What would the world be like if everyone decided that gas is way too expensive and we rode our bikes to work? The average drive to work in Los Angeles is approximately 29 Minutes (one way). However, that lengthy commute is mostly due to traffic lights, stop signs and rush hour. Most people work fairly close to their home (between 2-5 miles). How many calories could you burn if you chose to ride to work? How many pounds of fat would you lose per month?
If you weigh 150 pounds then an average bike ride (5 miles) to work would burn 186 calories (one way). That means that riding your bike to work would burn a total of 372 calories!
*160 lb person = 396 calories (round trip)- weight loss per month= 3.39 lbs
*170 lb person = 420 calories- Weight loss per month= 3.6 lbs
*180 lb person = 446 calories- Weight Loss per Month= 3.82 lbs
*190 lb person = 470 calories-Weight loss per month = 4.02 lbs
*200 lb person = 494 calories- Weight loss per month= 4.23 lbs
* These calculations are based on an average speed of 11 mph. You could increase your calorie burning by increasing the rate at which you peddled.
Keep in mind that this is the weight that you would lose in one month. Now imagine if you did it for 3 months or 6 months! Now consider that you can increase your weight loss by changing your eating habits. You could potentially lose over 20 pounds in less then 3 months just by riding your bike to work!
Forget the gimmicks and the fad diets; change your way of life one step at a time by incorporating fitness while saving money on gas! It’s time to be that healthy person that bounces into work refreshed and motivated; not the person that drags themselves in with a chip on their shoulder, and bags under their eyes. You only have one life; you can chose to live it with energy and spunk or just be dragged along for the ride.
Adria Ali
To access the calorie calculator used for this article go to http://www.caloriesperhour.com/
Bill says