The calorie is a unit used to measure energy. In fact, according to Wikipedia, the calorie (symbol cal) is a unit of heat energy, defined (calorie at 15°C) as the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of one gram of water from 14.5°C to 15.5°C under normal barometric pressure (1 atm or 101,325 kPa).
The calorie is mainly used in nutrition to calculate the energy provided by different foods. Once consumed, this energy, in calories, is used to support the vital needs of the body, digest food, perform physical activity, or is stored as fat.
Conversely, the calorie is used to determine the energy spent during various physical activities. Once you know the amount of calories you have used up, you will be able to adjust in order to reduce, maintain or increase your food intake so as to reach your objective.
Kino Québec has estimated the energy expenditure for various physical activities. Here are a few that will burn about 500 calories:
Now that you have a better idea of how calories are used up, enjoy the benefits of balancing your food intake and your energy expenditure.
Have fun training!
