How Many Calories Does Uphill Mountain Biking Burn?

Uphill mountain biking is an excellent way to get a thorough cardiovascular workout. It requires both physical and mental endurance, as well as technique and balance.

Uphill cyclists must be able to maintain a steady pace, while also having the ability to adjust their speed for the terrain. As a result, it’s an incredibly effective calorie burning exercise.

A person’s weight, age, and gender all influence how many calories they will burn while mountain biking uphill. Generally speaking, heavier people will burn more calories than lighter people when engaging in the same activity. That being said, even someone who weighs less can burn hundreds of calories during an hour of uphill biking.

The intensity of the workout also plays a role in how many calories are burned. The steeper the climb, the more energy it takes to complete it.

Climbs that involve switchbacks and elevation changes require even more muscular effort than those that go straight up or down. In addition, shorter bursts of speed can help increase calorie expenditure.

Calorie Burning Estimates

For an average person who weighs 155 pounds and is riding at a moderate intensity for one hour:

  • Uphill mountain biking burns about 600-800 calories per hour.

For a person who weighs 185 pounds and is riding at a vigorous intensity for one hour:

  • Uphill mountain biking burns about 800-1,000 calories per hour.

For a person who weighs 220 pounds and is riding at a vigorous intensity for one hour:

  • Uphill mountain biking burns about 1,000-1,200 calories per hour.

Conclusion: Uphill mountain biking is an excellent way to get your heart rate up while burning many calories in the process. Depending on your weight and intensity level, you can expect to burn anywhere from 600-1,200 calories per hour of uphill cycling.

Photo of author

Jennifer Watson