How Many Calories Does Riding a Bicycle Consume?

How Many Calories Does Riding a Bicycle Consume?
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

You can bicycle in the great outdoors or inside on a stationary bike. To figure how many calories you burn, you need to know your weight and the length of time you intend to ride. To calculate the exact number of calories burned, you may wish to use an online calculator.

Outdoor Cycling

Nutristrategy gives the following calories burned per hour of activity. A 130-lb. person will burn 236 calories per hour while leisure cycling, 472 calories for moderate cycling and 708 calories per hour for race cycling. A 180-lb. person will burn 327 calories for leisure cycling, 654 for moderate cycling and 981 for race cycling. A 205-lb. person will burn 372 calories per hour for leisure cycling, 745 for moderate cycling and 1117 for race cycling.

Stationary Cycling

For light stationary cycling, a 130-lb. person will burn 325 calories per hour, 413 calories for moderate effort and 738 for very vigorous stationary cycling. A person weighing 155 lbs. will burn 387 for light stationary cycling, 493 for moderate and 880 for very vigorous stationary cycling. A person weighing 205 lbs. will burn 512 calories for light stationary cycling, 651 for moderate cycling and 1163 for very vigorous stationary cycling.

Cycling to Lose Weight

According to Calorie Counting Tips, cycling is a good weight loss tool because it can be done by all age groups, is easy on the joints and carries low risk of injury. It requires minimal coordination, your fitness level is not important, and it provides a relatively high calorie burn. Indoor cycling can be done anytime regardless of the weather.

References

Article reviewed by Bryn Bellamy Last updated on: Nov 27, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments