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Burn Calories While You Rest? Understanding BMR and Why It Matters!

Ever wondered how many calories your body burns even when you're just lounging on the couch, scrolling through your phone, or even sleeping? That’s where BMR—Basal Metabolic Rate—comes into play.

What is BMR?

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic functions like breathing, blood circulation, and maintaining body temperature. Think of it as the energy your body requires to stay alive without any extra movement. Even if you lie in bed all day doing absolutely nothing, your body still needs energy to function.

Why Should You Care About Your BMR?

Understanding your BMR can help you make better decisions about your diet, workouts, and overall health. If you’re trying to lose weight, knowing your BMR helps you figure out how many calories you should be eating to create a calorie deficit. If you're looking to bulk up, it tells you the minimum calories you need to maintain your body before adding extra for muscle gain.

How is BMR Calculated?

There’s a scientific way to calculate your BMR using the Harris-Benedict Equation:

For Men:

BMR = 88.36 + (13.4 × weight in kg) + (4.8 × height in cm) - (5.7 × age in years)

For Women:

BMR = 447.6 + (9.2 × weight in kg) + (3.1 × height in cm) - (4.3 × age in years)

Or, if math isn’t your thing, you can use an online BMR calculator (just Google it!).

Factors That Affect Your BMR

Several factors influence your BMR, such as:

Age

BMR decreases as you age.

Muscle Mass

More muscle means a higher BMR since muscle burns more calories than fat.

Gender

HMen usually have a higher BMR than women due to muscle mass differences.

Body Size

Taller or larger individuals typically have a higher BMR.

Genetics

Some people naturally have a faster metabolism than others.

Climate

Living in colder environments can increase BMR as the body works harder to maintain temperature.

How Can You Use BMR to Achieve Your Fitness Goals?

1. Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight, consume fewer calories than your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), which includes your BMR plus any activity or exercise you do. A healthy calorie deficit of 500–700 calories per day can help you lose around 0.5 kg per week.

2. Muscle Gain
If building muscle is your goal, you need to eat more than your BMR requires while ensuring that the extra calories come from protein and healthy foods.

3. Maintenance
To maintain your weight, eat the same amount of calories as your TDEE. Keep track of your diet and adjust based on your body’s responses.

Boosting Your BMR: Tips & Tricks

While you can’t control genetics or age, you can boost your BMR with some smart lifestyle choices:

Strength Training
Lift weights! More muscle = higher BMR.

Eat Enough Protein
Protein has a higher thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it.

Stay Active
Even small movements like walking, standing, or fidgeting can keep your metabolism up.

Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleep can slow down your metabolism.

Hydrate!
Drinking cold water can give your metabolism a slight temporary boost.

Camp Fitness Studio – Your Ultimate Fitness Destination

Now that you know how important BMR is, it’s time to put this knowledge into action. The best way to optimize your metabolism? A structured workout and nutrition plan. Camp Fitness Studio is the place to be! Whether you’re looking for expert guidance on nutrition, weight training, or fat loss, our trainers can help you reach your goals faster and more efficiently.

Contact Camp Fitness Studio

Address:
9, Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani, 2nd Floor, Kolkata - 700020

Phone:
033 35474695 / 033-35474696

Email:
info@camphealth.co.in

Join Now:
www.camphealth.co.in

Get in touch today and start working towards your dream body with The Camp Gym!