Cycling or walking: Which keeps you more energized?
What's the story
Cycling and walking are two popular forms of exercise that offer unique benefits. While both activities contribute to physical health, they also impact energy levels in different ways. Understanding how each activity affects energy can help individuals choose the right exercise for their needs. This article explores the differences between cycling and walking regarding energy expenditure, muscle engagement, cardiovascular benefits, and mental health effects.
#1
Energy expenditure differences
Cycling tends to burn more calories than walking in a similar duration, owing to its higher intensity. A moderate cycling session can burn up to 600 calories per hour, while walking at a brisk pace burns around 300 calories per hour. The higher calorie burn from cycling may lead to increased alertness post-exercise due to the release of endorphins.
#2
Muscle engagement variations
Cycling mainly engages the lower body muscles including quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. It also gives a low-impact workout which is easy on the joints. Walking, on the other hand, is a full-body workout that activates core muscles along with those in the legs. The muscle engagement in both activities can lead to different levels of post-exercise fatigue or vitality.
#3
Cardiovascular benefits explored
Both cycling and walking are excellent cardio workouts that improve heart health by increasing heart rate and blood circulation. Cycling usually provides a more intense cardio workout as it can be adjusted to higher resistance levels or faster speeds. This intensity can improve cardiovascular endurance faster than walking for some people.
#4
Mental health impacts considered
Both cycling and walking are known to improve mental health by reducing stress levels and improving mood through the release of serotonin and dopamine. However, cycling may provide a greater mental boost due to its adrenaline-inducing nature, especially when done outdoors on challenging terrains. Walking provides a calming effect, making it ideal for relaxation after a long day.