Hiking generally burns more calories than walking due to the increased effort and varied terrain. An individual weighing around 160 pounds can burn approximately 350-500 calories per hour while hiking. Walking at a brisk pace (3.5 mph) burns about 314 calories per hour, while a casual walking pace (2.5 mph) burns around 204 calories per hour.
Calories Burned Hiking vs Walking
FAQs
Is hiking or walking better for weight loss? Both hiking and walking can contribute to weight loss when combined with a balanced diet. Hiking on varied terrain can offer additional benefits.
What burns more calories hiking or walking? Hiking generally burns more calories than walking due to the varied terrain and increased intensity.
How many calories does a 2-mile hike burn? The number of calories burned during a 2-mile hike varies based on factors like weight and terrain, but it’s roughly around 200-300 calories.
Is hiking good for belly fat? Hiking, along with a healthy diet, can aid in overall fat loss, including belly fat.
Can you lose weight hiking 3 miles a day? Hiking 3 miles a day can contribute to weight loss, but overall calorie balance is essential.
Why am I not losing weight hiking? Weight loss depends on various factors like diet, intensity, and consistency. Calorie intake and expenditure must be balanced.
Why is hiking harder than walking? Hiking involves uneven terrain, inclines, and descents, making it more physically demanding than walking on flat surfaces.
Will I lose weight if I hike every day? Consistent hiking, combined with a balanced diet, can contribute to weight loss.
Is hiking cardio or strength? Hiking can involve both cardio and strength aspects, especially on challenging trails.
How many miles is reasonable to hike in a day? The number of miles considered reasonable to hike in a day depends on fitness levels, trail difficulty, and personal goals. It can range from a few miles to over 20 miles for experienced hikers.
How many miles is a good day hike? A good day hike can be anywhere from 5 to 15 miles, depending on your fitness level and the difficulty of the trail.
How many miles should you hike a day on the AT? Appalachian Trail thru-hikers often aim to hike around 10-20 miles per day, but this can vary based on individual preferences and fitness levels.
Can you get in shape just by hiking? Hiking regularly on challenging terrain can improve cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and endurance, but overall fitness should include a variety of exercises.
What is the ideal weight for hiking? There is no specific ideal weight for hiking. Fitness and endurance matter more than weight.
Does hiking boost metabolism? Hiking can temporarily boost metabolism, especially on challenging trails.
How much do I need to walk to lose 50 pounds? Losing 50 pounds requires a combination of diet and exercise, and the number of miles needed to walk would depend on individual factors.
How to lose 10 pounds in a week? Losing 10 pounds in a week is not recommended as it can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Gradual weight loss is safer.
How many miles does 10,000 steps equal? 10,000 steps is roughly equal to 5 miles.
Does hiking make your legs slimmer? Hiking, combined with a balanced diet, can help reduce overall body fat, including in the legs.
Why am I not losing weight walking 10,000 steps a day? Weight loss depends on various factors like calorie intake, metabolism, and overall lifestyle, not just step count.
How long does it take to get in shape for hiking? The time to get in shape for hiking varies based on starting fitness levels and training consistency, but improvements can be seen in a few weeks to months.
Why do I feel so good after hiking? Hiking can release endorphins, reducing stress and boosting mood, while being in nature can have positive psychological effects.
At what point does a walk become a hike? The distinction between a walk and a hike is subjective, but generally, a hike involves challenging terrain and longer distances.
What is considered a tough hike? A tough hike usually involves steep inclines, rugged terrain, and significant elevation gain.
How many miles a week should I hike to lose weight? The number of miles needed to hike per week for weight loss depends on overall caloric balance and individual goals.
Why do I gain weight after a big hike? Temporary weight gain after a hike may be due to water retention or increased muscle mass.
How long should you hike for to lose weight? The duration of hiking needed to lose weight depends on factors like intensity, frequency, and overall caloric intake.
What are hiking legs? The term “hiking legs” refers to strong and conditioned leg muscles developed from regular hiking.
What happens to your body after hiking? After hiking, the body may experience improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle soreness, and a sense of well-being.
How long does a 2-mile hike take? The time to complete a 2-mile hike depends on terrain and fitness levels but can take around 30-60 minutes.
How many miles should a beginner hike? For beginners, starting with shorter hikes of 2-5 miles is a good idea to build endurance.
Is a 5-mile hike a lot? A 5-mile hike can be considered moderate, depending on the terrain and individual fitness levels.
What is considered a day hike? A day hike typically involves hiking a trail and returning within the same day, without camping overnight.
How long is too long of a hike? The length of a hike considered “too long” varies based on individual fitness levels and experience.
What time of day is best to hike? The best time to hike is often early morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme heat and crowds.
How often should you stop on a hike? It’s essential to take short breaks every 1-2 hours during a hike to rest, hydrate, and refuel.
Can the average person hike 10 miles? The average person can hike 10 miles with adequate training and preparation.
How many miles is a 1-hour hike? The number of miles covered in a 1-hour hike depends on the pace, terrain, and fitness levels but can range from 2 to 4 miles.
How many miles is the average Appalachian Trail? The Appalachian Trail is approximately 2,190 miles long, running through various states in the eastern United States.
What is hikers knee? Hiker’s knee refers to knee pain or discomfort often caused by overuse or improper biomechanics during hiking.
What kind of body does hiking give you? Hiking can help build cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and overall stamina.
Does hiking make your waist smaller? Hiking, combined with a balanced diet, can contribute to overall fat loss, including in the waist area.
What is an at thru-hiker? An AT thru-hiker is someone who hikes the entire Appalachian Trail from start to finish in one continuous journey.
Is a 6-mile hike a lot? A 6-mile hike can be considered moderate to challenging, depending on the terrain and individual fitness levels.
How many days a week should I hike? The frequency of hiking depends on individual goals and fitness levels, but 2-3 days a week is a good starting point.
Conclusion
The number of calories burned during hiking and walking depends on various factors, including your weight, intensity, terrain, and duration of the activity. Generally, hiking burns more calories than walking due to the increased effort required to traverse uneven terrain and inclines. Here are approximate calorie burn estimates for a person weighing around 160 pounds (72.5 kg) for both activities:
Calories burned per hour (approx.):
- Hiking: 350-500 calories
- Walking (3.5 mph, brisk pace): 314 calories
- Walking (2.5 mph, casual pace): 204 calories
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on individual factors. To get a more accurate estimate of calories burned during your specific hiking or walking session, consider using a fitness tracker or online calorie calculator that takes into account your weight, duration, and intensity of the activity. Additionally, both hiking and walking offer numerous health benefits beyond calorie burn, so choose the activity that you enjoy and fits your fitness goals best.
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