weights as aerobics?

nvouvalis

Hi, everyone. I did some searching through old posts, and didn't end up finding a clear answer... so I guess I'll give it a try myself. When I go to the gym, I start with my cardio. Then I move on to weights for about twenty to thirty minutes... some free weights and some machines. I do my best to keep my HR up by resting for about 30 seconds or less between sets. I'm obviously burning calories while I'm doing this, but as we all know, entering strength training stuff into MFP doesn't give you a calories burned amount. So, I've been entering 10-12 minutes of aerobics when I log my workouts. Is there a better or more accurate way to do this? I don't have an HRM and have no immediate plans to buy one... I have a limited budget, and from what I've read, HRMs aren't particularly helpful when it comes to strength training anyway.

Thanks!

Azdak

I wouldn't worry about counting the strength calories at all--it's not that much. If you feel you need some "credit" for the effort, then just add 150-250 calories depending on the length of effort.

Also, unless your goal is some type of "metabolic conditioning", I would not try to manipulate your strength workout to "keep the HR up". You will get better results from strength program by following the guidelines for optimal strength gains--not by trying to make your strength routine more "cardio-y". You need adequate recovery time between sets--the actual amount depends on your goals and intensity of weight lifted. Making the recovery intervals too short can be the worst of both worlds--you decrease the quality of your strength workout really increasing the cardio component.