How Many Calories Do You Burn Riding a Bike?
The number of calories burned by cycling depends on a few factors. Your body weight, riding style, and type of bike will all have an effect on your calorie burn rate. Riding a mountain bike, for example, will burn more calories than a recumbent bike. You will also engage your arms, shoulders, and core while cycling. Recumbent bikes are a great way to burn calories.
Ah bike rides, how I love thee. As a long time cyclist and someone who used to be a bicycle messenger in college, I can tell you there’s not much better than a nice long bike ride. But let’s face it, unless you’re lucky enough to live in Naples, Florida or on some island in the south pacific, riding a bike is not always easy. We have snow in Minnesota from early October until May (true story) and that makes biking outside unpleasant at best and dangerous during our six months of winter darkness (yes again, I’m being serious). So what do we poor Minnesotans do when we want to go for a ride? We ride indoors – on the trainer. It lets us get some exercise without having to brave the elements.
BMX biking burns more calories than trail biking
In a Harvard Medical School study, BMX biking can burn more calories than trail riding. For a 150-pound rider, a mountain bike ride can burn around 477 calories in 30 minutes. For a rider of the same weight, that amount can rise to about 715 calories in 45 minutes. Moreover, trail biking requires you to tackle a challenging terrain and use your body’s weight as resistance.
While the legs play the biggest role in BMX biking, the entire body is used in the ride. The core will also receive a workout as you sit or stand to improve or reduce speed. Additionally, riding a real bike has many mental benefits, which can significantly boost the amount of calories burned. Regardless of the type of bike you’re riding, you’re sure to find a suitable exercise for your needs.
Mountain biking burns more calories than trail biking
While running burns more calories, mountain biking can be more intense. A single mile of mountain biking can be equivalent to three miles of running. Similarly, climbing a hill while mountain biking can be more intense than a 30 minute run. Of course, the intensity of the climb and the terrain will affect the amount of energy expended. Nonetheless, mountain biking can be more beneficial for people who are trying to burn body fat.
Unlike other forms of exercise, mountain biking works the entire body. It builds strong thighs, calves, and butts. The balance required to remain upright and take turns strengthens the abdominals. The additional impact of riding on bumpy trails increases the amount of calories burned per kilometre. Mountain biking is a great way to exercise your entire body without spending money on a gym membership or hiring a personal trainer.
Recumbent bikes recruit your shoulders, arms, and core
The arm cranks on recumbent bikes recruit your upper-body muscles while cycling. As you squeeze the handles, the biceps and triceps work together to pull and push the cranks forward. The pectoralis, anterior and posterior deltoid, and latissmus dorsi are also used to push the cranks forward. In addition, the core is also engaged.
Compared to an upright bike, a recumbent bike is safer to use for older adults. It is adapted to the user’s weight and fitness level, allowing them to use it without worry of back pain. The bike’s comfortable seat also prevents pain and strain on the neck, back, and wrists. It’s even safe for people with sciatica. The reclining seat helps reduce strain on the back, wrists, and neck,
making it suitable for older individuals and people with weaker muscles. The seat’s contoured position also ensures that you get a full back support, allowing you to engage in an intense workout without straining your back, neck, and shoulder muscles.
Indoor cycling burns more calories than outdoor cycling
If you’re wondering whether or not indoor cycling is better for burning calories, read on. There are a few important differences between outdoor cycling and indoor cycling. Outdoor cycling can be difficult, and it requires a higher level of endurance. Indoor cycling, on the other hand, is much easier. Depending on your personal goals and fitness level, indoor cycling can be more effective for burning calories. However, indoor cycling can also be more dangerous if you overdo your workout.
Our calculator estimates that an hour-long bike ride will burn 450 to 750 calories, no matter the speed. That’s quite a wide range, but it’s important to remember that the number of calories burned depends on the specific circumstances of each person. So if you would like to find out how many calories you burn per hour while on your bike, just enter your weight and desired riding speed into our calculator, and see how many calories you’ll be burning up!
While the benefits of indoor cycling are many, the main differences are small. For example, an outdoor cyclist might not be as focused on heart rate and power output. The intensity level of an indoor cycling class is significantly different. In general, a beginner should start off slow and slowly increase their speed. When the instructor calls for lower intensity, slow down the pace and decrease the resistance. This will allow the beginner to reach the intensity level that’s right for them.
