What burns more calories, walking for an hour or running for 30 minutes?

Walking vs. Running: Calorie Burning Comparison

When it comes to burning calories and losing weight, two common forms of exercise are walking and running. Both activities offer health benefits, but the extent to which they burn calories may vary.

Calorie Expenditure: Walking vs. Running

Numerous studies have demonstrated that running burns more calories than walking in the same amount of time. For instance, a 150-pound person running at a moderate pace for 30 minutes can burn approximately 225 calories. In contrast, walking briskly for an hour burns around 190 calories for the same individual.

The higher calorie burn associated with running stems from its greater intensity. Running involves more strenuous movements and engages more muscle groups than walking. As a result, your body expends more energy to sustain this level of effort.

Energy Sources: Fat vs. Carbohydrates

While running burns more calories overall, walking may be more efficient at utilizing fat as an energy source. When you engage in low-intensity activities like walking, your body primarily taps into fat stores for fuel. This can be beneficial for long-term weight loss, as it can promote the breakdown of stored body fat.

However, it’s important to note that the total number of calories burned during running is generally higher, even though a greater proportion of those calories may come from carbohydrates. Therefore, if your primary goal is to burn the most calories, running may be a more effective choice.

Weight Loss Potential

Due to its higher calorie expenditure, running has the potential to lead to faster weight loss than walking. By burning more calories in a shorter period, running can create a larger calorie deficit, which is crucial for weight loss.

Conclusion

Both walking and running offer health benefits and can contribute to calorie expenditure. However, if your primary objective is to burn the most calories and potentially lose weight more rapidly, sustained running for a shorter duration may be a more effective option. While walking may utilize fat more efficiently, the greater intensity of running translates to a larger overall caloric expenditure.

Ultimately, the best exercise for you is the one you enjoy and can consistently engage in. Incorporating both walking and running into your fitness routine can provide a well-rounded approach to calorie burning and overall health.