Would you like to get in shape? Running and cycling are always a good idea, but walking is also very effective. But what’s better?
Calories
Cycling and running burn more calories in an hour than walking for an hour, but that’s a different story if you don’t look at the time, but at the distance. It takes you more time to walk somewhere than it does to cycle there. Because it takes you longer to walk, you ultimately burn more calories walking than you do cycling or running, which means you can walk better.
The difference
But how much does it differ? Cycling burns about thirty calories per kilometer, while running burns about seventy calories for the same kilometer. But walking takes the cake with eighty calories per kilometer. If you now only cycle to school or work for five minutes, you can make quite a profit if you exchange this for walking. It probably won’t cost you more than an extra fifteen minutes, but you will consume many more calories when walking than when cycling. Walking would be better in this case.
Better for the brain
Besides the fact that walking is better for consuming calories, it is also better for the brain. A study from the University of Mexico shows that this keeps your memory in good condition and reduces the risk of a stroke. It works like this: every time your feet touch the ground, your artery gets a boost, which ensures that the blood is transported to the brain faster. This happens with every walk, and even short walks of three to five minutes help to significantly increase circulation to the brain. Maintaining the blood supply well through exercise is especially important for your memory: it can remain in top condition. Walking also reduces the risk of a stroke.
What is better?
But what is really the best thing to do? What you like best and can keep going for the longest time! Do you hate walking so much, but you don’t mind cycling? Then of course you take the bike much faster, and that’s fine. You are still moving and keeping your body fit. Do you want to lose weight and do you like all options? Then it is best to go for a walk: walking for an hour burns more calories than cycling for an hour, but running also comes pretty close.
