Category: Fitness Technology
Does it even matter how many calories I burn in a workout?
Let’s dig into this common question people ask me: Why do other people seem to burn more calories than me?
At Orangetheory Fitness Seattle or at any heart rate monitored training, you’ll see the results of your estimated calorie burn after the workout. You will also see other people’s estimated calorie burn and I suppose it is natural to compare ourselves to others. Usually the people who are most concerned are women of normal size who are over 40 or 50 years old because their estimated calorie burn is significantly less than a tall, young, man for example. But does it REALLY matter how many calories you burn in a HIIT workout?
I probably could have titled this blog post: “8 Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training,” but I was inspired by somebody who asked me a question today!
The workout summary after a smaller sized workout class at Orangetheory Fitness in Seattle
How accurate are heart rate monitors for fitness and exercise?
Heart rate monitors for workouts are a growing trend
There’s no surprise why — advantages from science help us with health and fat loss results.
The pod is near the heart
How effective are heart rate monitors for fitness and fat loss?
Highly effective. You or your coaches are able to use real time bio-feedback that gets you motivated! I’m not saying they are always perfect.
Downsides of heart rate monitors?
Exercisers who use heart rate monitors may sometimes notice fluctuations in the readings (from a really low HR to a really high, momentarily). How am I to know if it is the pod that malfunctions or if it is the garment that connects to the device.
If you have paid for the class experience or are just a participant, the fluctuations can be distracting.
Over time, I have realized that some individuals are simply more prone to the variations. Perhaps the impact from the exercise would be a suitable explanation. And even though the technology is available to the public, we all come in different shapes and sizes. We wear things differently.
Highly valuable tools for fitness and fat loss
When you find what works for you, use it.
Then develop your skills with the tools you have available.
Performance based goals reign supreme.
Stay tuned…