile has the same impact as walking an equal distance

2. However, that would assume the same amount of drag etc. Uphill or downhill doesn't mean jack. If you add in the drag of the bike, the tires on the ground etc. A bike burns more calories.

So therefore, DO what one you enjoy best.

Answer 4

good topic, but we must consider intensity with either walking or riding.

So if we get into the science of it and strap on the old heart rate monitor as a way to measure how hard the heart is working,  it may become easier to answer this question, however there are still many open ends that need to be accounted for.

To make it real simple, if you just walked or rode the bike at the same intensity level, I believe walking would yeild the greater expendexture of caliores as it is weight bearing and riding a bike is not.

+Hills and or wind could complicate this as well.

Example:                walking down a hill will use more energy than coasting on a bike.

+Extreme temps (heat or cold) complicate it also.

Example1:                walking while hot and no wind , will also cause your body to expend more energy to cool itself as compared to cycling in the same temp due to the  average rate of travel being much faster , as you ride along at 10 to 20 mph, you have induced a head wind that will provide cooling, requiring less effort of your body for this task.

Example2:              and the opposite would occur if cycling in cold weather due to wind chill and your body would have to work harder to stay warm as compared to walking.

assuming your main concern is to lose weight , as your question is about CALORIES, it is important to understand at what intensity level(s) is best.

Losing weight = burning fat

Burning fat = exercise @ low / moderate levels

                       exercise @ high levels  =   use of glycogen,

                       stored in your muscles, Not fat!

  An easy way to determine your not working to hard while exercising, is "can you talk / carry on a conversation" during the activiey. If you struggle to breath or gasp as a result of talking ,YOU ARE EXERCISING ABOVE THE INTENSITY LEVEL PROVEN TO BURN THE MOST FAT.

Other thoughts for comparing walking and riding.  

cycling -  offers greater mobility and may keep you from becoming bored. Consider your mentality and discpline

Cycling could be better if your current weight will prevent you from walking enough to achieve your goals.

Cycling is inheriently more dangerous as  you normally will encounter cars/traffic. You can walk run or jog where cars cant go.      

Weather really shouldnt be overlooked in this decision either.

If you live in cold climate , maybe walking is better.

If you reside in a hot climate then maybe a bike.

If you live where it rains alot then walk  and if sunny then ride.

If money is an issue , then walk , but do find a good pair of shoes as it is important to give your body (ankles,hips,etc.)some help with weight bearing issues.

I have enjoied both and if forced to choose ,... well I dunno ,  well, uh .....

Answer 5

Walking doesn't burn that many calories, unless you really walk a long way, like 5 miles or more.  I would take the bike and cover more distance in the same amount of time.  Yes, bikes provide a mechanical advantage, but you're going to be pedaling uphill a lot.  Try to pedal as much as you can with minimal coasting and downhill rests. Remember, the harder your body is working, the more calories you are burning.  Sweating is your friend.

Answer 6

walking because you coast allot when you are on a bike

Answer 7

Walking will burn more than biking for the same distance, but biking will burn more in the same amount of time (unless you coast).

Answer 8

You will burn more by walking the same route because a bike gives you a mechanical advantage, you move more with less work. Walking is all on you.