Walking in Short Bursts Burns 20% to 60% More Energy Than Continuous Walking

If you’re searching for ways to maximize your workouts and thinking, “Where can I find a personal trainer near me?” You might want to consider the benefits of walking in short bursts. A new study conducted by a team of pathophysiologists at the University of Milan reveals that walking or climbing stairs in short bursts can help you burn significantly more energy—20% to 60% more—than if you do the same activity continuously for the same distance.

How the Study Was Conducted

The researchers recruited 10 volunteers and had them either walk on a treadmill or climb a short flight of stairs. To measure energy consumption, the participants wore masks that monitored their oxygen intake. The activities were performed in intervals, with participants walking or climbing for periods ranging from 10 seconds to four minutes.

The study found that short bursts of movement, followed by brief pauses, resulted in higher energy expenditure compared to steady, nonstop activity. This is because the body uses more energy when gearing up for each burst of movement than it does during sustained, steady activity.

Why Short Bursts of Exercise Work

The reason short bursts are so effective comes down to how your body adjusts to physical activity. Like a car burning more fuel when accelerating from a stop, your body burns more energy when it starts a new burst of exercise. Once you hit a steady pace, the energy demand decreases. By repeating start-and-stop movements, you can increase the overall energy your body uses.

Maximize Your Workouts with Short Bursts

If you’re looking to improve your fitness routine, adding short bursts of exercise could be the key to seeing better results. Whether it’s climbing stairs or walking, this start-and-stop method could help you burn more calories without having to extend your workout time.

For those considering getting expert guidance, a personal trainer can help design a fitness plan that incorporates these findings and gets the most out of your exercise routine. Whether you’re walking around the block or tackling stairs, these short bursts of activity can make a big difference in your overall fitness.