Rubbish Calorie Burn!

Annabel89
Annabel89 Posts: 63 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hiya!

Just got back from doing Week 2 of the C25K. I've completed the programme before, but haven't done it in ages so started again.

I used my garmin watch and heart rate monitor, and really pushed myself this time, running for longer after the podcast had finished hoping for a good burn.

Just looked on my watch, and it said I burned a measly 131 calories.

I know that's not the point, I intend to get toned and fit and running will help me get there, but I can't help feeling really disappointed.

Probably wishful thinking, but could the battery be going on my heart rate monitor? Did I do something wrong?

Trying not to get disheartened!!

Replies

  • Shelby1582
    Shelby1582 Posts: 191 Member
    I feel the exact same way about running!!! If I run one mile straight I burn about 100 calories, give or take a few. I'm not a quick runner, it's about a 10 minute mile. If I ran 3 miles I would obviously burn more cals and it would be a 30 minute workout. How long were you exercising?
    I think the couch to 5k is a good starter program to get you used to running but I think the major burn will happen when you can run longer. Personally I like to do a workout dvd or something at home and I find that easier to do for 30-45 minutes than running that long.
    I get mad after I run and I only see that I burned off the amount of calories in the beer I was planning on having.....
  • Annabel89
    Annabel89 Posts: 63 Member
    Haha maybe you're right! When I looked back through my log, it was only when I was at the end of the programme running 5K straight that I was seeing a burn of 300cals.

    I did 35mins.

    Also since I've got into running and got proper trainers and whatnot, I'm probably more efficient and my heart isn't going as mental!

    Boooo...I might have to do a bit of zumba on the xbox as well.

    I will keep going...mainly for the badge of honour that I'll get when I can do 5K again, and because the route's beautiful..saw some cygnets today :)
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    People generally don't burn nearly as many calories as they think they burn. On average, you can estimate about 100 calories per mile equivalent, give or take.

    This is why exercise is a piss poor way of introducing a deficit of calories. It is much easier to build a weight loss deficit into your diet. Use your diet for weight control and simply exercise for fitness. If you're using MFP properly, you're supposed to eat back exercise calories anyway...which is why I'm always confounded that people go out and try to burn 100s and 100s of calories with their workout...the deficit is already built into their diets net of exercise, there's no reason to make it bigger.

    Just diet for weight control and exercise for fitness.
  • Annabel89
    Annabel89 Posts: 63 Member
    I always eat back my calories, really important, and agree that the deficit is built in! I did 3.45km, 35 mins, for a calorie burn of 131. I'm not overweight any more either, and the bigger you are, the more you burn.

    I'll stick with the calorie deficit and maybe keep running and strength training for fitness and looking good naked :)
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I always eat back my calories, really important, and agree that the deficit is built in! I did 3.45km, 35 mins, for a calorie burn of 131. I'm not overweight any more either, and the bigger you are, the more you burn.

    I'll stick with the calorie deficit and maybe keep running and strength training for fitness and looking good naked :)

    I really got to the point where I don't even look at my burn anymore. I'm currently at maintenance (but contemplating dropping another 5 points in BF%) and just use the TDEE method. I'm an average of light active and moderate active...this way I really don't have to worry about eating back calories or what kind of burn I get. It's actually really opened me up to a world of fitness that is far more fun and enjoyable not having to worry about burn.

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