The number of calories burned biking can vary from 290 to 1176 calories per hour(by using the bicycling METs method) depending on factors like intensity, body weight, terrain, individual fitness levels, heart rate, age, and gender.
If you are looking for a general exercise biking calories burned number, use our cycling calories calculator based on the Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks(METs) method:
Calories Burned per minute =MET value × body weight in Kg × 3.5/200
If you are more serious about every kcal you burn, use our most accurate cycling calorie calculator based on the Karvonen Method:
Men(body weight in Kg ):
Calories burned per minute = [(Age×0.2017)−(Weight×0.09036)+(Heart Rate×0.6309)−55.0969]×Time in minutes/4.184
Women(body weight in Kg ):
Calories burned per minute = [(Age×0.074)−(Weight×0.05741)+(Heart Rate×0.4472)−20.4022]×Time in minutes/4.184
It’s evident that the METs method gives a higher estimation compared to the Karvonen method, especially for men. It’s worth noting that these are general estimates, and actual calorie burn can vary based on several factors, including gender, age, weight, duration, distance, heart rate, the individual’s fitness level, body composition, and the intensity of the activity.
Now let’s find out how many calories does cycling burn.
Table of Contents
Calories burned biking/cycling calculator
Calories burning bike calculator (based on the METs method)
The Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) is a unit that estimates the amount of energy used by the body during physical activity, compared to the energy used while at rest. One MET is defined as the energy it takes to sit quietly. This method was developed by Dr. Bill Haskell from Standford University by conceptualizing the Adult Compendium. The MET value changes based on the type of bicycling and intensity level. In this calories burned for biking calculator, we use the last updated 2011 METs version, and we will update the value when the 2024 Compendium 3rd update is published by Compendium of Physical Activities.
How to use the calculator: Choose your weight, duration and distance, you will get the estimated calories burned from biking, walking and running.
Bicycling Calorie Calculator
Estimated Calories Burned:
Most accurate cycling calorie calculator (based on the Karvonen Method)
The Karvonen Method calculates calories burned during exercise based on heart rate. The formula is a gender-dependent calculation, along with body weight and heart rate value, which is much more accurate than the general METs method. If you are using any heart rate monitors or smartwatches like the Apple Watch, you will get an accurate heart rate, either average value or precise value per minute.
However, if you don’t have such a device to track and show your heart rate, you can check your heart rate manually, the method provided by Mass General Brigham cardiologist/electrophysiologist Dr. Jorge Romero, MD. To measure your heart rate, gently press the tips of your index and middle fingers against your neck or wrist, count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4 to get beats per minute.
How to use the calculator: choose your gender, age, weight, duration, distance, and average heart rate to get a more accurate number of biking burned calories.
Bicycling Calorie Calculator (Karvonen Method)
Biking (Karvonen Method)
Estimated Calories Burned:
How many calories does cycling burn?
The number of calories cycling burns varies from 290 to 1176 calories per hour (from leisurely biking to extreme high-intensity biking)as we calculated based on the METs method. The number varies from intensity and type of bicycling( which mean different METs values from 3.5 to 16), the body weight(either in Kg or Lbs)m and duration time.
In a study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2015 comparing the caloric burn of various 30-minute exercise modalities, nine men participated in four different exercises: resistance training, endurance cycling, treadmill sessions, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a hydraulic resistance system (HRS). The results indicated that the HRS HIIT session had the highest caloric expenditure, heart rate, and perceived exertion compared to the other methods, which proved the intensity of exercise level can significantly affect how many calories you burn.
The energy exerted during cycling is largely influenced by the average bike speed. Simply put, the faster you pedal, the more calories you burn. Furthermore, the terrain plays a significant role in caloric expenditure. You tend to burn more calories while navigating hills or engaging in off-road cycling compared to a flat surface.
How to calculate calories burned when biking accurately?
To calculate calories burned when biking accurately, you need to get access to your heart rate. By combining speed and heart rate with the Karvonen Method, you can get a more accurate cycling intensity, which directly affects the accuracy of the calorie number you have burned during biking.
