In Terms Of Calories Burned
Running Clocks In High Number

Running is a High Calorie-Burning Exercise

Look into the number of calories burned running and you'd be surprised to know that it is a high calorie-burning exercise.

A good benchmark for the calories burned in this exercise is 100 calories per mile, based on a moderate-pace run and on an average body weight.

If you run faster (i.e. at a higher intensity) or if you weigh heavier, you can burn more than 100 calories per mile.

So if you burn 100 calories per mile, you can burn 200-300 calories in just 20 minutes of running depending on your speed. It's a decently good investment of your time in running.

The general consensus out there is this - running burns calories faster than say, walking, as it is a fast and high-intensity exercise that uses up lots of energy, hence burns more calories.

In terms of calories burned running is, I think, one of the best exercises you can bank on, to burn off the extra calories in your body.

The golden rule is to workout at an intensity level that's right and comfortable for you.

What I mean is - workout within your target heart rate zone.

If you do like this, a 30-minute run at a moderate intensity level burns more calories than say, a 3-5-minute high intensity all-out sprint.

Working at the right intensity also benefits you - higher metabolism (to burn off fat); higher energy level; lose weight; healthier cholesterol level; lower blood pressure; lower risks of heart diseases (heart attack; stroke; heart failures), diabetes and cancers; less stressful and etc.

How does running compare with other cardio exercises, in terms of the number of calories burned?

Here's a rough estimation on how much time you need to "invest" on other exercises for the same number of calories burned running for 20 minutes:

It's:

• 75 minutes for weight lifting
• 60 minutes for walking @ 3 mph
• 60 minutes for golfing
• 45 minutes for riding bike @ 10 mph
• 35 minutes for aerobics exercise

What about the total number of calories burned running in a 60-minute session compared with other (cardio) exercises?

Here's the stats:

So Running is Pretty Good huh, in terms of Calories Burned?

You know what?

With the high calories burned, running doesn't just depend on speed, body weight, oxygen consumption but a combination of all these working together to help you achieve an optimal burning of calories for your body. Superb!

The gist of it all concerning running is that it takes up less time (than walking) to burn the same amount of calories.

If you've little time to exercise but still want to pack in a good workout with all the health benefits (including burning off high number of calories), running fits well into your routine.

But I want to say this - running increases wear and strain on your knees and hip joints. Cartilage damage increases as the weight-pounding on these body parts creates additional stress.

Walking briskly doesn't create the same stress on these body parts and increases calories burned with increased oxygen consumption.

You would want to walk briskly instead......

I personally favor brisk walking, anytime, any day......

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