by A.R. Posley

Created on: June 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 07, 2009

When you hear the words "cycling", bicycling", or "biking" what images come to mind? Perhaps you envision a swarm of bicyclers crouching and pedaling at maximum speed during a marathon. You may even visualize a multitude of bicyclers heading for work on a freeway in Asia or Australia. The term "cycling" also brings back memories of your childhood when you adventurously took spins in your neighborhood or the park. Noting the various purposes including entertainment and transportation that characterize a bike, you should not overlook its most important aspect: its effect on your present health.

A lot of people are amazed to learn how effective cycling is in comparison to other activities. The first thing people ask is "How many calories do you burn per hour when cycling?" To accurately answer this question, you must consider the intensity you put into it and your weight. Also, keep in mind that the amount of calories burned when cycling on a stationary bike varies slightly from an outdoor bike due to the hilly inclines outdoors. To get an idea of the calories burned per hour, statistics from NutraStrategy Nutrition and Fitness Program reveal that bicyclers who weigh less than 140 lbs can burn 636 calories on an outdoor bike and 620 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling vigorously (14-15.9 mph), 508 calories on an outdoor bike and 413 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling at a moderate pace (12-13.9 mph), and 381 calories on an outdoor bike and 325 calories on a stationary bike when traveling at a light pace (10-11.9 mph).

Bicyclers between 140 and 195 lbs can burn 885 calories on an outdoor bike and 930 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling very briskly, 708 calories on an outdoor bike and 620 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling moderately, and 531 calories on an outdoor bike and 487 calories on a stationary bike when pedaling lightly. Another study by the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion indicates that for an average weight person (150lbs), leisure cycling burns more calories per hour (290 cal.) than the moderate activities of walking that burns 280 calories and weight training that burns 220 calories. In addition, high-intensity cycling burns more calories (590 cal.) than swimming that burns 510 calories, aerobics that burns 480 calories, and speed-walking that burns 460 calories.

By the lean, sculpted appearance of serious bicyclers, it is no surprise that cycling tones the entire lower body and decreases belly fat. In fact,

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