For example, let’s introduce Alex, a 30 years old male with a 75 kg(165.34 lbs) body weight who rides 30 minutes on an indoor bike with different heart rates (which means different speeds and distances), the result is as below
With an average heart rate of 120 bpm, the estimated calories burned by biking is 142.58 Cal.
With an average heart rate of 140 bpm, the estimated calories burned by biking is 233.05 Cal.
With an average heart rate of 160 bpm, the estimated calories burned by biking is 323.53 Cal.
With an average heart rate of 180 bpm, the estimated calories burned by biking is 414.00 Cal.
What factors affect how many calories I burn while cycling?
The factors which affect how many calories you burn while cycling are listed below:
- Gender: Men and women have different metabolic rates, with men generally burning more calories than women at the same exercise intensity.
- Age: As you age, your metabolic rate tends to decrease, leading to fewer calories burned during activities like cycling.
- Weight: Heavier individuals will generally burn more calories than lighter ones while cycling due to the increased effort required to move the additional weight.
- Cycling Duration: The longer you cycle, the more calories you’ll burn, with the total expenditure being influenced by your METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value for cycling multiplied by the time spent.
- Distance: Covering longer distances, especially at faster speeds, increases your METs, leading to a higher caloric burn.
- Heart Rate (BPM): Using the Karvonen method, which takes into account resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and desired exercise intensity, a higher heart rate while cycling indicates increased exertion and, thus, greater calorie burn.
- Individual’s Fitness Level: Those with higher fitness levels often have a higher metabolic rate and can exert more effort in cycling, leading to more calories burned.
- Body Composition: Individuals with a higher muscle mass will burn more calories than those with higher fat percentages because muscle requires more energy to function.
- Intensity of the Activity: Cycling uphill, at a faster speed, or with more resistance will lead to a higher METs value and, in turn, burn more calories than cycling at a leisurely pace on a flat surface.
How many calories does cycling burn over time?
The number of calories cycling burns over time varies on gender, age, body weight, distance, heart rate, and other factors. Let’s use the METs method to calculate the estimated calories burned from biking over time as listed below. The METs value is set at 4.0, leisure, to work, or for pleasure cycling pace, the speed is below 10 mph (16 kph), which suits most of our cycling activities.
Time/Weight | 150 lb (68.04 kg) | 175 lb (79.38 kg) | 200 lb (90.72 kg) | 225 lb (102.06 kg) | 250 lb (113.4 kg) |
10 mins | 96.10 | 112.34 | 128.58 | 144.82 | 161.06 |
15 mins | 144.15 | 168.51 | 192.87 | 217.23 | 241.59 |
20 mins | 192.20 | 224.68 | 257.16 | 289.64 | 322.12 |
30 mins | 288.30 | 337.02 | 385.74 | 434.46 | 483.18 |
45 mins | 432.45 | 505.53 | 578.61 | 651.69 | 724.77 |
60 mins | 576.60 | 674.04 | 771.48 | 868.92 | 966.36 |
1.5 hours | 864.90 | 1011.06 | 1157.22 | 1303.38 | 1449.54 |
2 hours | 1153.20 | 1348.08 | 1542.96 | 1737.84 | 1932.72 |
From our table, you can see a person weighing 175 lb burns approximately 337.02 calories in 30 minutes of cycling.
For 60 minutes of cycling, the same individual burns about 674.04 calories.
Over a span of 2 hours, they would expend around 1348.08 calories.
How many calories does cycling burn by distance?
The number of calories cycling burns by distance varies similar to time, but speed plays the main factor, as we know the faster you ride, the further you cycle on the bike, which means more calories burned. So still we use the METs method, with the same 4.0 METs value, the speed is 10 mph(16 kph). Below are the calories burned by distance( km).
