Can I record steps as an exercise
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paulspaperclip
Posts: 2 Member
Hello there.
I have a smart watch which counts my steps but I can't link to MFP.
I was wondering if I could make an exercise.
Does anyone know if this is possible and if so what kind of exercise it is.
I have a smart watch which counts my steps but I can't link to MFP.
I was wondering if I could make an exercise.
Does anyone know if this is possible and if so what kind of exercise it is.
0
Replies
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You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.4 -
If you're not racking up steps in the course of purposefully walking for exercise, your steps are factored into your NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), which is how MFP figures your calorie budget - the activity level you set when you go through the guided setup is asking about your NEAT, not your deliberate exercise. MFP wants you to log your deliberate exercise and eat those calories back. Most people tracking steps in particular are tracking NEAT, though.
If you ARE racking up steps because you're going for a walk for the express purpose of getting some cardio in, even if you're determining your stop/turnaround point based on steps as opposed to time or distance, figure your speed (time divided by distance - you can measure the distance on sites like plotaroute dot com or mapmyrun) and pick one of the several Walking, x mph options in the cardio database.
The way I think about the 4 different activity levels MFP offers you is like this. Assuming 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work, 8 hours of recreation:
* Not Very Active: You spend most of the day sitting down. You have a desk job, and most of your hobbies are sedentary (reading, fiber arts, writing). Most of your time standing and walking is spent en route to the bathroom or your car, or cooking meals or doing light chores (washing dishes, personal hygiene, folding laundry).
* Lightly Active: You spend a good chunk of the day standing in one place, like a cashier or teacher of older children/young adults. You may sit some at home but you're mostly up and about, maybe you have active hobbies like gardening.
* Active: You spend most of your day standing and walking around, like a salesperson or nurse. You have multiple active hobbies, maybe you play a team sport recreationally. You walk or ride a bicycle as your primary mode of transportation over short distances. If you don't work outside the home, you spend your days caring for small children, so you're constantly chasing toddlers around and cleaning up after them.
* Very Active: You have a very physical job that has you constantly moving, lifting, carrying things - think construction and home maintenance, warehouse stocking, etc. You may be a professional athlete. You regularly engage in active outdoor hobbies like hiking or surfing. You basically only sit down to eat or drive.5 -
unless it is DELIBERATE exercise, no, i do not count it.
i live on a farm. i dont count steps and my daily activity as exercise. if i take a purposeful walk, then yes. time at the gym, yes.
random steps from my fitbit. no.3 -
You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?0 -
stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
What do you mean you've been "putting in" every step? How are you adding them?0 -
stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
Even sedentary includes a base amount of activity, yes. The 3000 number of steps is just an approximation though. But all the MFP calculations are just estimates based on statistical averages, which means it's more or less accurate for most people, not so accurate for some and very inaccurate for a small minority. In both directions by the way, not just overestimating but also underestimating for some.
Also, if you've just started your weight loss, it's common to lose a bit more quickly the first weeks from reduced food waste in the digestive system and water weight losses.1 -
stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
Even sedentary includes a base amount of activity, yes. The 3000 number of steps is just an approximation though. But all the MFP calculations are just estimates based on statistical averages, which means it's more or less accurate for most people, not so accurate for some and very inaccurate for a small minority. In both directions by the way, not just overestimating but also underestimating for some.
Also, if you've just started your weight loss, it's common to lose a bit more quickly the first weeks from reduced food waste in the digestive system and water weight losses.
I haven't just started. I have upped my exercise in the past 3 weeks. Thanks for assuming.0 -
Redordeadhead wrote: »stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
What do you mean you've been "putting in" every step? How are you adding them?
Every time I leave my front door I record my distance and time. I should have said I record every calorie burned from walking. Although I used to have a step app that calculates it for you but it took up too much space on my phone so I ditched it.
I also use a site for when I mow the lawn, I calculate everything I do outside my front door using various websites that have calculators.
They have walking speed on here, but they don't have cycle speed its only one speed and what it assumes is a bit faster than I go so I have to use a calculator for that and reduce the minutes I enter on this site. I can record the distance and the time it takes on my phone.
