How Many Calories Does Walking Burn Per Minute?

Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise that can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health. One of the most common questions about walking is how many calories you can burn per minute of walking. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your weight, pace, and the incline of the terrain you’re walking on. In this article, we’ll look at the average number of calories you can burn per minute of walking, as well as the factors that can affect this number.

First, let’s look at the average number of calories you can burn per minute of walking. According to the American Council on Exercise, a 155-pound person walking at a moderate pace of 3 miles per hour will burn approximately 3.5 calories per minute. A 185-pound person walking at the same pace will burn approximately 4.3 calories per minute. If you increase your pace to 4 miles per hour, a 155-pound person will burn approximately 4.5 calories per minute, while a 185-pound person will burn approximately 5.5 calories per minute.

The incline of the terrain you’re walking on can also have an impact on the number of calories you burn. Walking on a flat surface burns fewer calories than walking on an incline, as you have to work harder to maintain your pace. For example, a 155-pound person walking at a moderate pace of 3 miles per hour on a flat surface will burn approximately 3.5 calories per minute, while the same person walking on a 5% incline will burn approximately 4.3 calories per minute.

Your weight is another important factor in determining how many calories you can burn per minute of walking. The heavier you are, the more calories you’ll burn, as your body has to work harder to move your larger mass. For example, a 185-pound person will burn more calories per minute of walking than a 155-pound person, even if they’re walking at the same pace and on the same terrain.

It’s important to note that the number of calories you burn while walking can vary based on a number of factors, including your metabolism, the intensity of your workout, and your overall health. If you’re looking to burn more calories, you can increase the intensity of your walk by increasing your pace, walking on an incline, or adding weights to your workout.

It is also worth noting that the calorie-burning benefits of walking are not limited to the time you spend actually walking. Your body continues to burn calories even after you stop walking, as it works to return to its pre-exercise state. This phenomenon, known as “afterburn,” can add up over time, making walking an effective way to increase your overall daily calorie burn.

There are several ways to increase the number of calories you burn while walking. Walking faster, for example, will result in a higher calorie burn per minute. Incline walking, either on a treadmill or on hills, can also increase your calorie burn, as your muscles have to work harder to propel you up an incline. Carrying weights, such as hand weights or a backpack, can also increase your calorie burn, as your muscles have to work harder to carry the extra weight.

In conclusion, walking is a simple and effective way to burn calories, and the number of calories you can burn per minute while walking will depend on factors such as your weight, speed, and incline. By using the equation provided, you can estimate the number of calories you are likely to burn, and by incorporating incline walking, weights, and faster speeds, you can increase the calorie-burning benefits of your walks. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular health, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, walking is a great way to get the exercise your body needs.