Exercise calories - how to figure

pixiechick8321

Hi everyone,

I know the answer will be a HRM, but I don't have the money for that right now...

So, how do I burn more calories when working out? It seems like everyone posts crazy high amounts when they do stuff - but for me it's really low. For example, I did 20 minutes at 3.0 mph and only "burned" 56 calories... Stationary bikes (like reclining ones), only "burn" 20-40 calories for 15-20 minutes and so forth.

So what I'm wondering is, are these values accurate? How some people post burns of 300+ calories for less than 2-3 hours of working out? Is it just because I'm already at a low weight?

And if these values are accurate, what are some exercises that will burn more calories? I can't do too much stuff, as my PT restricts me, but she won't tell me higher burning stuff as she wants me to go slow and says I'm already at a good weight and shouldn't worry about it - but when I eat way too much, I want a way to balance that a little.

Thanks!

CarolineSuzanneSmith

You'll burn more with higher intensity workouts... If you are capable of walking faster (3.5/4.0 mph), or even jogging, you'll burn more. Or on the bike, increase the resistance. You'll burn more calories.

77bluebird

I would listen to your PT rather than anyone on here - she's the trained professional after all, not much point paying her if you are just going to ignore what she says...

MissMaryMac33

I think a lot of people post extremely inaccurate numbers because they are guessing or they are using MFP or other websites to "guesstimate"

You will burn less the fitter you get --- I work my *kitten* off in Zumba 5x a week and burn 380-500 depending on the teacher. when I first started, I burned a lot a more. (I wear an HRM and if I used one of those "guess" sites it would put me several hundred over what I actually burn)

Have you tried an Elliptical? We have some Precor AMT machines at my gym (adaptive motion trainers) and I burn about 100 calories in 10 minutes those.. it's ridiculous -- but I an't do it for very long yet. I imagine once i get used to that and get good, I'll burn less and less.

As you know, the real answer is save for an HRM. You can get a good Polar FT4 or FT7 for $50-75 on Amazon. It's worth it -- and it would make a great christmas present!

HonkyTonks

Not sure of the accuracy, I go by either the calculator on MFP or calculators elsewhere.. it will always be an estimate! People could be posting higher because their intensity is higher, or they weigh more (you burn more calories the bigger you are). For me, I increase calories burned by upping the incline on the treadmill/increasing the speed at which I am walking.. If I am doing resistance or circuit training, I make sure I keep my heart rate up by mixing up cardio with resistance.. The elliptical also seems to be good for calorie burning without too much impact on your joints, I have been able to burn between 500-600 calories for 1 hour on the elliptical.

Also working out for longer will obviously mean you burn more calories, try adding 5-10 minutes each day to your routine.

agthorn

If you're already at a good weight as your PT says, then lifting weights will probably get you better results physically than trying to do more cardio.