Weight | 1 km (0.62 miles) | 5 km (3.11 miles) | 10 km (6.21 miles) | 15 km (9.32 miles) | 20 km (12.43 miles) | 30 km (18.64 miles) | 40 km (24.85 miles) |
150 lb (68.18 kg) | 9.43 | 47.17 | 94.33 | 141.50 | 188.66 | 283.00 | 377.33 |
175 lb (79.38 kg) | 11.00 | 55.02 | 110.04 | 165.06 | 220.08 | 330.12 | 440.16 |
200 lb (90.72 kg) | 12.57 | 62.87 | 125.74 | 188.61 | 251.48 | 377.23 | 502.97 |
225 lb (102.06 kg) | 14.14 | 70.72 | 141.44 | 212.15 | 282.87 | 424.31 | 565.75 |
250 lb (113.40 kg) | 15.71 | 78.57 | 157.13 | 235.70 | 314.26 | 471.39 | 628.52 |
From the table, we can know, that a person who weighs 200 lb cycles at a speed of 10 mph, will burn 12.57 Cal for 1 km, with 10 km cycling calories burn 125.74 Cal, with 20 km cycling calories burn 251.48 Cal.
For people who are more familiar with miles as the main distance measurement, we have the estimated calories burned cycling table below.
Weight | 1 mile | 5 miles | 10 miles | 15 miles | 20 miles | 30 miles |
150 lb (68.18 kg) | 15.14 | 75.72 | 151.43 | 227.15 | 302.86 | 454.29 |
175 lb (79.38 kg) | 17.60 | 88.02 | 176.04 | 264.06 | 352.08 | 528.12 |
200 lb (90.72 kg) | 20.06 | 100.32 | 200.64 | 300.96 | 401.28 | 601.92 |
225 lb (102.06 kg) | 22.52 | 112.62 | 225.24 | 337.86 | 450.48 | 675.72 |
250 lb (113.40 kg) | 24.98 | 124.92 | 249.83 | 374.75 | 499.67 | 749.50 |
From the table, we see, that a person who weighs 200 lb biking for 1 mile at a speed of 10 mph will burn 20.06 Cal, 10 miles biking burns 200.64 Cal, while 30 miles will burn 600.92 Cal.
How many calories does cycling burn by speed?
The number of calories cycling burns by speed can be quite different based on the speed levels. From leisure( to work or for pleasure), slow and light effort, and moderate speed to professional racing, the burned calories from biking change significantly. By using the METs method, we gather a group of biking burned calories in 60 minutes at different speeds as below.
Weight | Speed (mph / kph) | |||||
5.5 / 8.85 | 10 / 16.09 | 12 / 19.31 | 14 / 22.53 | 16 / 25.75 | 20 / 32.19 | |
150 lb (68.18 kg) | 143.40 | 286.20 | 343.20 | 400.20 | 457.80 | 571.80 |
175 lb (79.38 kg) | 166.80 | 333.00 | 399.60 | 466.20 | 532.80 | 666.00 |
200 lb (90.72 kg) | 190.80 | 381.00 | 457.20 | 532.80 | 608.40 | 760.80 |
225 lb (102.06 kg) | 214.80 | 429.60 | 515.40 | 600.60 | 686.40 | 858.00 |
250 lb (113.40 kg) | 238.20 | 476.40 | 571.80 | 667.80 | 763.80 | 953.40 |
From the result, if you weigh 175 lb and cycle at 10 mph speed, you would burn 333.00 Cal, if you cycle at 12 mph speed you would burn 399.60 Cal, and 532.80 Cal at 16 mph speed.
What’s the difference in calorie burn between cycling at a leisurely pace versus a more intense pace?
The difference in calorie burn between cycling at a leisurely pace versus a more intense pace is quite big based on the METs calorie burning measuring method. For example, if someone weighs 200 lb and cycles for 60 minutes, if the individual cycles at 5.5 mph speed would burn 190.80 calories, but if cycle at 16 mph speed, would burn 608.40 calories.
How does weight or fitness level affect calorie burn during cycling?
The body weight and fitness level affect calorie burn during cycling by influencing the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) value and the overall energy expenditure. This is because the METs represent the amount of oxygen consumed while resting and vary with the intensity of the activity. When calculating calorie burn using the METs method (Calories Burned per minute = MET value × body weight in Kg × 3.5/200), you can see that body weight is directly proportional to the calories burned. Heavier individuals expend more energy to move their bodies, leading to a higher caloric burn.
