Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that is suitable for people of all ages and ability levels. Walking can improve your health, and you have several options for this daily activity -- for example, hiking or walking on a treadmill -- each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Calories Burned
A major benefit to walking is the ability to burn a significant number of calories. Hiking typically burns more calories per hour than walking at 3.5 mph. One hour of hiking has the ability to burn about 654 calories while walking on a treadmill at 3.5 mph burns about 414 calories per hour. This calorie difference is a result of the treadmill controlling the overall intensity level and the environmental factors during a hike that increase intensity, such as step inclines and obstacle to climb over.
Versatility
Hiking and walking on the treadmill both offer versatility for your walking workout. Hiking along various trails allows you to breathe the fresh air and experience the great outdoors with friends and family. You can also visit with friends and family on the treadmill, but you are confined to one location and one treadmill. Walking inside on a treadmill also offers controlled conditions whereas when you hike, you are subject to the elements, including extreme temperatures, wind or precipitation.
Equipment
One of the major benefits of walking is the simplicity and minimal equipment required. Walking on a treadmill can be done with just shoes and shorts. Hiking, however, requires hiking shoes or boots and sometimes a backpack for extended hiking trips and survival gear, such as a map, compass and first aid kit.
Terrain
The incline function on most treadmills allows you to mimic climbing a hill to increase the intensity of your workout, but the treadmill can't mimic the demands of the trail. The treadmill provides a comfortable rhythm for walking while hiking includes navigating side hills, ascents and descents, crossing streams and stepping on or over rocks. As a result, hiking is typically more challenging and results in a more intense workout.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Exercise for Weight Loss: Calories Burned in 1 Hour; Mayo Clinic Staff; December 2009
- Treadmill Bynet: Incline Training on a Treadmill
- Run the Planet: Walking Treadmill vs. Road Workouts
- MayoClinic.com; Walking: Trim Your Waistline, Improve Your Health; Mayo Clinic Staff; December 2010
Member Comments