Beginner Question About Exercise Calories

stefan0325

Hello! I am new to exercising and dieting but have a question about tracking exercise. If I complete an exercise, myfitnesspal will add the calories burned to by daily food allowance. But I believe I would also be burning calories just sitting down. So let's say I go for a walk and log 60 min leisurely walk, it credits me with 400 calories burnt. But had I just sat around maybe I would have also burnt 200 calories in that hour. So, can I really eat an extra 400 calories and meet my goal, or should I adjust for the calories that I would have burnt doing nothing? Thanks!

seska422

The exercise calories already exclude your resting metabolic rate.

Having said that, the calories shown for exercise are often too high. Many people only eat back about 50% of the exercise calories shown.

CafeRacer808

This video on exercise calories by member @SideSteel explains exercise calories perfectly. I suspect it will help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67USKg3w_E4

stefan0325

thanks!