On the other hand, an individual’s fitness level can affect the MET value of an activity. For example, a trained athlete might have a lower MET value for a given cycling speed compared to an untrained individual because their body has become more efficient at performing that exercise. Thus, they might consume less oxygen and burn fewer calories at the same intensity level.
For example, two individuals cycle 30 minutes at the same speed 10 mph, the person who weighs 150 lb burns 288.30 calories, while the person who weighs 200 lb burns 385.74 calories.
What’s the difference in calorie burn between cycling on flat terrain versus uphill?
The difference in calorie burn between cycling on flat terrain versus uphill is substantial because of the increased resistance and effort required when cycling uphill. Using the METs method as a reference, cycling on flat terrain might have a MET value around 4.0 (for a moderate pace), while cycling uphill can increase the MET value considerably, sometimes even doubling it or more, depending on the steepness and intensity of the climb.
This elevation in MET value signifies a higher energy expenditure and oxygen consumption due to the increased demand on the muscles and cardiovascular system when working against gravity. Consequently, for the same duration of cycling, a person will burn significantly more calories when pedaling uphill compared to a flat terrain.
How many calories do you burn on a stationary bike?
The number of calories you burn on a stationary bike varies because of factors like your weight, the intensity of the workout, and your overall fitness level. Typically, cycling on a stationary bike burns a slightly different number of calories than outdoors because there’s no wind resistance or varied terrain like hills to consider, but the controlled resistance settings can simulate similar intensities. The consistent nature of stationary cycling might lead to a more sustained exertion level, possibly leading to a higher calorie burn if the same effort is maintained compared to outdoor variations.
Here’s a table outlining the estimated caloric burn for different intensities on a stationary bike for various body weights, based on the METs method, and calculated as a 30-minute cycling session:
Intensity | METs Value | 150 lb (68 kg) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 225 lb (102 kg) | 250 lb (113 kg) |
Leisure | 3.5 | 119.0 | 138.7 | 158.4 | 178.1 | 197.8 |
Light effort | 6.8 | 231.6 | 269.6 | 307.6 | 345.6 | 383.6 |
Moderate effort | 8.0 | 272.0 | 316.8 | 361.6 | 406.4 | 451.2 |
Vigorous effort | 10.0 | 340.0 | 396.0 | 452.0 | 508.0 | 564.0 |
Fast racing | 12.0 | 408.0 | 475.2 | 542.4 | 609.6 | 676.8 |
From the result we can tell the burned calories on a stationary bike can be quite different under different intensities and body weights.
How many calories do you burn on outdoor cycling?
The number of calories you burn on outdoor cycling varies because of the intensity, terrain, wind resistance, and your body’s individual metabolic rate. Typically, cycling outdoors burns more calories than indoors because of additional factors like changing terrain, wind resistance, and the need for more stabilization and effort, especially during uphill climbs or against strong winds.
Intensity | METs Value | 150 lb (68 kg) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 225 lb (102 kg) | 250 lb (113 kg) |
Leisure | 6.8 | 231.6 | 269.6 | 307.6 | 345.6 | 383.6 |
Moderate effort | 8.0 | 272.0 | 316.8 | 361.6 | 406.4 | 451.2 |
Fast | 10.0 | 340.0 | 396.0 | 452.0 | 508.0 | 564.0 |
Fast racing | 12.0 | 408.0 | 475.2 | 542.4 | 609.6 | 676.8 |
Pro-level | 15.8 | 538.4 | 627.2 | 716.0 | 804.8 | 893.6 |
How does indoor cycling compare to outdoor cycling in terms of calorie burn?
Indoor cycling compared to outdoor cycling in terms of calorie burn is often similar, but specific caloric expenditure can vary based on numerous factors. This is because indoor cycling allows for a controlled environment, where factors such as resistance, speed, and duration can be maintained consistently. Indoor cycling mostly focuses on maintaining a steady pace, often dictated by the instructor or the settings on the stationary bike.
