Expert: Linda Erwin, M.S. - 4/10/2006

Question
I do exercise videos at home.  I also track how many calories are burned during exercise.  If the tape is 30 minutes from warm-up to cool-down, do I count 30 minutes.  Or just the cardio part?  It's probably only a 5 minute difference, but, I have always been curious.

thank you,
Dee

Answer
Hi Dee,
Any extra movement will burn extra calories.  The best fat burning takes place after 25 minutes of continuous aerobic activity.  That's why it's good to do 45 minutes with your heart rate in your target heart zone for aerobics.  Try a 60 minute video and you will get a lot more out of it (including warm up/down.
Linda