How Many Calories Do You Burn When Cycling?

Sure, cycling is a fun way to explore the outdoors or get back and forth to work, school, or run errands. But is it a great workout? How many calories does it burn when you ride your Ebike to work or pedal along scenic paths?

Many Canadians find that Ebike cycling burns calories and improves their physical fitness. Plus, since it is so much fun, it is great for mental well-being and keeping up an exercise routine is far easier.

Let’s discuss how many calories you burn when cycling on your Ebike, what influences calorie burn, and why cycling is a fantastic long-term fitness choice.

Why Is Cycling Such a Great Workout?

Cycling is a low impact exercise. Great for all fitness levels and ages, cycling doesn’t stress your joints like running or jogging does. Riding an Ebike is much easier on your body, making it better for working out for longer periods.

Plus, cycling uses the large muscle groups in your legs and strengthens your core. This can boost your heart health and tone your muscles, all while burning calories.

ParticipACTION, a federally funded organization, highlights how cycling is flexible and adaptable for Canadians. Take an easygoing Ebike ride or crank up the intensity.

Cycling adjusts with you as you get more stamina and strength, too. No matter how you ride, you’ll burn calories and gain strength. Just ride longer and harder to burn off more calories.

How Does Cycling Burn Calories?

Exercise burns calories. But exactly how does cycling work? By raising your heart rate your metabolism gets a boost! As you pedal, your body needs energy, so it uses oxygen to break down the fats and carbs, which helps burn the calories. 

What Factors Influence Calorie Burn When Cycling?

Calorie burn when cycling depends on these five factors:

1. Intensity: It’s a simple equation. The harder you are pedalling, the more calories you burn. Vigorous cycling sessions burn more calories than an easygoing ride because of the higher demand on your muscles and cardiovascular system.
2. Your Weight: The more you weigh, the more calories you will burn because your body needs more energy to move. This can contribute to losing more weight when you first start to exercise.
3. Duration: The longer you ride, the more calories you will burn. Keep going! Every minute counts.
4. Terrain: You’ll burn more calories when the ride is more challenging. Riding uphill or on rougher terrain burns more calories compared to flat surfaces.
5. Wind Resistance: When you ride against the wind, you burn more calories, working harder to get up to and maintain speed.

How Many Calories Can You Burn Cycling?

Yes, it depends. It would be nice to have a firm number so you could count your calories burned as easily as you can count the calories you eat. It is possible to estimate the calories you burn on your ride.

Here’s a breakdown so you can make a good guess:

• Leisurely Cycling (Under 16 kph or 10 mph) – Beginners and Pleasure Cycling: If you weigh 70 kg (155 lbs), you’ll burn about 280 calories per hour. If you weigh 84 kg (185 lbs), you’ll burn more – around 335 calories.
• Moderate Cycling (20 kph or 12 mph) – Fitness Enthusiasts Balancing Effort and Endurance: If you weigh 70 kg (155 lbs), you’ll burn about 600 calories per hour. If you weigh 84 kg (185 lbs), you’ll burn more – around 700 calories.
• Vigorous Cycling (Over 22 kph or 14 mph) – Experienced Cyclists and High-intensity Workouts: If you weigh 70 kg (155 lbs), you’ll burn about 775 calories per hour. If you weigh 84 kg (185 lbs), you’ll burn more – around 900 calories.

How Many Calories Does Cycling Burn Per Kilometre?

The calorie burn per kilometre also depends on a few factors. Mostly, it depends on your weight and cycling speed. But it also depends on where and how intensely you ride.

At a moderate pace of 20 km/h (12 mph), if you weigh 70 kg (155 lbs), you’ll burn about 30 calories per km. If you weigh 84 kg (185 lbs), you’ll burn more – around 35 calories per km.

Remember, the number of calories you burn increases a lot when you cycle faster, ride on rougher paths, or go uphill. You can probably tell pretty easily when you’re burning more calories. You know when your heart rate is up and when you’re working harder.

How Can You Track Your Calorie Burn While Cycling?

Tracking calorie burn helps monitor progress and makes it easier to adjust your workouts. Here are some ways to keep track.

• Fitness Apps: Apps like Strava or MyFitnessPal estimate the calories you burn based on speed, distance, and elevation.
• Heart Rate Monitors: A device that measures your heart rate can give you a personalized calorie count.
• Online Calculator: Use a calorie-burned calculator to estimate your energy expenditure.

Why Is Cycling So Healthy for Long-Term Fitness?

Exercise is good for you, but what makes cycling special for the long term?Weight

• Management: Riding your Ebike regularly helps you attain and maintain a healthy weight as you burn calories and build muscle.
• Heart Health: Cycling strengthens the heart and increases cardiovascular endurance. Both help reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Mental Well-Being: It’s hard to overstate how much getting outside on an Ebike can do for your mental well-being. Reduce stress and boost your mood with all those endorphins!
• Joint Health: Low-impact activities are gentler on your joints. An ideal exercise for anyone with (or wanting to avoid) arthritis and mobility issues.
• Sustainability: Hopping on your Ebike is fun and practical, so it’s much easier to maintain as a lifelong fitness habit.

Final Thoughts

Riding your Ebike burns calories, improves fitness, and enhances your overall health. Tailor your rides to suit your fitness levels now and in the future. Track your progress and maintain a routine of powerful long-term fitness and well-being tools. Grab your electric bike, and start burning those calories while enjoying the scenery.