why no calories for strength training??

jcorridan

Hey hey! I am new to this app but just wondering why we don't earn any extra calories for strength training. - sorry if this is a dumb question. I am doing high intensity resistance training for 30 mins 3/times a week (lunges, burpees, sit ups, squats etc)/and doing weight training 3 times a week too. I only ask because I am sweating after these workouts so wondering why this doesn't contribute to calories in the app? Thanks

kyta32

Search under cardiovascular for strength training. The weights section is just for recording your workout (weights used and reps). The burn for strength training is low.

Sued0nim

too difficult to measure and the calories burned in weight training are not that significant.. just log it as 1 calorie

you can log your HIIT though

Mauthos

Have to say that even though I agree that the calories burned during weight training are difficult to measure, they are definitely significant and definitely more that 1 calorie.

My weight training sessions last for approximately 80 mins, and especially when I am on an edurance training phase my height rate is high and I can be pouring with sweat, definitely hard work.

I do agree that the calorie burn during the exercise will not be as great as, for example, running for 80 mins, but due to the muscle staying active (muscle doesn't technically relax after weight training and stays active for up to 24hrs in preparation of you using it again (yes I understand this is a relatively simple way of explaining it)) you will continue to burn additional calories for up to 24hrs after a weight training session. It has therefore been stated that weight training can be considered a very effective form of exercise to aid in weightloss.

Plus, the more lean muscle you carry, the more calories you will burn as more calories are consumed in order to sustain muscle than fat.

Sued0nim

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Calories-burned-in-30-minutes-of-leisure-and-routine-activities.htm

LOL this says you burn more in yoga than strength training

brianpperkins

From the Answers and Questions section of MFP's help ....

https://myfitnesspal.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/11170-why-don-t-you-calculate-calories-burned-for-strength-training-

honkytonks85

strength training doesn't burn a LOT of calories.

sijomial

Calisthenics, strength training and circuit training are all options under the CV tab - choose the one most appropriate to your training.

callsitlikeiseeit

(as i understand it) the strength training itself doesn't necessarily burn that many during the workout - where the advantage comes in is in strength itself, leaner muscle mass, and the fact that even when 'resting' that lean muscle burns more calories than fat, so it has benefits that exceed actual ' active burn'.

I will fully admit, I may NOT be 100% correct on all that, but that is how *I* understood it when my brother explained it to me (hes a certified athletic trainer and my go to for 'dumb' questions. LOL)

alcurran33

Thanks- I wondered this as well

jcorridan

Thanks guys ..really helpful

purtchiarn

I have a heart rate monitor and wear that while I am working out. While the calorie burn is not the same as intense cardio it is still quite significant especially circuit training. I would suggest investing in a heart rate monitor if you have the spare funds.

brianpperkins

purtchiarn wrote: »

I have a heart rate monitor and wear that while I am working out. While the calorie burn is not the same as intense cardio it is still quite significant especially circuit training. I would suggest investing in a heart rate monitor if you have the spare funds.

HRMs are completely inaccurate for calculating the burn from anaerobic activity such as weight lifting. There is not a direct relationship between the elevated HR and calories burned.

Springfield1970

callsitlikeiseeit wrote: »

(as i understand it) the strength training itself doesn't necessarily burn that many during the workout - where the advantage comes in is in strength itself, leaner muscle mass, and the fact that even when 'resting' that lean muscle burns more calories than fat, so it has benefits that exceed actual ' active burn'.

I will fully admit, I may NOT be 100% correct on all that, but that is how *I* understood it when my brother explained it to me (hes a certified athletic trainer and my go to for 'dumb' questions. LOL)

It isn't much though! Maybe 50-100 cals extra a day if you're lucky.

But there's so many benefits. I log it as strength training.

Francl27

rabbitjb wrote: »

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Calories-burned-in-30-minutes-of-leisure-and-routine-activities.htm

LOL this says you burn more in yoga than strength training

Hahaha. I laugh when people log Yoga as exercise, frankly.

Sued0nim

brianpperkins wrote: »

purtchiarn wrote: »

I have a heart rate monitor and wear that while I am working out. While the calorie burn is not the same as intense cardio it is still quite significant especially circuit training. I would suggest investing in a heart rate monitor if you have the spare funds.

HRMs are completely inaccurate for calculating the burn from anaerobic activity such as weight lifting. There is not a direct relationship between the elevated HR and calories burned.

He speaks the truth

jpaulie

Calories in weight training can be significant if it is vigorous as suggested by the Harvard article