Question about activity level

rochellena

Since I started using MFP (and other similar apps/sites), I've always set my activity level to the lowest setting. I was unemployed for about a year and half (I did light housework....not much more) and before that I was at a place for 5 years that I spent 10-12 hours a day at a desk. I don't exercise regularly (I know I need to and I am getting better, but still), so it just seemed that I fit firmly in the sedentary category. I've recently gotten a part time job though that keeps me on my feet for about 7 hours a day, 4 days a week, and I don't know if I should bump up my activity level or not since I still don't regularly exercise. Should I just keep at the lowest activity level until I get my exercise issues worked out, or should I bump it up to reflect my life in general being more active than it was 2 months ago.


Sorry if this is a stupid question.

ctinawilson

Hello!

If it was me, i'd bump it up to at least lightly active. All that walking might not increase your rate and count as fitness, but it will definitely burn calories!

I was a waitress for 3 years doing 12 hour shifts and I ate around 2,500 calories a day to maintain my weight. Now I work behind a desk and exercise 4/5 times a week and eat 1,400 + exercise calories.

Everyone is different of course, but I really think you either need to log all your walking or change your settings!

Pearsquared

You could try it and see how much it bumps up your calories. Basically, the activity level is meant to make it so you don't have to worry about adding "7 hours standing up" as an exercise even though you are definitely burning more calories than you are sitting down all day. You would still track your other exercises the same way even if they are irregular.

Mokey41

If you suddenly see rapid weight loss with the settings you have then I'd up it. If not I'd leave it alone. Being on your feet doesn't burn much more than sitting unless you are walking briskly or carrying something heavy.

juliegrey1

if you can try this do it and see what happens,wear a heart rate monitor for a day and see what it burns,I realise that might not be possible but would be interesting to see,its difficult to judge from you saying you are on your feet,when you say on your feet do you mean standing in the one position? you are most likely moving around! best of luck!

Mokey41

if you can try this do it and see what happens,wear a heart rate monitor for a day and see what it burns,I realise that might not be possible but would be interesting to see,its difficult to judge from you saying you are on your feet,when you say on your feet do you mean standing in the one position? you are most likely moving around! best of luck!

A HRM is only accurate if you have a significantly raised heart rate during usage. They are meant for steady state cardio like running, cycling, swimming laps, etc not for wearing all day.

herblackwings39

The activity setting on MFP is just your job stuff so if you have gone from light house keeping to spending 7 hours on your feet I'd say go with lightly active.