Is Burning 150 per Day 5 days a week Enough?

I have just started exercising and I need advice. I am running on a treadmill for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. The machine tells me I burn 150 calories per 30 minutes. So far I run this way 5 days a week.

Is this enough to lose weight adequately? I have heard that 3500 calories must get burned weekly to lose a pound.

Do I need to increase the calorie burn per workout? If so, how much would you recommend?

Replies

  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    what's your diet like?
    i think you'd be better served to not do the same workout everyday. what about weight lifting 3 days a week and running 2 days a week?

    that's just my opinions though cus i like lifting heavy things and am pretty happy with the results :drinker:
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    You can also create a calorie deficit through diet, which is presumably what you're doing on this website. Exercise is very good for you and will help in lots of ways, but it's not essential for losing weight. What you are doing now is a great start. I'd also recommend weight lifting, as it will help you to retain muscle mass as you are losing weight. If you are happy with how much you have to eat though, I wouldn't worry too much about needing to burn more calories. You can achieve the calorie deficit with the daily calorie goal MFP gives you.
  • sgthaggard
    sgthaggard Posts: 581 Member
    Don't quote me but 150 calories for a 1/2 hr run seems a bit low.
  • lwagnitz
    lwagnitz Posts: 1,321 Member
    Don't quote me but 150 calories for a 1/2 hr run seems a bit low.

    They could be pretty short. Or a slower runner. Seems like they're just starting.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    Don't quote me but 150 calories for a 1/2 hr run seems a bit low.

    They could be pretty short. Or a slower runner. Seems like they're just starting.

    exactly.. plus running speed for some people is 3.8 for others it's 6.0
  • what would be a good speed for walking?
  • Yes, I run 30 minutes at 4.3 intensity. The treadmill calculates it as 150 calories burned in 2 miles. I would like to gradually increase speed.

    As for muscle training, I am starting to try full body workouts twice a week. Maybe 30 minutes a workout, but I might bump it up to an hour. Any suggestions on full body workouts? How long should each workout last?
  • lwagnitz
    lwagnitz Posts: 1,321 Member
    I personally walk at a 4.0, and run at a 7-7.5, depending on my mood. 8 if I'm REALLY feeling it.
  • cmcmommy
    cmcmommy Posts: 197 Member
    Is your treadmill programable. Mine isnt so I use my pedometer .
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Most of your weight loss is going to come from a caloric deficit in your eating, not in losing it through exercise. Losing weight is 80% about diet and 20% exercise. Do whatever level of exercise makes you happy. Some exercise mainly so they can eat more calories and still lose weight. Some do it to get stronger and more fit. Whatever works for you!
  • Thanks for the insight! As my endurance increases, I'll be sure to continue pushing myself. :]
  • MemphisKitten
    MemphisKitten Posts: 878 Member
    You need to be burning around 2000 per week from exercise in the beginning.
  • I am new but found this thread interesting - another question for all you good people - i am seeking advice. I seem to have gained back the 2 pounds i lost since i joined. I did not stick to the recommended daily calorie recommended for me cos i was struggling to work out my calorie intake. Most of my meals are home cooked and mainly African based - but i am gradually sorting this out etc. My question is this - do i have to eat back the calories i burn from excercising to loss weight or it is enought to just meet my daily recommended calorie intake?
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    From everything I have read on here and by talking to different people, it really seems to be less important to eat back your exercise calories the more weight you have to lose. In other words, the more extra pounds you are carrying the less eating under your net calorie goal seems to matter.

    It's really your choice whether or not to eat back your exercise calories. As your weight loss progresses, you may need to adjust your plan and begin eating back some or all of those calories to continue to lose weight at a comfortable pace.