Outdoor cycling introduces variables like heart rate changes, wind resistance, changing terrains, and fluctuating speeds. This often means that outdoor cycling can have moments of higher intensity, especially when encountering uphill terrains or strong headwinds. However, the controlled resistance and consistent push in indoor cycling classes, especially during high-intensity intervals, can lead to significant calorie burn. In essence, while the two forms of cycling are comparable, the exact calorie burn will depend on the specific circumstances and efforts of each ride.
How many calories are burned in a spin class?
The number of calories you burn in a spin class varies because of several factors including the intensity of the session, the duration, your weight, and your fitness level. Typically, spin classes, which are indoor cycling sessions, may burn a similar amount of calories on a stationary bike. In spin classes, instructors often incorporate high-intensity intervals, hill climbs, and resistance changes that can lead to consistent and high levels of exertion throughout the session.
Below is the table for calories burned in a spin class based on different intensities and body weights.
Weight | Light Effort (30 mins) | Moderate Effort (30 mins) | Vigorous Effort (30 mins) | Intense Session (30 mins) |
150 lb (68 kg) | 119 kcal | 208 kcal | 260 kcal | 318 kcal |
175 lb (79 kg) | 139 kcal | 242 kcal | 303 kcal | 370 kcal |
200 lb (91 kg) | 159 kcal | 276 kcal | 345 kcal | 422 kcal |
225 lb (102 kg) | 179 kcal | 310 kcal | 388 kcal | 474 kcal |
250 lb (113 kg) | 199 kcal | 345 kcal | 431 kcal | 526 kcal |
How does the amount of calories burned differ between track, mountain, trail, road and stationary biking?
The amount of calories burned differs between track, mountain, trail, road, and stationary biking because the MET values change based on biking intensity. Typically mountain, trail, and track biking use the MET value even up to 18, while road biking MET value varies from 6.8 to 15.8, and stationary biking MET value changes from 3.5 to 12.
Weight | Track Biking (15.8 METs) | Mountain Biking (14 METs) | Road Biking (10.5 METs) | Stationary Biking (8.1 METs) |
150 lb (68 kg) | 341 kcal | 301 kcal | 225 kcal | 174 kcal |
175 lb (79 kg) | 397 kcal | 351 kcal | 263 kcal | 202 kcal |
200 lb (91 kg) | 454 kcal | 402 kcal | 301 kcal | 231 kcal |
225 lb (102 kg) | 511 kcal | 452 kcal | 338 kcal | 260 kcal |
250 lb (113 kg) | 568 kcal | 503 kcal | 376 kcal | 289 kcal |
Do you burn more calories sitting or standing while cycling?
You burn more calories standing while cycling because engaging in a standing position requires additional muscular effort and energy to support and stabilize the body. This increased muscular engagement, particularly in the legs and core, results in a higher caloric expenditure compared to sitting.
Below we compare the burned calories from seated and standing cycling in 30 minites, with the same speed at 12 mph (19.31 kph).
Weight | Seated Cycling (8.5 METs) | Standing Cycling (9.0 METs) |
150 lb (68 kg) | 255.75 kcal | 272.25 kcal |
175 lb (79 kg) | 297.375 kcal | 316.875 kcal |
200 lb (91 kg) | 339 kcal | 361.5 kcal |
225 lb (102 kg) | 380.625 kcal | 406.125 kcal |
250 lb (113 kg) | 422.25 kcal | 450.75 kcal |
How long should I cycle to burn 500 calories?
The time you need to burn 500 calories by cycling varies depending on factors such as the cycling environment (indoor vs. outdoor), the type of biking (mountain vs. road biking), and body weight. This is because each of these elements influences the intensity and energy demands of the activity. For instance, outdoor cycling, especially on terrains like mountains, often demands more energy than indoor cycling. Similarly, an individual’s body weight plays a role in determining the rate of calorie burn, with heavier individuals generally burning more calories for the same activity duration.
Here’s a table detailing the approximate time (in minutes) needed to burn 500 calories based on the factors mentioned, for indoor cycling we choose moderate intensity, and for outdoor we choose moderate pace with a 12 mph speed.
