Tonight’s horror movie marathons could replace the exercising needed to burn off those fun-size candy bars.
Researchers at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom conducted a study in which 10 people watched a selection of scary movies. Researchers recorded their heart rates, oxygen intakes and carbon dioxide outputs.
The study found that an average of about 113 calories — the equivalent of one chocolate bar — are burned during a 90-minute thriller. On the top 10 list of calorie-burning films, “The Shining” earned the top spot with 184 calories. Second place went to “Jaws” with 161 calories.
First-year film studies Ph.D. candidate and UF professor Peter Gitto said that film can manipulate the viewer into a physical reaction.
He agreed with the ranking “The Shining” received.
“It’s the power of the cinema,” Gitto said.
Cassie Macias, director of UF’s Living Well fitness center, said that although she finds the study interesting, the only proven way to burn calories is to exercise and monitor eating behaviors.
“Everybody’s different, and everybody reacts to things differently,” Macias said. “There’s some people who can’t handle anything.”
The study’s researchers concluded that movies with surprising scenes often spike viewers’ heart rates and allow adrenaline to flow.
“It’s a lot easier to sit and watch a movie than run a mile,” said Chris Boyett, an 18-year-old English freshman.“I’d rather run a mile.”
