This episode explores the caloric expenditure of resistance training versus aerobic exercise, challenging common assumptions about weightlifting's impact on calorie burning. Against the backdrop of differing opinions on the relative merits of cardio and resistance training, the hosts delve into a study examining energy expenditure during a standardized resistance training session. More significantly, the study revealed that men burned significantly more calories than women (161 vs. 87 above baseline), though this difference diminished when adjusted for lean body mass. For instance, the EPOC (excess post-oxygen consumption) effect, often touted as a significant calorie-burning benefit of resistance training, was found to be minimal (7-8 calories), suggesting that the total caloric burn from weightlifting may be lower than commonly perceived. In contrast, aerobic exercise like jogging yielded considerably higher caloric expenditure. The hosts conclude by emphasizing that while calorie expenditure is a factor, the numerous other health benefits of resistance training—including improved bone health, muscle strength, and metabolic function—should be prioritized over solely focusing on calorie burn. What this means for fitness enthusiasts is a reevaluation of expectations regarding calorie expenditure during weight training and a renewed focus on the holistic benefits of exercise.
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