Free Weights

judydelo1

I've started to lift free weights again and I've logged them for the past couple of days. I notice that calories aren't deducted like when you do aerobics. I know you don't burn a lot like when you do aerobics, but I'm surprised that none are deducted at all.

himilayaneyes

I'm assuming you're logging it in the strength training section. If you log it where you post the cardiovascular exercise as "strength training," it will show you how many cals you burned.

judydelo1

Thanks himilayaneyes!


Actually it doesn't appear you can add a weight lifting exercise to the aerobics section :sick:

rburkey

Judy, the last time I talked to my doctor, I explained to him all the calisthenics I had been doing since the weather turned cold. (this was last November) He just smiled and shook his head until I was done, and then said, "yeah, the exercise is good, but it isn't cardio." My sister-in-law has a glider I get on whenever I can, but I'm still doing the cals.

My theory is that they don't subtract calories because even though free weights burn a lot of calories, they also build muscle, which is heavier than fat, so if you're really into free weights, you're not actually losing weight. You'll be reshaping, and getting healthier, but the app is for weight loss, not weight redistribution. Hence, no calories subtracted for the free weights.

I just log in however many minutes of calisthenics I do under cardio, and that takes care of it. As long as I get back to my ideal weight, I'm happy.

-Ralphie

judydelo1

Thanks Ralphie!

I'm so happy I'm finally psyched to get in shape and up to the challenge. AND I'm SO happy I found MFP :bigsmile:

NaomiJFoster

Enter 'strength training' in to exercise search box. It's there. Or, if you're doing something like high reps with light weights, or alternating cardio and weights during you're whole workout...you might want to check 'circuit training' It may not be 100% accurate, but if you have a heart rate monitor you can enter your actual calories burned.

judydelo1

Thanks Naomi! I'm so glad I asked. I just earned 50 more calories! As my weight work out increases, those extra calories will add up.

NaomiJFoster

Thanks Naomi! I'm so glad I asked. I just earned 50 more calories! As my weight work out increases, those extra calories will add up.

I think though, the the 'strength training' entry is meant for heavy lifting, bodybuilding. I don't know how heavy you're lifting.

I like this calculator:
http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc

It has seperate entries for heavy lifting and light lifting. Sometimes I'll use that calculator and enter it in here.

judydelo1

Very helpful! That's what I'll do from now on. Right now I'm using 7 lb and 15 lb barbells. But once I get going I can lift pretty heavy for a girl. I actually was one of the only girls working out at free weight gyms back in the 80's in my part of CT! I'm so glad that has changed.