I literally HATE exercising so I don't miss a single calorie out. I'm not doing one second of this for nothing.1 -
stealthette wrote: »stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
Even sedentary includes a base amount of activity, yes. The 3000 number of steps is just an approximation though. But all the MFP calculations are just estimates based on statistical averages, which means it's more or less accurate for most people, not so accurate for some and very inaccurate for a small minority. In both directions by the way, not just overestimating but also underestimating for some.
Also, if you've just started your weight loss, it's common to lose a bit more quickly the first weeks from reduced food waste in the digestive system and water weight losses.
I haven't just started. I have upped my exercise in the past 3 weeks. Thanks for assuming.
There's an 'if' in that sentence...3 -
stealthette wrote: »stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
Even sedentary includes a base amount of activity, yes. The 3000 number of steps is just an approximation though. But all the MFP calculations are just estimates based on statistical averages, which means it's more or less accurate for most people, not so accurate for some and very inaccurate for a small minority. In both directions by the way, not just overestimating but also underestimating for some.
Also, if you've just started your weight loss, it's common to lose a bit more quickly the first weeks from reduced food waste in the digestive system and water weight losses.
I haven't just started. I have upped my exercise in the past 3 weeks. Thanks for assuming.
There's an 'if' in that sentence...
What are you on about...0 -
stealthette wrote: »stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
Even sedentary includes a base amount of activity, yes. The 3000 number of steps is just an approximation though. But all the MFP calculations are just estimates based on statistical averages, which means it's more or less accurate for most people, not so accurate for some and very inaccurate for a small minority. In both directions by the way, not just overestimating but also underestimating for some.
Also, if you've just started your weight loss, it's common to lose a bit more quickly the first weeks from reduced food waste in the digestive system and water weight losses.
I haven't just started. I have upped my exercise in the past 3 weeks. Thanks for assuming.
There's an 'if' in that sentence...
Never mind I see the IF now.. you have to forgive me, I've been on a calorie deficit enough to lose a chunk of fat, I'm so freaking quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. I cannot wait to lose another few lbs so I can EAT to satisfaction. I'm happy with my results, but my general happiness is patchy at best. Sorry.3 -
stealthette wrote: »stealthette wrote: »stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
Even sedentary includes a base amount of activity, yes. The 3000 number of steps is just an approximation though. But all the MFP calculations are just estimates based on statistical averages, which means it's more or less accurate for most people, not so accurate for some and very inaccurate for a small minority. In both directions by the way, not just overestimating but also underestimating for some.
Also, if you've just started your weight loss, it's common to lose a bit more quickly the first weeks from reduced food waste in the digestive system and water weight losses.
I haven't just started. I have upped my exercise in the past 3 weeks. Thanks for assuming.
There's an 'if' in that sentence...
Never mind I see the IF now.. you have to forgive me, I've been on a calorie deficit enough to lose a chunk of fat, I'm so freaking quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. I cannot wait to lose another few lbs so I can EAT to satisfaction. I'm happy with my results, but my general happiness is patchy at best. Sorry.
Maybe your calorie deficit is too large for the amount of weight you have to lose?
I started off with a weekly weight loss goal of 2 pounds but quickly realized that was too aggressive for me.
4 -
paulspaperclip wrote: »Hello there.
I have a smart watch which counts my steps but I can't link to MFP.
I was wondering if I could make an exercise.
Does anyone know if this is possible and if so what kind of exercise it is.
My pedometer does not link to MFP. I know how many steps are in my miles, and I know I do a 20 minutes mile, so if I've walked 2 miles (or the equivalent amount of steps) I use the entry "Walking, 3.0 mph, mod. pace" and put in 40 minutes.
I bet if my dumb pedometer has the option for miles in addition to steps, your smart watch will too, which will save a step in the calculation.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »stealthette wrote: »stealthette wrote: »stealthette wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
I've been putting in every last step I do, except for housework steps, I live alone so they're no 3k a day!
I've actually lost more than MFP calculated. MFP says most days I'll lose 3-5lbs in 5 weeks, but I've actually lost 3 in 2.5 weeks.
Are you sure they are doing this? Where did you read that?
Even sedentary includes a base amount of activity, yes. The 3000 number of steps is just an approximation though. But all the MFP calculations are just estimates based on statistical averages, which means it's more or less accurate for most people, not so accurate for some and very inaccurate for a small minority. In both directions by the way, not just overestimating but also underestimating for some.
