The Grass Doctor

does running on grass burn more calories or work different muscle groups than roads?

I run cross country and it seems like I am a lot more tired after a workout on grass than a workout on roads. I know grass is softer on joints, but are there any other benefits? Does it burn more calories? Does it work different muscles? How many more calories does it burn?

Public Comments

1. The biggest problem is that grass is uneven and has more possibility for injury which could take you off of running for a lengthy period. Stick to the road and run faster or longer if you want the extra work.
2. no, but if you run on uneven pavement it can build your side leg muscles because you have to push on the pavement with the side of your foot. Confusing, but true. <3
3. Grass is natural, Roads are manmade!! If you feel more tired on Grass, you must wear good sporting shoes before drill. You'll find lot of comfort and feel energetic when you walk on grass early morning around 5:30 am ..... Reason you may feel exhausted on grass & not on roads must be the grip of your shoes as Grass will have lesser grip than road!!!
4. I think it does burn more calories because your legs have to make more of an effort to move because the grass weighs you back if you know what i mean.
5. Grass does take more effort to run on than pavement. The uneven terrian will work a few more muscles in your leg (not many) to keep you stable. Grass takes more effort and produces slower times than road running because the ground is softer and absorbs impact or force more, so while great for preventing injuries-not so good for speed. A person probably expends more calories on grass vs road but unless your running a marathon the difference probably isn't much.