Counting Calories at Desk Job

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Replies

  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    Why on earth would you count your desk job as exercise??? Do you count breathing too?
  • Quasita
    Quasita Posts: 1,530 Member
    I have a desk job, and I wear a BodyMedia Fit Link every day. I chose to do this because it monitors your body temp, sweat, and other factors to rate your caloric burn, instead of using just average calculations like the Fitbit. Of course, both are tools that you can use, and it depends on what kind of data you're looking for as a result of wearing the unit.

    Anyway, since desk work is so sedentary, I really wanted to know to as exact as possible what my calorie burns were for the day. I adjusted my calorie goals on MFP to reflect what the BMFL says. As it goes through the day, and you update to the site, it adjusts your calorie goals and shows how much more you have to burn before you meet your minimum.

    Also because things are so sedentary, I invested in a mini-stationary bike that I use under my desk while I work. It is not a full on workout but it keeps my legs moving, and I burn quite a bit of calories adding it to my day. I think everyone should look into getting some mini-equipment when they work at a desk all day, as it is soooo good for you and your legs. Sitting-related water retention has gone down drastically since I started using it.
  • patrickfish7
    patrickfish7 Posts: 190 Member
    Difference between sitting at a desk and standing isn't much so I don't bother. Plus it makes me get out at lunch to get some weights in.

    I also find hiding food away from sight helps; I bring my own food in, own meals etc but put them out of sight so I don't get tempted to scoff while playing pong...
  • RipperSB
    RipperSB Posts: 315 Member
    What is the general consensus on counting the calories burned at a desk job? I saw on my fitbit where I can add this activity and track the calories burned during that time. however, the fitbit is already tracking my calories (basal metabolic?) Is counting those calories double counting?

    Considering you are sitting in a chair I would not attempt to count any additional calories for "activity".

    This. I also work a desk job. I can't imagine counting calories for sitting at work all day. You would just be cheating yourself.

    Another desk job here... In the beginning, I set my activity level as Sedentary and logged any additional activity (gym workouts, dog walking, mowing lawn, shovelling snow, etc). After 243 days of that, got down to my goal weight of 145. I've since settled down to 142 and been maintaining for about a year now. Currently, targets are at 1840 cals/day with an extra 290 or so gained from daily (Mon-Fri) gym workouts.
  • Confuzzled4ever
    Confuzzled4ever Posts: 2,860 Member
    I don't count anything done at work. Unless I use my lunch break to go for a walk. And thanks to the copious amounts of liquid I drink I go up and down steps 50 million times a day. Going to the copier, go to the fridge, going to my co-workers office, checking my mailbox.. i don't count any of it. Sometimes i pace around the office if i'm trying to process something or think something through. I don't log that either.

    I really want a fitbit though.. Christmas is coming.. someone wanna get me one?? :~p
  • Confuzzled4ever
    Confuzzled4ever Posts: 2,860 Member
    , I invested in a mini-stationary bike t

    Need more info. what is it? And where did you get it?
  • Quasita
    Quasita Posts: 1,530 Member
    , I invested in a mini-stationary bike t

    Need more info. what is it? And where did you get it?

    You can get a simple model at Walmart in the exercise equipment area. It is a "leg and arm cycle", costs about $25 there.
    You can get all sorts of types off of Amazon though. Some pretty cheap and simple, other very involved. Some come with HRM, calorie counters, magnetic resistance, and more.
    Basically, you decide what you want and then go for it. I have had several cuz I wear them out ;) I love it though!
    They also make mini-ellipticals and stair steppers. Many are made specifically to be used to exercise the legs (and sometimes arms) while sitting. It makes it perfect for use during the work day!

    That's what I'm doing when you read my status saying that I'm on the pedals ;)
  • LurveTheDoctor
    LurveTheDoctor Posts: 303
    I don't count any calories unless I'm on my feet for like longer than 20 minutes and its not day to day stuff.

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