Body Weight | Indoor Cycling (METs: 8.0) | Outdoor Biking (METs: 8.5) |
150 lb (68 kg) | 94 minutes | 88 minutes |
175 lb (79 kg) | 81 minutes | 76 minutes |
200 lb (91 kg) | 71 minutes | 67 minutes |
225 lb (102 kg) | 64 minutes | 61 minutes |
250 lb (113 kg) | 59 minutes | 56 minutes |
Can I burn 1000 calories by cycling?
Yes, you can burn 1000 calories by cycling by simply improving speed or duration based on METs cycling calories burned formula. For example, if you weigh 175 lb (79 kg), to burn 1000 calories you can either ride at a 10 mph (16.09 kph) speed for 80.71 minutes or ride at a 17.06 (27.45) mph speed for 60 minutes.
How can I increase the number of calories I burn while cycling?
You can increase the number of calories burned while cycling by elevating the intensity of your rides. For indoor cycling, incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your sessions, where you alternate between intense bursts of speed and recovery periods, can substantially elevate calorie expenditure. Adding resistance to your stationary bike, increasing your cycling duration, or incorporating strength training exercises during breaks can all contribute to a higher calorie burn
For outdoor cycling, tackling more challenging terrains, such as hills or rough trails, can boost the effort required and therefore the calories burned. Furthermore, maintaining proper cycling posture and optimizing pedal technique can ensure you’re working efficiently and maximizing your energy expenditure.
How does cycling compare to other cardio exercises like running, swimming, or rowing in terms of calorie burn?
Cycling compares to other cardio exercises like running, swimming, or rowing in terms of calorie burn in a diverse manner because each activity engages different muscle groups, requires varying energy expenditures, and offers unique resistance factors. Generally, running often burns more calories than cycling at the same intensity due to the full-body engagement and the need to propel the entire body weight. Swimming, being a full-body workout with water resistance, has a high-calorie burn rate. Rowing, similar to swimming, involves both the upper and lower body and thus can result in significant calorie consumption, especially during intensive sessions.
Here’s a comparison table with approximate calories burned in 30 minutes of general workout for each type of exercise:
Body Weight (lb/kg) | Biking (6.8 METs) | Rope Jumping (11.8 METs) | Swimming (8.3 METs) | Running (9.8 METs) | Rowing (7 METs) | Walking (3.3 METs) |
150lb / 68.04kg | 242.90 | 422.20 | 295.94 | 349.34 | 247.44 | 103.23 |
175lb / 79.38kg | 283.37 | 492.57 | 346.10 | 408.40 | 289.16 | 120.44 |
200lb / 90.72kg | 323.84 | 562.94 | 396.27 | 467.46 | 330.89 | 137.65 |
225lb / 102.06kg | 364.30 | 633.31 | 446.43 | 526.52 | 372.61 | 154.85 |
We can see the differences more easily in the below graph.
Please note: The MET values used here are generalized averages for each activity. The actual MET value can vary based on the intensity and specific conditions under which the exercise is performed.
Cycling vs. Running calories burn
In general terms, running tends to burn more calories per minute than cycling because it requires more effort to propel the entire body forward, engaging more muscles in the process. Cycling versus running in terms of burned calories presents a dynamic comparison, largely because the calorie expenditure is influenced by intensity, terrain, and the individual’s weight and fitness level.
For example, if a person weighs 175 lb (79.38 kg), for a general 30-minute exercise session, the individual could burn 408.40 calories by running, while could burn 283.37 calories by cycling.
However, the result can be different based on cycling intensity, speed, heart rate, and personal body fitness level. It’s essential to note that individual experiences can vary(for example running outdoor or running on treadmill), and both exercises are excellent choices for cardiovascular health and weight management.
Cycling vs. Swimming calories burn
Swimming burns more calories per hour than aerobics and cycling because it engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously and requires the body to use energy to maintain body temperature in the water. While cycling primarily targets the leg muscles, swimming is a full-body workout that involves the arms, legs, back, shoulders, and core.
Swimming demands more effort by fighting water resistance, cold water temperature, and gravity. On the other hand, cycling is more consistent than swimming in terms of duration. It’s easier to maintain a certain speed for 30 minutes on a bike than non-stop swimming at the same period of time.
