According to a walking calorie calculator I used-
Weight 172lbs Distance walked 1 mile
Pace Duration Calories
Slow (2.5mph) 24 minutes 98
Normal (3mph) 20 minutes 96
Fast (3.5mph) 17 minutes 100
Very Fast (4mph) 15 minutes 102
Even though you burn more calories per minute the quicker you walk, walking slower takes a longer amount of time to travel the same distance so it equals roughly the same amount of calories burned?
Edit: thanks for your responses! I was aware running burns more calories per mile than walking the same distance due placing greater demands on the body/being far less efficient, I was specifically interested in walking speeds alone over the same distances?
Personal anecdote; I’ve managed to lose a significant amount of weight over the past 6 months walking 5 miles daily at a very brisk pace (4-4.5 mph average), today due to fatigue I took it easy, walked a lot slower at 3-3.5mph, felt less fatiguing but obviously took longer amount of time, a good trade off if it means I can walk at a more leisurely pace some days and burn roughly the same amount of calories over the same distance. 🙂
In: Physics
The short version is no.
Walking involves a significant use of momentum. When you lift your rear leg your torso pulls it forward and, like a pendulum, it swings in front of you. Yes, you aid this process using your muscles, but a lot of the work is done by the time you’ve reached walking speed. This minor amount of effort is not enough to force your body into a state of exertion, but does burn calories.
That doesn’t cut it with running. You need to push hard on the ground to maintain your speed against the air resistance. You need to pull your leg forward to make sure it gets in front of you fast enough to catch your weight. You need to swing your arms to counter angular momentum. This exertion forces your heart and lungs to work harder to make sure your muscles get enough oxygen.
Latest Answers