Why isn't strength training considered aerobic?

Pete1977
Pete1977 Posts: 14
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Sorry if this issue has already been discussed and I missed it. My question is, when I wear my HRM while doing strength training, my heart rate gets every bit as high as it does when I'm taking a brisk walk or riding the exercise bike (usually about 145 bpm on average). So, doesn't it stand to reason that I am burning the same number of calories during that time that I would be if I were on an eliptical or other standard aerobic exercise machine? In fact, I wonder if strength training could be considered even more beneficial since I'm not only achieving a nice target heart rate, but am also getting all the benefits of added lean muscle for more efficient metabolism, etc etc.

Furthermore, when I add my strength training exercises to my log, I get no credit for having done so in my net calories for the day.

What am I missing?

Replies

  • ron2282
    ron2282 Posts: 2,760 Member
    If you want it to count for calories burned, you have to search for it under the cardio section.
  • Max_Power
    Max_Power Posts: 84 Member
    You can enter it as "circuit training" under the cardio section, and then enter the calories from your HRM. I think it confuses a lot of people (including me at first) that mfp has a separate section for strength training that doesn't contribute to your calories burned. I'm not sure what its usefulness is, maybe some people like to use it just to keep track of their routines? Kind of like the "glasses of water consumed" counter on the food page. I don't think that affects your calories or any nutrition totals either, but some might like to use it just to keep track.
  • Pete1977
    Pete1977 Posts: 14
    Ahhh... perfect. Thank you!
  • Woody76
    Woody76 Posts: 2
    Yes I believe the strength training section is to keep a record of how many reps and weight so you can track progress. I select the strength training / circuit training in the cardio section when i do weights!
  • Woody76
    Woody76 Posts: 2
    Yes I believe the strength training section is to keep a record of how many reps and weight so you can track progress. I select the strength training / circuit training in the cardio section when i do weights!
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    If you want some insight as to why strength training is NOT aerobic, you might want to read this:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/hrms-cannot-count-calories-during-strength-training-17698
  • millerll
    millerll Posts: 873 Member
    Azdak,

    When I log my exercise, I log the cardio (elliptical, running, etc.) separately both in terms of calories expended and time spent. I have a second entry for my weight training routine (I reset my HRM and start a new training session). So my exercise log has one entry for cardio, and one entry for weights, with corresponding calories burned for each. The total calories expended is going back into my food log.

    If I'm understanding your blog post, I shouldn't log the weight training calories. Or at least only a small portion of them. I do a pretty strenous weight routine, so that's usually around 150-200 calories. Am I on the right track here? If so, I've been over-estimating my exercise calories, and I don't want to do that since I try to eat back all my exercise calories.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    Lisa
  • Raynedancer
    Raynedancer Posts: 96 Member
    Bumpity-bump :)
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