Curious about how many calories your body burns when you’re active? According to the USDA, it depends completely on your height, weight, and whatever activity you’re doing. Check out this helpful chart for reference!

MODERATE physical activities

Approximate calories used (burned) by a 154 lb man.

VIGOROUS physical activities

Approximate calories used (burned) by a 154-pound man

Burning calories is most associated with weight loss, but according to the USDA, you want to exercise for many more benefits than just losing weight or keeping yourself in shape. The long-term benefits of physical activity affect everyone of all ages, shapes, and sizes—it can increase your chances of living longer, decrease depression, help your sleep cycle, make you feel more confident, and increase your strength in both your muscles and bones. Plus, exercising is a great way to stay active with your friends and family and exercise your social self along with your physical self!

 As 2017 comes to a close, we encourage you to think about what kind of changes you want to make to better your health. Whether it be eating better, cooking healthier options, or upping your exercise game, any small (or big!) change that you make to improve your health is a great step in the right direction towards a healthier, better you!