We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
When I have to rest, do I try to burn MORE on off days?

Jesstruhan
Posts: 331 Member
Hello self-made fitness gurus! Need some advice.
I am exercising for both weight loss and to gain physical fitness and strength. I am only scheduling myself to lose 1 lb per week, but if I lose more, I will be very happy. It has been slow, so I upped my exercise.
I have three days per week where I am nearly guaranteed NOT to work out due to my schedule. I exercise the other four days of the week. YAY!
The question is: Is it actually beneficial to exercise for longer or try to burn MORE calories (say, double) on the days when I work out to compensate for the days that I know that I won't?
Typical exercise routines 4x per week:
- 60 mins Spinning (class or podcast I listen to for guidance) or a mixed 35 to 60 mins of elliptical/stairclimber/funky gazelle machine that I don't know the name of (cybex?). Now and again I'll run outside. Because it's nice to run outside!!
- 20 mins of light free-weights, squats, arm exercises, etc. depending on the day.
I am exercising for both weight loss and to gain physical fitness and strength. I am only scheduling myself to lose 1 lb per week, but if I lose more, I will be very happy. It has been slow, so I upped my exercise.
I have three days per week where I am nearly guaranteed NOT to work out due to my schedule. I exercise the other four days of the week. YAY!
The question is: Is it actually beneficial to exercise for longer or try to burn MORE calories (say, double) on the days when I work out to compensate for the days that I know that I won't?
Typical exercise routines 4x per week:
- 60 mins Spinning (class or podcast I listen to for guidance) or a mixed 35 to 60 mins of elliptical/stairclimber/funky gazelle machine that I don't know the name of (cybex?). Now and again I'll run outside. Because it's nice to run outside!!
- 20 mins of light free-weights, squats, arm exercises, etc. depending on the day.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.5K Introduce Yourself
- 44K Getting Started
- 259.7K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.1K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 442 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.2K MyFitnessPal Information
- 16 News and Announcements
- 927 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.7K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions