Running calories vs. walking calories- are they the same?

mynameiscarrie

This is probably a dumb question, but are all calories burned the same?

For example,
I walked 3 miles today in about 40 minutes and burned about 300 calories.
If I run 3 miles (it usually takes about 30 minutes) I burn about 400 calories.

Obviously I burn more running than walking, but are calories burned while running better than calories burned while walking? I guess in my head, walking isn't as intense as running so those calories don't count as much?

Like I said, it's dumb and maybe I just need validation. Any input?

Carlyannabelle

Calories burned are calories burned no matter how it is achieved.

Bobby__Clerici

I see more value in calories burned at higher intensity, but I use low intensity exercise to offset food intake.
Both are good.

calisunrise

calories burned are calories burned, therefore they are the same

EnderNC

I do know you have an "afterburn effect" after you run. You burn more calories for a short time after while your body is getting back to its Resting Metabolic Rate. Walking has a much, much shorter afterburn, so you burn fewer overall calories.

PikaKnight

I am so confused......there aren't different types of calories..

Velum_cado

If you earn $1 while digging a ditch, and you also earn $1 while reading a letter, the $1 you earn digging the ditch won't buy you more just because it took more effort. A dollar is a dollar. A calorie is a calorie.

Melo1966

I do know you have an "afterburn effect" after you run. You burn more calories for a short time after while your body is getting back to its Resting Metabolic Rate. Walking has a much, much shorter afterburn, so you burn fewer overall calories.

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But if one can't run due to impact pain then walking is very good for calorie burn.

HypersonicFitNess

Calories burned are "generally" calories burned however there is some difference in what type of calories are being used based on the intensity.

If you are walking, jogging or running at a slower pace generally you are using fat stores as energy which are harder to convert to energy. ~65% of your max heart rate

When you start running faster you actually start using your carbohydrate/glucose stores (you have fewer of these) but they are easier to turn into energy. 85% and higher of your max heart rate

mynameiscarrie

That's what I thought, and what makes sense, I guess I just needed someone else to tell me to make me feel better about not running lol. I've been sick for awhile so I haven't been able to exercise until today when I went on a walk. I guess I felt kind of guilty? I don't know lol. Thanks!

billsica

Calories are a unit of heat. Its like saying its 69 degrees in here, but I used a gas furnace instead of my electric heater.

no matter what, its 69. One might cost more money and have different side effects, but heat is heat.

Sarahbara76

Your heart rate is higher when you run so that uses more fuel (think what you ate earlier that day)and with walking & jogging (slower running) you burn more stored calories..

JustJennie1

The only difference between walking and running is that running will get you to your destination faster.

DavPul

It only seems like she is asking about the calories. What she is actually asking about is metabolic effect. And the metabolic effect of running is much greater than walking. Calories are calories, but intensity of effort changes the results you will experience

BigDave1050

This is like one of those "what weighs more, a ton of bricks or a ton of feathers?" questions.

Calories burned are just that, calories burned. your body constantly burns calories (well as long as your alive it does)

MoreBean13

Running burns slightly more calories per mile than walking the same distance. There's negligible EPOC for either activity unless you're doing sprints. Higher intensity excercise is much more likely to improve your VO2max. The better exercise is the one you like and will continue doing long term.

cmriverside

Yes, they.............wait..................what?