Activity level?

bethad5

I currently go to the gym 5-6x a week and do various programs on the elliptical - usually for 60 minutes, sometimes 40 (and both have a 5 minute cool down afterwards). I put the resistance and incline up on the elliptical and usually do about 170ish strides per minute. The machine says I burn anywhere from 600 (if I do 45 total minutes) to 860 (if I do 65 total minutes) calories burned.

I'm currently eating my TDEE at the 5-6 hours of strenuous activity level, making my full TDEE 2655. My moderate TDEE would be 23something (close to 2400, I don't have the site pulled up right now). Is this the correct activity level or should I bump down to moderate?

mommamuscles

You are definitely strenuous, maybe even the next activity level up (sorry to scare you). If the calories scare you, you could try decreasing your time on the elliptical. I'd stick with the strenuous category though if you are working out a minimum of 5-6 hours a week at the gym.
Are you doing any weight lifting?

bethad5

You are definitely strenuous, maybe even the next activity level up (sorry to scare you). If the calories scare you, you could try decreasing your time on the elliptical. I'd stick with the strenuous category though if you are working out a minimum of 5-6 hours a week at the gym.
Are you doing any weight lifting?

Very minimal weight lifting - I bought the NROLFW book but haven't had the chance to read through it yet. I have a road race at the end of July that I need to train for so I want to keep my cardio up.

I wasn't even thinking about moving myself into the next activity level up - I thought I was overestimating my activity level!! Anyone else have any thoughts?

PLUMSGRL

I underestimated mine the first week too. Listen to momofmyfivekids, she knows what she's talking about!