Strength Training?

susan8555
susan8555 Posts: 6
in Fitness and Exercise
Stupid question, but why does MFP not give you calories burned for strength training exercises?

Replies

  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    Because it can vary a lot, depending on MANY factors, such as weight used, reps per set, rest times between sets, speed of reps, whether or not supersetting lifts, etc.
  • Yogi_Carl
    Yogi_Carl Posts: 1,906 Member
    Look under Cardiovascular for this: "Strength training (weight lifting, weight training)".

    But because of the variables Gallowmere mentions, MFP can only give you a rough figure for time spent.
  • imchicbad
    imchicbad Posts: 1,650 Member
    Beware the " cardio" route, before I got my HRM ( heart rate monitor) I used MFP calculations and it was like 300 calories off. I lift a lot and do a full hour. I say get a HRM . Each person will very based on light to vigorous routines.
  • apriltrainer
    apriltrainer Posts: 732 Member
    Agreed..get a HRM. Depending on what I do..sometimes straight sets, pyramids, circuits..my cal burn is different.

    And if I workout with a friend...in fact did it yesterday...she burned 150 in an hour, I burned close to 300. Totally different. Imagine if we both used an estimate!

    Invest in an HRM. I have the polar ft60.
  • susan8555
    susan8555 Posts: 6
    Anyone use the Fit Bit?
  • crazybookworm
    crazybookworm Posts: 779 Member
    Because it can vary a lot, depending on MANY factors, such as weight used, reps per set, rest times between sets, speed of reps, whether or not supersetting lifts, etc.

    This^^.

    If you truly want to track, invest in a HRM monitor.

    Good luck!!
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    I never use my HRM for strength training....I just don't count on it being accurate so I don't log those calories burnt.

    I currently use a FT4 and love it, but only use it for cardio.
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    Don't worry about getting a HRM. They are incapable of accurately measuring Cals burned during strength training, as they are programmed for steady-state cardio - which strength training is not.
  • Progman
    Progman Posts: 47 Member
    Just to add to the other good comments.....it's hard to determine calorie burn for lifting, as you continue to burn long after you're finished.

    I'm in maintain/build mode right now - as I hit my desired weight a while back - but still use the MFP counter as a rough guide. However, what's happening to my body is a better guide.

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