Burn less when you're fitter while doing same workout

Wingg_
Wingg_ Posts: 395 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've been using HRM during my workout and realised that I've burnt lesser doing the same workout as I get fitter. It is harder to elevate my heart rate. So it's true that it will be more difficult for me to burn less calories? I really need to earn my calories through workout because I'm a short female... But it's kind of weird that I'm burning less doing the same workout. Now I've to workout more to earn my calories... Any advice to burn more calories when you get fitter?

Replies

  • chiccam
    chiccam Posts: 239 Member
    Increase the intensity or duration of your workout.
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    Yes, the less you weigh and the fitter you are the less calories are burned during cardio. Bodies become more efficient and are not having to work as hard as when you first started out.

    Are you strength training? Having a decent amount if muscle mass helps because the more muscle you have, the more energy you burn.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    If you are the same weight, and doing the same intensity, you are burning the same calories. The issue with the HRM is it is basing it on your HR alone. As your VO2 max improves as you get fitter, your HR will go down. HRMs assume because you are working at a lower intensity and figure less calories. HRMs are set up based on averages and tend not to be as accurate for fitter individuals.
    Does your HRM allow for you to adjust HR and VO2 settings?

    A good explanation on the issue
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472
  • Christi132
    Christi132 Posts: 67 Member
    On the positive side, if you are more fit and have a lower body fat percentage with more muscle tone, your body should burn more calories throughout the day. I've always been told that muscle burns more than fat. Another great benefit, it's more fun being fit! When I would go for a run before I was fit, people would see me and comment how grumpy I looked while jogging. These days I always wave and smile at everyone I see when I go for a run.

    When working out in the gym, I add some HIIT to my workouts. Cranking up the treadmill, bike, or elliptical for short burst of time can really increase your calorie burn.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Any advice to burn more calories when you get fitter?

    Increase your intensity or time
  • Wingg_
    Wingg_ Posts: 395 Member
    I am using FT 7 so it doesn't allow me to adjust the hr and stuffs. I shall just increase the intensity and duration then. Thanks for the help!!

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