How Many Calories are Used in Typical Activities?

The following table shows calories used in common physical activities at both moderate and vigorous levels.

Calories Used per Hour in Common Physical Activities
Moderate Physical Activity
Approximate Calories/30 Minutes for a 154 lb Person1
Approximate Calories/Hr for a 154 lb Person1
Hiking
185
370
Light gardening/yard work
165
330
Dancing
165
330
Golf (walking and carrying clubs)
165
330
Bicycling (<10 mph)
145
290
Walking (3.5 mph)
140
280
Weight lifting (general light workout)
110
220
Stretching
90
180
Vigorous Physical Activity
Approximate Calories/30 Minutes for a 154 lb Person1
Approximate Calories/Hr for a 154 lb Person1
Running/jogging (5 mph)
295
590
Bicycling (>10 mph)
295
590
Swimming (slow freestyle laps)
255
510
Aerobics
240
480
Walking (4.5 mph)
230
460
Heavy yard work (chopping wood)
220
440
Weight lifting (vigorous effort)
220
440
Basketball (vigorous)
220
440
1Calories burned per hour will be higher for persons who weigh more than 154 lbs (70 kg) and lower for persons who weigh less.
Source: Adapted from Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, page 16, Table 4.