From our calories burned graph, a person weighs 175 lb (79.38kg), for a moderate half-hour exercise, the individual could burn 283.37 calories by cycling while burning 346.10 calories by
Swimming.
However, the exact calorie burn for both activities can vary widely based on intensity, individual metabolism, and technique.
Cycling vs. Rowing calories burn
Rowing burns more calories than cycling in general because it engages more major muscle groups, offering both an upper and lower-body workout. While cycling primarily focuses on the legs, rowing demands effort from the legs, back, arms, and core. This full-body exertion leads to a higher overall calorie burn.
From our data table, a person weighing 175 lb (79.38 kg) who exercises for 30 minutes could burn 289.16 calories from rowing, while burning 283.37 from cycling.
The resistance provided by the rowing machine or water (when rowing outdoors) ensures a consistent challenge throughout the rowing motion, leading to increased energy expenditure. However, the exact calorie burn can vary based on the intensity of the workout, the individual’s fitness level, weight, and metabolic rate.
Cycling vs. Walking calories burn
Cycling burns more calories than walking in general because it requires greater exertion and engages the muscles in a more intensive manner. While walking is a weight-bearing activity that primarily uses the muscles in the legs, cycling requires continuous rotation of the pedals, demanding more from the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. The resistance provided by the bike’s gears or inclines forces the body to work harder, leading to a higher energy expenditure.
A person who weighs 175 lb (79.38kg) burns 120.44 calories when walking moderately for 30 mins, while burns 283.37 calories when cycling moderately for 30 mins.
However, the exact calorie burn can differ based on factors like intensity, terrain, individual weight, and metabolic rate.
What are the other health benefits of cycling besides calorie burn?
The other health benefits of cycling besides calories burned include physical, psychological, and environmental effects. Below is the complete list.
- Helps for Weight Loss
- Increases muscle strength, flexibility, and stamina
- Enhances balance, posture, and coordination
- Improves joint mobility and fortifies bone
- Promotes better lung health
- Boosts your immune system
- Strengthens your defense against cardiovascular disease and cancer
- Alleviates feelings of fatigue
- Elevates your sexual well-being
- Helps with pregnancy
- Extends your lifespan
- Boosts mental health and brainpower
- Helps against anxiety and depression
- Improves sleep quality
- Expands your social circle through cycling
- Heightens special awareness and creativity
- Saves valuable time with cycling
- Fosters quality family moment
- Allows you to indulge in a guilt-free snack after a ride.
- Minimizes your carbon footprint
How does cycling help with fat loss specifically?
Cycling helps with fat loss specifically because it elevates the heart rate, leading to a higher calorie burn, which when combined with a calorie deficit, results in fat reduction, especially belly fat loss.. The continuous pedaling action targets large muscle groups, increasing muscle mass, which subsequently boosts metabolic rate, allowing the body to burn calories more efficiently even at rest.
Is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight?
Yes, 30 minutes of cycling a day is enough to lose weight only if it’s combined with a calorie-controlled diet and you burn more calories during the activity than the additional calories you consume. The actual weight loss will depend on the intensity of the cycling(either outdoor cycling like road cycling and mountain biking, or indoor cycling), individual metabolism, and dietary habits.
How does cycling play a role in weight management?
The role cycling plays in weight management for women and men is by providing a high-calorie burn activity, helping to create a calorie deficit which is essential for weight loss. Consistent cycling builds muscle mass, elevating the metabolic rate, which further aids in maintaining or reducing weight over time.
What are some dietary considerations to optimize calorie burn and energy during cycling?
Dietary considerations to optimize calorie burn and energy during cycling include consuming complex carbohydrates like whole grains for sustained energy, ensuring adequate protein intake for muscle repair and recovery, staying hydrated with electrolyte-rich fluids, incorporating healthy fats such as avocados and nuts for prolonged endurance, and eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables which contain essential nutritions for cyclists to combat oxidative stress from intense workouts. These dietary components ensure that the body is adequately fueled and can recover effectively post-cycling, maximizing the benefits of the exercise.