Which is healthier and burns more calories - walking or cycling?

Question

Assuming the same route.

Answer 1

if you're on the same route, you'll spend less time cycling it than walking it, even if you walk at a brisk (i.e., thigh-burning) pace. So if you spend the time speed-walking, you'll burn more calories walking it, simply because you'll be exercising longer.

also it depends on the lay of the land - are you walking/cycling flat or hilly?

both activities are pretty easy on the knees. so as long as you've got your balance on a bike and don't risk injury, either should be ok.

the best thing to do is switch off - walk one week, bike the next, keep your body guessing and adjusting all the time.

Answer 2

It depends on the pace. Speed walking burns more calories than gliding on a bike, but biking the tour de france burns more calories than walking through the store. Both can be effective exercises it just depends on the effort thats put into it.

Answer 3

Walking burns more calories per distance than biking. Do both and see which one makes you more tired or breathe heavier. Walking 3-4 miles a day is ideal. Ride your bike the same distance. You will feel like you worked harder when you walked because you have.

Answer 4

Oooooooooooh I LIKE Back Man's answer.
I like cycling for exercise and relaxing but find walking too painful for my bunions. Sad, I know. So I'm well chuffed that cycling is so good. You can also take off faster when you inevitably come across a nutter, too.
I'm glad you asked that question. Thank you.

Answer 5

Cycling as a long term form on exercise can exasperate back problems (and possibly cause some). For men, there is also an added increased risk of testicular cancer as the gonads are subjected to increased heat, friction and shock damage.

Answer 6

Cycling. example Lets say you weigh 70 kg and walk 10 miles that is 70kg miles, burning "x" cals. Now you cycle that distance lets say your bike weighs 7kg thats 77kg miles so you have burnt 10% more calories! plus it is less stressful on your body as it is low impact. You can always walk and carry the bike though..lol

Answer 7

Depends on how quickly you cycle but cycling is a more 'all body' work out and so at any speed cycling would be the more beneficial.

Answer 8

That's a tough one, although you will burn 7% more calories if you walk on hard dirt compared to pavement!

Answer 9

well, when cycling you are using more leg muscle and they would get them real toned up, so i would say cycling definately burns more calories, as your moving more

Answer 10

walking is better out of those 2 but i find the best way is to do lots of swimming