How Many Calories Will Cycling Burn: Tips for Maximizing Your Calorie Burn

If you're looking to lose weight or improve your fitness, cycling can be a great way to achieve your goals. But how many calories does cycling really burn? In this post, we'll take a closer look at the calorie-burning potential of cycling and offer some tips for getting the most out of your rides.

I have found that cycling alone will not be a great way of losing weight unless you keep a close eye on the amount of calories you are eating. Having said that, cycling is a fantastic way to lose weight when you pair it with simple nutritional awareness.

For instance, say you need to eat 2000 calories to stay at the weight you are at. If you rode an hour and burned around 400 calories, that now means you can eat your 2,000 calories and end up having a deficit of 400 calories for the day. Do that for a few weeks and you will surely lose weight.

Calories Burned Cycling: The Basics

The number of calories you burn while cycling depends on a variety of factors, including your weight, the intensity of your ride, and the duration of your ride. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to estimate the number of calories you'll burn.

On average, a 150-pound person can expect to burn around 400-500 calories per hour of moderate cycling (12-14 miles per hour). If you increase the intensity to a vigorous pace (over 14 miles per hour), you can burn upwards of 700 calories per hour. Of course, these numbers are just estimates, and your actual calorie burn may vary depending on your individual circumstances.

Tips for Burning More Calories While Cycling

If you're looking to maximize your calorie burn while cycling, there are several things you can do. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Increase the intensity: If you're looking to burn more calories while cycling, one of the most effective ways to do so is by increasing the intensity of your rides. Here are some tips for ramping up the intensity:

Interval training: Incorporating intervals of high intensity and rest into your cycling routine can help you burn more calories in less time. For example, try alternating between 30 seconds of all-out effort and 30 seconds of recovery for several minutes at a time.

Hill climbs: Riding up hills is a great way to challenge your muscles and elevate your heart rate. Look for hilly routes in your area or find a hill to climb repeatedly for a serious calorie burn.

Sprints: Adding short, intense bursts of speed to your ride can help you burn more calories and increase your overall fitness. Try sprinting for 10-20 seconds at a time, with recovery periods in between.

Increase resistance: If you're using a stationary bike, increase the resistance to simulate uphill riding. This will require more effort and burn more calories than riding on a flat surface.

Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your rides over time to avoid injury or burnout. It's also important to listen to your body and rest when needed.

Extend your ride: If you're able to, extending the duration of your ride is a simple way to increase your calorie burn. Try adding an extra 30 minutes to your usual ride and see how it feels.

Watch your diet: Remember, burning calories is only part of the equation when it comes to weight loss. If you want to see real results, you'll also need to watch your diet and make healthy choices.

Final Thoughts

Cycling is a great way to burn calories and improve your fitness, but remember that the number of calories you burn will depend on a variety of factors. By following the tips we've outlined in this post and staying consistent with your cycling routine, you can reach your weight loss and fitness goals in no time.

Don't worry if you can't extend your ride or do hill climbs right now. Just go ride. You will eventually get to the point where you are able to go longer or put in more intensity to your effort. Have patience and be kind to yourself. It will happen.

If you're looking for more information on cycling, be sure to check out our other blog posts on the topic. And as always, consult with a medical professional before beginning any new exercise routine.

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