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Burn More Calories: Squats Vs. Deadlifts, The Decisive Battle

Steven is a certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast based in Los Angeles. He launched Steven Fitspot in 2024 to share his love of health and wellness with others. On his blog, Steven provides useful workouts, nutrition tips, and motivational advice to help his readers stay active and achieve their...

What To Know

  • According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, a single set of squats can burn up to 10 calories.
  • A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that a single set of deadlifts can burn up to 15 calories.
  • And if you’re looking to burn more calories, aim to use a challenging weight, do multiple sets, rest for short periods of time, and add some cardio to your workout.

When it comes to calorie-burning exercises, squats and deadlifts are two of the most effective options. Both exercises work multiple muscle groups, making them a great choice for a full-body workout. But which exercise burns more calories?

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at squats vs. deadlifts in terms of calories burned. We’ll also provide tips on how to get the most out of each exercise.

Squats: A Lower Body Powerhouse

Squats are a compound exercise that works the muscles in your legs, hips, and core. They’re a great way to build strength and power, and they can also help you burn a significant number of calories.

According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, a single set of squats can burn up to 10 calories. And if you do multiple sets of squats, you can burn even more calories.

Deadlifts: A Full-Body Challenge

Deadlifts are another compound exercise that works multiple muscle groups. They’re a great way to build strength and power in your legs, back, and shoulders. Deadlifts can also help you burn a significant number of calories.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that a single set of deadlifts can burn up to 15 calories. And if you do multiple sets of deadlifts, you can burn even more calories.

Which Exercise Burns More Calories?

So, which exercise burns more calories: squats or deadlifts?

The answer is… it depends.

Both squats and deadlifts are effective calorie-burning exercises. However, the number of calories you burn will depend on a number of factors, including your weight, fitness level, and the intensity of your workout.

In general, deadlifts tend to burn more calories than squats. This is because deadlifts work more muscle groups and require more energy to perform.

However, if you’re new to weightlifting, you may find that squats are easier to perform than deadlifts. And if you’re able to do more squats with good form, you may actually burn more calories than you would with deadlifts.

Tips for Burning More Calories with Squats and Deadlifts

Here are a few tips for burning more calories with squats and deadlifts:

  • Use a challenging weight. The heavier the weight you use, the more calories you’ll burn. However, it’s important to choose a weight that you can lift with good form.
  • Do multiple sets. The more sets you do, the more calories you’ll burn. Aim for 3-5 sets of 8-12 repetitions.
  • Rest for short periods of time. When you rest for too long between sets, your body will cool down and you’ll burn fewer calories. Aim to rest for no more than 60 seconds between sets.
  • Add some cardio. If you want to burn even more calories, add some cardio to your workout. You can do this by running, cycling, or swimming for 10-15 minutes before or after your strength training workout.

The Bottom Line

Squats and deadlifts are both effective calorie-burning exercises. However, deadlifts tend to burn more calories than squats. The best exercise for you will depend on your individual fitness level and goals.

If you’re new to weightlifting, start with squats and gradually work your way up to deadlifts. And if you’re looking to burn more calories, aim to use a challenging weight, do multiple sets, rest for short periods of time, and add some cardio to your workout.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which exercise is better for building muscle?

A: Both squats and deadlifts are effective for building muscle. However, deadlifts tend to be more effective for building muscle in the back and shoulders.

Q: Which exercise is better for burning fat?

A: Both squats and deadlifts can help you burn fat. However, deadlifts tend to burn more calories than squats.

Q: Which exercise is better for overall fitness?

A: Both squats and deadlifts are excellent exercises for overall fitness. However, deadlifts tend to be more challenging and work more muscle groups.

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Steven

Steven is a certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast based in Los Angeles. He launched Steven Fitspot in 2024 to share his love of health and wellness with others. On his blog, Steven provides useful workouts, nutrition tips, and motivational advice to help his readers stay active and achieve their fitness goals. With 10 years of experience in the industry, he has trained clients of all ages and abilities. When not coaching others or writing new blog content, Steven enjoys pushing his own limits with powerlifting and functional training. He believes a strong body leads to an unstoppable mind.
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