Hiking and running are two of the most popular outdoor activities that people engage in for fitness and leisure. Both activities are great for burning calories and improving overall health, but the question remains: which one burns more calories? Is it hiking, with its steady inclines and beautiful scenery, or running, with its high intensity and cardiovascular benefits? This is a question that has been debated by fitness enthusiasts and health experts alike, and in this article, we will explore the science behind the calorie-burning potential of hiking and running.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a dedicated runner, understanding the calorie-burning potential of these activities can help you make the most of your workout routine. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the physiological factors that affect calorie burning during hiking and running, including the intensity of the activity, the duration of the workout, and the terrain. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to determine which activity is best suited to your fitness goals and lifestyle. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of hiking and running, and discover which one burns more calories!
Hiking and running are great ways to burn calories and stay fit. While running burns more calories per minute, hiking is less intense and can be sustained for longer periods of time. A 155-pound person can burn around 600 calories while running for an hour, while hiking for the same amount of time can burn around 440 calories. Ultimately, the number of calories burned depends on factors such as weight, terrain, and intensity of the activity.
Table of Contents
Do You Burn More Calories Hiking or Running?
Hiking and running are two popular outdoor activities that people do for cardio, weight loss, and overall health. Both activities require physical exertion, but the question remains: which one burns more calories? In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between hiking and running and determine which activity burns more calories.
Calorie Burn During Hiking
Hiking is a low-impact exercise that involves walking on uneven terrain, often uphill or downhill. The amount of calories burned during hiking varies depending on a variety of factors such as body weight, terrain, and speed. On average, a 160-pound person can burn approximately 430 calories per hour of hiking. This number increases with the intensity of the hike and the weight of the person.
Hiking is a great way to burn calories because it engages different muscle groups, including the legs, glutes, and core. Additionally, hiking on uneven terrain requires more energy and burns more calories than walking on a flat surface. The benefits of hiking go beyond just burning calories; it also reduces stress, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts mood.
Calorie Burn During Running
Running is a high-impact exercise that involves moving at a faster pace than hiking. The amount of calories burned during running also varies depending on factors such as body weight, speed, and distance. On average, a 160-pound person can burn approximately 600 calories per hour of running at a moderate pace.
Running is a more efficient way to burn calories than hiking because it requires more energy to move at a faster pace. It also engages different muscle groups, such as the arms and core, and improves cardiovascular health. However, running can be harder on the joints and may not be suitable for everyone.
Benefits of Hiking vs Running
While both hiking and running are great ways to burn calories and improve overall health, there are some differences in the benefits they offer. Here are some of the benefits of hiking and running:
Hiking Benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Strengthens leg muscles and core
- Boosts mood and overall well-being
- Low-impact activity that is easier on the joints
Running Benefits:
- Burns more calories in less time
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Engages more muscle groups, including arms and core
- Boosts mood and overall well-being
- Increases bone density and strengthens joints
Hiking vs Running: Which One Burns More Calories?
When it comes to burning calories, running is the more efficient exercise. It burns more calories per minute than hiking and can help you reach your weight loss goals faster. However, hiking is a great low-impact alternative that still offers many health benefits and can be a more enjoyable activity for some people.
Ultimately, the number of calories burned during hiking or running depends on a variety of factors, including body weight, intensity, and terrain. Both activities can be effective ways to burn calories and improve overall health, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for you and your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to burning calories while hiking or running.
1. Do you burn more calories hiking or running?
The answer to this question depends on various factors such as your weight, the intensity of the activity, and the duration of the exercise. Generally, running is considered a more intense workout than hiking, which means you can burn more calories per minute while running. However, hiking is a longer endurance activity that can burn more calories overall if you hike for a longer duration.
For example, a person weighing 150 pounds can burn around 240 calories by hiking for an hour on a moderate trail, whereas they can burn around 350 calories by running at a moderate pace for the same duration. However, if the same person hikes for 3 hours, they can burn around 720 calories, which is more than the 1050 calories they would burn by running for the same duration.
2. How does the terrain affect calorie burn during hiking?
The terrain of your hiking trail can have a significant impact on the number of calories you burn. Hiking uphill or on rough terrain requires more effort, which means you can burn more calories. For example, hiking on a steep incline can burn up to 500 calories per hour for a person weighing 150 pounds. On the other hand, hiking on flat terrain may not provide much of a challenge, and you may burn fewer calories.
Similarly, hiking with a backpack can also increase the intensity of the workout and help you burn more calories. A person carrying a backpack weighing around 20-30 pounds can burn up to 400-500 calories per hour while hiking. Therefore, choosing a hiking trail with varied terrain and carrying a backpack can be an effective way to burn more calories while hiking.
3. How does running speed affect calorie burn?
The number of calories burned while running depends on the speed of the activity. The faster you run, the more calories you can burn per minute. Running at a moderate pace of 6 mph can burn around 300-400 calories per hour for a person weighing 150 pounds. However, running at a faster pace of 8 mph can burn up to 600 calories per hour for the same person.
Additionally, interval training, which involves alternating between high-intensity and low-intensity running, can also help you burn more calories. This type of training can increase metabolism and keep burning calories even after the workout is over.
4. Can hiking or running help you lose weight?
Both hiking and running can be effective ways to lose weight. To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than you consume. Hiking or running can help you burn calories and create a calorie deficit. However, the number of calories you burn depends on various factors such as the intensity of the activity, the duration of the exercise, and your weight.
In addition to burning calories, hiking and running can also improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle, and reduce stress levels. Therefore, incorporating these activities into your weight loss plan can be an effective way to achieve your fitness goals.
5. How can you increase calorie burn while hiking or running?
There are several ways to increase calorie burn while hiking or running. One way is to increase the intensity of the activity by running faster or hiking uphill. Another way is to increase the duration of the exercise. For example, a person can hike for a longer duration or add more miles to their running routine.
In addition to these methods, incorporating strength training exercises, such as lunges, squats, and push-ups, can also help you burn more calories. These exercises can build muscle and increase metabolism, which can result in burning more calories even at rest.
This Happens To Your Body When you Hike
It’s a common question among fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers: which burns more calories, hiking or running? The answer, as with many fitness-related questions, is not a simple one. Both activities can be effective for burning calories and improving overall health, but the effectiveness of each will depend on various factors, including the terrain, intensity, and duration of the activity.
Ultimately, the best approach is to choose the activity that you enjoy and that fits your fitness goals and lifestyle. If you prefer the challenge of running and want to maximize calorie burn, incorporating hill sprints or interval training can help to increase intensity and calories burned. On the other hand, if you love being outdoors and exploring new trails, hiking can be a great way to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories while enjoying the beauty of nature. Regardless of which activity you choose, the important thing is to stay active and make fitness a part of your daily routine.