You Burn Less Calories The More You Run (Here's Why!)

25 Sept 2024 · 1 min

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1:25

In this explanatory video, the presenter clarifies why the same amount of running burns fewer calories over time. Initially, a mile may expend about 500 calories, but as the body adapts to regular running, fitness improves and the effort required drops, leading to a lower metabolic rate for that distance. Additionally, being in a calorie deficit and losing weight further reduces the number of calories burned during the same activity. To continue burning the original 500 calories, one must increase the intensity—by running faster, covering a longer distance, or adding incline. The speaker then contrasts running with weightlifting, noting that resistance training builds muscle, and greater muscle mass raises resting calorie expenditure, unlike cardio which does not increase basal metabolism. Consequently, for weight‑loss goals, the recommendation is to prioritize resistance training and maintain a calorie‑deficit diet, using cardio primarily for cardiovascular health or personal enjoyment rather than as the main calorie‑burning tool. The video aims to clear up common misconceptions about cardio’s role in weight loss.

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Since no one ever explains things in their videos, let me do it for you. Let's say you start running a mile, and at first your body burns 500 calories. If you keep running consistently, then a few months in, running that same mile becomes easier. This is because your body adapts and your fitness improves, which is a good thing. But if you don't have to work as hard, your metabolism adapts And you don't have to burn as many calories. Not to mention, if you're eating in a calorie deficit and losing weight, these things make your metabolism adapt and you burn less calories as well. So if you still wanted to burn 500 calories, you'd have to run that mile at a faster pace. You'd have to increase the distance and run 2 miles, run on an incline, or do anything to make it harder. That's what she said. Now, if we compare running to weightlifting, when you lift weights, You build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns over time, not less. This is why if your goal is to lose weight, I would probably focus your exercise more on lifting weights. You can and should still do cardio. I would do it for your heart health, or if you're one of those sickos who actually likes cardio. I wouldn't do it to burn calories. And let your nutrition be the main driver of your weight loss from eating in a calorie deficit. And I hope this video cleared things up.