I don't know how this one got started but it sticks around for some reason.  Despite the fact that it is technically true, it is so minor that it may as not even count.  It is such a small thing that it isn't even worth mentioning.

<center> https://www.ukfitnessevents.co.uk/sites/default/files/calories%20burnt%20running%20a%2010k.jpeg </center>

Don't get the wrong idea:  I am not trying to convince people to NOT exercise.  I feel that aerobic exercise is the MOST important part of anyone's overall health.  I am just trying to eliminate some of the BS that exists out there.

I have heard many people state this, even personal trainers who I presume have some sort of educational background in sports medicine of some sort, but this idea that your body's metabolism is kicked into high gear for hours after you exercise it utter nonsense.

While it is technically true that your body will burn extra calories after exercise, it is an extremely low amount.  This phenomenon, which has become a selling point particularly for HIIT (high intensity interval training) is referred to as *the afterburn effect* and the first thing that should trigger you into realizing that it is a bunch of garbage is the fact that someone is trying to **sell it to you**.   

According to medical studies conducted on hundreds of individuals, the actual "afterburn" can vary greatly depending on the type of exercise performed but the overall "gains" from caloric burn is minuscule.  While everyone isn't the same after a rather intense workout you can expect to burn an additional 150 to 200 calories or so from this "afterburn."

<center> 
![runnerontrack-1530895802.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbr1kfPWeFq32VuCRjq3My2XGkDvt6a8eHNoKu965gUta/runnerontrack-1530895802.jpg)
<sub> this lady is probably not trying to lose weight </sub> </center> 


Combine this with the fact that most normies are not going to engage in "intense" exercise very often, and you can all but forget about this "afterburn" effect.  While the science is real, it is blown up by people that are selling exercise regimens that have dubious results.  Normally, the type of individual that is going to see some sort of significant "afterburn" effect is not the kind of person that would actually need it.  In fact, most professional athletes, such as triathletes attempt to compensate for this additional calorie needs by consuming more fuel.   

This is not a realistic option for those attempting to lose weight and if anyone out there is trying to sell you on a program that includes this:  They are either misinformed or deliberately lying.  

You want real "afterburn"?  How about incorporating a walk after your run into your workout because this definitely WILL burn additional calories.