What's my new activity level?

kaygold

I've been following the TDEE method for as long as I can remember, with great success I've always put my activity level at "light" because I wasn't lying in bed all day, aka sedentary, but also wasn't working out regularly.

Cut to this May, I started doing Orange Theory 3-4 times a week. For those unfamiliar with OTF, it is an hour of HIIT and a combination of cardio and strength training.

Given my new and consistent exercise regimen, do you guys think I should I change my activity level, or keep it the same?

I'm 5'7" and 134 lbs. Would like to lose another 5-10 lbs if possible.

Thanks everyone!

kd_mazur

If you decide to change your activity level you should not log this activity as exercise. If you want to log the exercise you should not change your activity level.

salsera_barbie

Or you could calculate your BMR and then track of your workouts.

kaygold

Thanks for the quick responses, but I'm a little confused? Can you guys please elaborate?

With TDEE I never log my exercise, or eat back calories because the calculated intake takes exercise into account. The reason I was asking the question is because my activity level will change my calorie intake because with a higher level of activity my BMR is going to be higher. I don't want to undereat or overeat as either will stall my loss.

Thanks again!

kathrynjean_

With a higher level of activity, your TDEE will be higher - yes, but not your BMR.

If you've been using the TDEE method, how did you calculate that number?

kaygold

I used the fat2fit calculator and put my current weight for both current and goal weight. It gives me my calorie intake based various levels of activity. So I take that number, ex: for light it is 1932 and apply a 10% reduction, and eat 1740 a day. If I change my activity level , that number will change....

kathrynjean_

Try Scooby's - it breaks down activity level by hours and intensity of exercise a week. http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

I hope that helps!

kathrynjean_

Also - if you upped your activity level but you were still eating the same number of calories, did you lose more weight or start losing at a faster rate? You can work out your average loss per week and backtrack from there to find your TDEE.