As we all know, staying active is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But when it comes to choosing a physical activity, there are so many options available that it can be challenging to decide which one is the most effective for burning calories. Running and hiking are two popular choices, and many people wonder which one is more efficient at burning calories. So, what burns more calories, running or hiking? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
Both running and hiking are excellent aerobic exercises that can help you burn calories and boost your fitness level. However, the number of calories you burn depends on various factors such as your body weight, the intensity of the activity, and the duration of the workout. In this article, we will compare running and hiking and explore the factors that determine which one burns more calories. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a hiking enthusiast, this article will provide you with valuable insights to help you choose the best physical activity for your fitness goals.
Running typically burns more calories than hiking. A 154-pound person can burn around 600 calories per hour running at a moderate pace, while hiking at the same intensity burns around 439 calories per hour. However, hiking on uneven terrain or at a steep incline can increase the number of calories burned, making it more comparable to running. Ultimately, the number of calories burned depends on the individual’s weight, intensity, and duration of the exercise.
Table of Contents
What Burns More Calories Running or Hiking?
When it comes to burning calories, running and hiking are two of the most effective exercises. Both activities are great for cardiovascular health, weight loss, and overall fitness. But which one burns more calories? In this article, we will compare running and hiking to determine which one is the better calorie burner.
Calories Burned While Running
Running is a high-intensity exercise that gets your heart pumping and your body sweating. The number of calories burned while running depends on several factors, including your weight, speed, and distance. On average, a person weighing 150 pounds can burn around 100 calories per mile while running at a moderate pace of 5 miles per hour. This means that someone who runs for an hour at this pace can burn up to 600 calories.
However, the number of calories burned while running can increase significantly if you increase your speed or distance. Running at a faster pace or tackling a hilly terrain can also increase the number of calories burned.
Calories Burned While Hiking
Hiking is a low-impact exercise that is great for people of all fitness levels. It is a great way to enjoy nature while getting a good workout at the same time. The number of calories burned while hiking depends on several factors, including your weight, speed, and terrain.
On average, a person weighing 150 pounds can burn around 250-300 calories per hour while hiking on a flat terrain. This means that someone who hikes for three hours can burn up to 900 calories. However, the number of calories burned while hiking can vary significantly depending on the terrain. Hiking uphill or on rough terrain can increase the number of calories burned.
Benefits of Running
Running has many benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, and burning calories. It is also a great way to reduce stress and improve mood. Regular running can also help with weight loss and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Benefits of Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get exercise while enjoying nature. It is a low-impact exercise that is great for people of all fitness levels. Hiking can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and improve balance and coordination. It is also a great way to reduce stress and improve mood.
Running vs. Hiking
Both running and hiking are great exercises that can burn calories and improve fitness. However, there are some key differences between the two.
One of the main differences between running and hiking is the intensity of the exercise. Running is a high-intensity exercise that burns more calories per minute than hiking. However, hiking is a low-impact exercise that puts less stress on the joints and is easier on the body.
Another difference between running and hiking is the terrain. Running is typically done on flat surfaces such as roads or tracks, while hiking is done on rough terrain such as hills or mountains. This means that hiking can provide a more challenging workout and burn more calories than running.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both running and hiking are great exercises that can burn calories and improve fitness. However, if you want to burn more calories per minute, running is the better choice. On the other hand, if you want a low-impact workout that is easier on the body, hiking is the better choice. Ultimately, the best exercise for you is the one that you enjoy and can do consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What burns more calories: running or hiking?
Running and hiking are both great ways to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. However, running generally burns more calories than hiking. This is because running requires more energy and uses more muscles throughout the body. According to the American Council on Exercise, a 150-pound person can burn around 100 calories per mile while running, compared to around 60-70 calories per mile while hiking.
That being said, hiking can still be a great way to burn calories and offers the added benefits of being low-impact and providing a more scenic and enjoyable experience. Additionally, hiking on inclines or carrying a heavy backpack can increase the intensity of the workout and lead to more calories burned.
2. Is running better than hiking for weight loss?
While running burns more calories per mile than hiking, the best exercise for weight loss is the one that you enjoy and can consistently stick to. Both running and hiking can be effective for weight loss, as long as they are done regularly and combined with a healthy diet. Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises can help increase muscle mass and boost metabolism, leading to more overall calories burned.
Ultimately, the key to successful weight loss is finding an exercise routine that you enjoy and can maintain long-term, whether that be running, hiking, or another form of physical activity.
3. Can hiking be as effective as running for cardiovascular health?
Yes, hiking can be just as effective as running for improving cardiovascular health. Hiking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that gets the heart rate up and works the cardiovascular system, leading to improved endurance and a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, studies have shown that regular hiking can lead to similar improvements in cardiovascular health as regular running.
Additionally, hiking offers the added benefits of being easier on the joints and providing a more enjoyable and relaxing experience in nature, which can lead to reduced stress and improved mental health.
4. Is it better to run or hike for building leg muscles?
Running and hiking both work the leg muscles, but they do so in slightly different ways. Running primarily works the muscles in the front of the thighs (quadriceps) and the calves, while hiking works a wider range of muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
If your goal is to specifically build leg muscles, hiking may be a better option as it targets a wider range of muscles and can be done on inclines or with a heavy backpack to increase the intensity of the workout. However, incorporating strength training exercises such as lunges, squats, and calf raises can also help build leg muscles and improve overall strength and endurance.
5. Can you combine running and hiking for a more effective workout?
Yes, combining running and hiking can be a great way to get a full-body workout and burn more calories. One way to do this is to alternate between running and hiking intervals during your workout. For example, you could run for 5 minutes, then hike for 5 minutes, and repeat for the duration of your workout.
Another option is to incorporate hill sprints or hill repeats into your workout, which can be done by running up a hill and then hiking back down to recover. This type of workout can be especially effective for building leg strength and improving cardiovascular endurance.
Walking vs. Running: Which Burns More Calories?
After considering the various factors involved, it is clear that both running and hiking burn calories and have their own unique benefits. Running is a more intense form of exercise that can help you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. It also provides cardiovascular benefits and can improve your overall fitness level. On the other hand, hiking allows you to enjoy nature and the great outdoors while burning calories and improving your physical health. It is a low-impact activity that is easier on your joints and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.
Ultimately, the decision to choose running or hiking as your preferred form of exercise depends on your personal preferences and fitness goals. If you are looking to burn calories quickly and improve your cardiovascular health, running may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy being in nature and are looking for a low-impact way to improve your physical health, hiking is an excellent choice. Whatever you choose, incorporating regular exercise into your routine is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and achieving your fitness goals.