Also, if you've just started your weight loss, it's common to lose a bit more quickly the first weeks from reduced food waste in the digestive system and water weight losses.
I haven't just started. I have upped my exercise in the past 3 weeks. Thanks for assuming.
There's an 'if' in that sentence...
Never mind I see the IF now.. you have to forgive me, I've been on a calorie deficit enough to lose a chunk of fat, I'm so freaking quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. I cannot wait to lose another few lbs so I can EAT to satisfaction. I'm happy with my results, but my general happiness is patchy at best. Sorry.
Maybe your calorie deficit is too large for the amount of weight you have to lose?
I started off with a weekly weight loss goal of 2 pounds but quickly realized that was too aggressive for me.
Yes! I agree! Today was the first time I got on the scales and saw significant weight loss. Before today I just felt like every effort I was making was getting me nowhere. I was jumping for joy because the first thing that went through my head was I CAN HAVE MORE FOOD!! I don't need to lose this much this fast, I didn't even mean to. Now I've seen that my body does actually give up the fat and not just zap my energy, I'm going to change the way I'm doing things to make the journey a little easier.
MORE FOOD hooray!5 -
You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
Is there any way to check if that sedentary = 3000 steps is true? Because that could be a factor for some disabled people (myself included) who are trying to lose weight.
I have kept my calories intentionally low because I suspected it might be the case. But I’d like to be sure. At my height and current weight that’s about 150 calories.2 -
It's a number I've read on these forums, but it's just an approximation (steps being a proxy for calculating calorie burn).
A way to test this would be to sync a fitness tracker or step tracker (like the Pacer app) and see if you get a positive calorie adjustment or a negative one (after activating negative calorie adjustments in the settings).
For me it's variable: my tracker also takes into account my heart rate, so not all steps are taken into account equally. Sometimes I get a positive adjustment beyond 2000 steps and sometimes it takes more steps than that.1 -
MargaretYakoda wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
Is there any way to check if that sedentary = 3000 steps is true? Because that could be a factor for some disabled people (myself included) who are trying to lose weight.
I have kept my calories intentionally low because I suspected it might be the case. But I’d like to be sure. At my height and current weight that’s about 150 calories.
I finally figured out a way to suss this out properly. It turns out sedentary does include general chores around the house, showering, and even gardening one article mentioned! You can read about that here: https://antranik.org/proper-activity-level-for-calorie-intake/
Anyway, here's how to work out your own. If you use https://www.calculator.net/calorie-calculator.html which has the same stats as what MFP is using, you can ask it your BMR that's the calories you need to sleep all day. And then ask it your sedentary calories, a bit of subtraction and you will get the answer for you personally.
For example, mine is 1412 sedentary - 1177 BMR = 235 calories MFP is assuming I'm burning daily being sedentary.
2 -
MargaretYakoda wrote: »You can enter it as walking, if you know the time/distance.
Don't forget that a certain amount of activity (steps) is already included in your activity level, even sedentary includes probably the equivalent of around 3000 steps, so you don't want to add all of your steps as exercise or you'll be double-counting.
Is there any way to check if that sedentary = 3000 steps is true? Because that could be a factor for some disabled people (myself included) who are trying to lose weight.
I have kept my calories intentionally low because I suspected it might be the case. But I’d like to be sure. At my height and current weight that’s about 150 calories.
I think you should just use your data. If, over at least a month, you eat back all your steps and lose slower than expected, try not eating back 2,000 or so of them and see what happens after another month.
Or, as you are currently keeping your calories low - are you losing a little faster than expected? In that case, do eat back more steps.
When I think of "sedentary" I think of my partner's now deceased mother. She certainly got no where near 3,000 steps per day, so it is hard for me to think of that as the threshold for sedentary.1 -
Thank you all
I will start probably now1 -
So, I have a question. I am sedentary now, and have been for awhile. On days I do not diet, I try to eat what my maintenance will be. I did the calculator, and this is what it said for sedentary my age, sex, weight. "The number of Calories required to maintain your weight seems low." They calculated it, why are they telling me this seems low? Their calculations not mine!2
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