How to Maximize Your Post-Workout Burn

You can continue to burn calories after you have completed your workout. Yes, you read that right. Of course, not all workouts will give you that post-workout burn and there are some requirements for this burn to occur, but research shows that it does happen. I don't know about you, but any extra calories I can burn throughout the day, I will take. If I can burn an extra 100 to 200 calories, this means that I can maybe sneak in a sweet treat once a week or have that iced coffee that I love so much in place of my normal black coffee once - okay maybe twice - a week.

So, How Does the Post-Workout Burn Work?

If you want to take advantage of a post-workout burn, you will have to make sure that your workout is a vigorous one. You should have a fast heart rate, sweating and your body temperature should be elevated. Something like walking at a steady pace, while still a decent form of exercise, will not result in a post-workout burn. The workout you do doesn't necessarily matter as long as the three elements mentioned above are met. Some people can meet these going on an intense hike while others will need to run to meet these.

How Many Calories are Burned Post-Workout

On average, 190 calories are burned post-workout. For me - someone working to maintain and stay in shape - this means that I maybe can have a treat here and there that I would normally pass up. For those looking to lose weight, this means that you are 190 calories less closer to your goal. It truly is a win for everyone. Think about it this way. Say your worked out vigorously for 45 minutes and burned 400 calories during this time. If you add in the post-workout burn, you have actually burned 590 calories. Think of it as a bonus for you extra hard work. The post-workout burn calories are shown to be burned over 14 hours after you end your vigorous workout.

Be Careful with Post-Workout Burn

Now, do not take this to mean that you can cheat daily because you are getting a bonus calorie burn. This could come back and bite you in the bum. One iced coffee a week will not hurt you. One iced coffee a day sure could though. So, you still have to eat right and keep a healthy lifestyle.

Resources

New York Times: For an Exercise Afterburn, Intensity May Be the Key