She Strengthens

Unlock the Secret to Burning More Calories

When it comes to working out, we all know that the harder we push ourselves, the more calories we burn. But did you know that the intensity of your workout can also impact how many calories your body burns throughout the entire day?

The Power of Intensity

Research has shown that an intense workout, such as a high-energy cycling class, can burn an average of 500+ calories. But that’s not all – it can also increase calorie burn by an additional 190 calories over the course of the day. This is due to a phenomenon known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).

What is EPOC?

EPOC is the increased oxygen consumption by your body after a workout, which leads to a higher metabolism and more calories burned. The more intense the workout, the higher the EPOC, and the more calories your body will burn in the hours that follow.

The Key to Vigorous Exercise

So, what does it mean to exercise vigorously? It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you’re pushing yourself hard, but not so hard that you can’t speak comfortably. Try the “talk test” – if you can recite a phrase or sentence easily, you’re likely at a moderate intensity. But if speaking becomes difficult, you’ve reached vigorous territory.

A Brief History of Calorie Counting

Interestingly, the concept of counting calories has been around for over a century. In 1918, Dr. Lulu Hunt Peters released “Diet and Health, with the Key to the Calories,” the first diet book to consider calorie intake. Her book not only provided advice on counting calories but also offered tips on how to deal with the challenges of weight loss, including jealous partners.

The Bottom Line

To burn more calories following a workout, it’s all about intensity. By pushing yourself to exercise vigorously, you can increase your EPOC and burn more calories throughout the day. So, next time you’re at the gym, remember to turn up the heat and watch those calories melt away!