Treadmill Incline Versus Speed: Which Is More Important For Calorie Burn?
When it comes to burning calories on a treadmill, two factors play a crucial role: incline and speed. While both help burn calories, the question remains: which is more important? In this article, we'll look at the benefits of incline and speed and help you understand what's most important to your calorie burn.
Let's start with the incline.When you increase the incline on the treadmill, you are essentially simulating a hill run. Running uphill requires more energy and effort than running on a flat surface, which means you burn more calories. According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, increasing the incline of the treadmill by just 1N increases calorie burn by up to 5%. In other words, if you burned 500 calories running on a flat surface for an hour, you could burn as much as
to 525 calories just by increasing the incline by 1 percent.
And the speed?When you run faster, you burn more calories. However, the difference in calorie expenditure between running at 10 km/h and 7 km/h is not as large as the difference between running on a flat surface and running on a slope. According to the same study cited above, running at 11 km/h instead of 10 km/h increases calorie expenditure by only about 10-15%.
Which is more important, incline or speed? The answer depends on your goals.If you want to burn as many calories as possible, the incline is the right choice. However, if you want to improve your speed and endurance, speed is more important.
It should also be noted that running on steep hills and at high speeds can be challenging and potentially dangerous, especially for people who are new to running or have certain medical conditions. It's important to consult your doctor or fitness professional before beginning any new exercise program.
In summary, incline and speed play a large role in calorie burn on a treadmill.However, if you want to burn as many calories as possible, the incline is your best bet. Of course, the best approach is to incorporate both incline and speed into your treadmill workout for best results. By understanding the benefits of each factor, you can customize your workouts to meet your specific fitness goals and get the results you want.