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How Many Calories Should You Burn Working Out Each Day

Written by April Feb 03, 2023 · 4 min read
How Many Calories Should You Burn Working Out Each Day

Table of Contents .

Table of Contents:

Introduction

When it comes to working out, many people wonder how many calories they should burn each day. The answer to this question depends on a few different factors, such as your age, weight, height, and activity level. In this article, we'll explore how to calculate your daily calorie burn and how many calories you should aim to burn during your workouts.

How to Calculate Your Daily Calorie Burn

Before we can determine how many calories you should burn during your workouts, we first need to calculate your daily calorie burn. This is the number of calories your body burns each day just by existing. It includes the energy your body uses to perform basic functions like breathing, circulating blood, and maintaining body temperature.

The most accurate way to calculate your daily calorie burn is to use a metabolic rate calculator. This tool takes into account your age, weight, height, and activity level to give you an estimate of how many calories you burn each day. You can find metabolic rate calculators online, or you can consult with a registered dietitian or personal trainer for a more personalized calculation.

How Many Calories Should You Burn Working Out Each Day?

Once you know your daily calorie burn, you can determine how many calories you should aim to burn during your workouts. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recommends aiming to burn 300-500 calories per workout session. However, this recommendation is just a guideline, and the actual number of calories you should burn depends on your individual goals.

If your goal is to lose weight, you should aim to burn more calories than you consume each day. This is known as a calorie deficit, and it's the most effective way to lose weight. To achieve a calorie deficit, you can either reduce your calorie intake or increase your calorie burn through exercise. Burning 500-1000 calories more than you consume each day can result in a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.

If your goal is to maintain your weight, you should aim to burn enough calories to offset the calories you consume each day. This is known as energy balance, and it means that you're consuming the same number of calories you're burning. To maintain your weight, you can aim to burn 200-400 calories per workout session.

Tips for Burning More Calories During Your Workout

If you're looking to burn more calories during your workout, there are a few things you can do:

  • Choose high-intensity exercises, such as running, HIIT, or circuit training
  • Incorporate strength training into your workout routine to build muscle, which burns more calories at rest than fat
  • Increase the duration or frequency of your workouts
  • Incorporate active rest periods, such as walking or jogging between sets

Pros and Cons of Burning a Certain Amount of Calories

There are both pros and cons to burning a certain amount of calories during your workout:

Pros:

  • Burning more calories can lead to weight loss
  • High-intensity workouts can improve cardiovascular health and increase endurance
  • Strength training can build muscle and improve bone density

Cons:

  • Overtraining can lead to injury or burnout
  • Trying to burn too many calories can lead to an unhealthy relationship with exercise
  • Not consuming enough calories to support your workouts can lead to fatigue or nutrient deficiencies

FAQs

Q: How many calories should I burn per day to lose weight?

A: To lose weight, you should aim to burn 500-1000 more calories than you consume each day.

Q: Is it safe to burn 1000 calories per workout?

A: Burning 1000 calories per workout is a high goal and may not be safe for everyone. It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.

Q: Can I burn calories without working out?

A: Yes, you can burn calories through everyday activities like walking, standing, and even sleeping. However, working out is the most effective way to burn a significant number of calories.

Q: How can I tell how many calories I'm burning during my workout?

A: You can use a heart rate monitor or fitness tracker to estimate how many calories you're burning during your workout. These devices use your heart rate and other metrics to calculate your calorie burn.