How Many Calories Does Walking Burn?

Walking is a popular form of physical activity that is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a low-impact exercise that can help to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and burn calories. But how many calories does walking burn?

The number of calories burned while walking depends on a variety of factors, including your weight, the intensity of your walk, and the duration of your walk. In general, a person who weighs around 150 pounds (68 kg) can expect to burn about 100 calories per mile (1.6 km) walked at a moderate pace. However, this number can vary depending on the specifics of your walk.

One of the main factors that affects the number of calories burned while walking is the intensity of the walk. Walking at a brisk pace, or a pace at which you are able to hold a conversation but not sing, will burn more calories than walking at a leisurely pace. This is because your body has to work harder to maintain a brisk pace, which requires more energy and therefore burns more calories.

Another factor that affects the number of calories burned while walking is the duration of the walk. The longer you walk, the more calories you will burn. This is because your body continues to burn calories even after you have finished your walk. The number of calories burned during a walk is also influenced by the terrain. Walking on hilly terrain or stairs will require more energy and therefore burn more calories than walking on a flat surface.

Your weight is also a factor in determining the number of calories burned while walking. A person who weighs more will burn more calories while walking than a person who weighs less, because it takes more energy to move a heavier body. This is why it is important to consider your weight when calculating the number of calories burned while walking.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, the number of calories burned while walking can also be affected by your age, gender, and overall level of fitness. Generally, younger people and men tend to burn more calories while walking than older people and women. This is because younger people and men typically have more muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat.

To determine the number of calories burned while walking, you can use an online calculator or a fitness tracker. These tools use formulas based on your weight, intensity of your walk, and duration of your walk to estimate the number of calories burned.

To maximize the number of calories burned while walking, it is important to maintain a consistent pace and walk for at least 30 minutes at a time. You can also vary your walking routine by changing the terrain or incorporating hills or stairs. In addition, it is important to wear comfortable, supportive shoes to protect your feet and prevent injury.

Walking is a simple and effective way to burn calories and improve your overall health. By understanding how many calories you can expect to burn while walking and taking steps to increase the intensity and duration of your walks, you can make the most of this low-impact exercise.