How Many Calories Does a Push-Up Burn? The Basic Guide

When it comes to workout routines, it’s easy to get bogged down in all the options that promise quick results. From fancy gadgets to complicated exercise plans, there’s always something new trying to get your attention. But amidst all the trends, the push-up remains a classic. But how many calories does a push-up burn? Let’s get into the science behind it and see why this simple exercise has stood the test of time.

What is Push-up Exercise

A push-up is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups at once. It targets the chest, shoulders, triceps and core and also recruits muscles in the legs and back for stability. Because so many muscles are working together, push-ups burn more calories than isolation exercises like bicep curls. But how many calories does each push-up burn? That’s hard to say as it depends on your body weight, intensity and fitness level.

How Many Calories Does a Push-Up Burn?

Researchers estimate moderate intensity push-ups burn between 7-9 calories per minute depending on the person’s weight and pace. To give you a better idea, a 155 pound person would burn about 0.29 calories per push-up. That’s not a lot but do multiple sets and reps and it can add up to your daily calorie burn especially when combined with other exercises.

The Afterburn Effect: Burn Calories After Your Workout

One of the benefits of push-ups that’s often overlooked is the afterburn effect. This is Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) where your body burns calories as it recovers. By doing push-ups you not only burn calories during the workout but also get to burn more calories after the workout as your body gets back to its resting state.

Boost Your Push-Up to Burn More Calories

If you want to burn more calories, try adding variations to your push-up routine. Decline push-ups where your feet are elevated increases the intensity by shifting more of your body weight onto your arms and shoulders. Plyometric push-ups which involve explosive movements like pushing off the ground activates fast twitch muscle fibers and raises your heart rate to burn more calories. These variations will keep your workouts interesting and prevent fitness plateaus.

Beyond Calorie Burn: The Full Benefits of Push-Ups

While burning calories is a great motivator, don’t forget that push-ups have many benefits beyond weight loss. They improve strength, endurance and cardiovascular health and also coordination and stability. Push-ups are a functional exercise that mimics real life movements and makes you stronger and more agile in your daily activities.

It’s easy to get caught up in counting calories as a way to measure progress but fitness is more than just numbers. Push-ups are an incredibly valuable exercise that promotes overall health and strength. So next time you wonder how many calories a push-up burns, remember it’s not just about calories – it’s about being a stronger healthier body.

Conclusion

The push-up is a simple no-equipment exercise that gives amazing results. Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, push-ups can be modified to challenge you and get you towards your goals. It’s not just a calorie burning exercise – it’s a powerful tool to build muscle, endurance and overall wellness. So, make push-up a part of your fitness routine and enjoy the benefits.