30 day shred vs. walking to work (this doesn't make sense)

ShunkyDave
ShunkyDave Posts: 190 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Ok, I'm kinda confused. I have been walking to and from work three days a week for the last two months. I burn between 400 and 500 calories on this walk, each way. So I'm burning between 800 and 1,000 calories for the day. It's great, but it takes 40-45 minutes. I did my first suffering through the JM 30-day shred today, did it for 20 min, and I burned 200+. This makes no sense.

When I'm walking, I have a slightly elevated heart rate, my breathing is quickened. But that's it. When I stop, I have a light sweat on my chest, back, and head.

This morning, I was dripping with sweat, huffing and puffing like a chain-smoking asthmatic, and I could hear my heart pounding like an old, angry Jewish landlady on my door when my rent is a month late (I'm generalizing for humor). How can I only be burning half the calories as walking to work? Yes, it's only half the time (20 min vs 40 min), but I would assume I'd burn half if I walked only half the distance. Had I done that, I wouldn't be in the state I was this morning. This makes no sense.

I really need an HRM.

Replies

  • ShunkyDave
    ShunkyDave Posts: 190 Member
    OK, I went back and looked again, I burned 300+, not 200+. Still....I was sure I was burning upwards of 800 cals or something.
  • hennyben
    hennyben Posts: 313 Member
    400 to 500 calories sounds like an awful lot for a 45 minute walk. Are you sure that's correct??
  • hilhall822
    hilhall822 Posts: 116 Member
    You are probably burning more than what MFP says- my heart rate monitor reads MUCH higher than what MFP says I burn when I enter things.
  • fluffykitsune
    fluffykitsune Posts: 236 Member
    how fast are you walking..?
    if i were you i'd just say you burn 100 calories for every mile, idk how you burn 400 calories in 40 mins of walking! mfp says i barely burn 100 in an hour of walking the dog (3mph)!
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
    Are you sure on the calories for the to and from work? That sounds really high for a walk. The calories for the 30 day shred sounds about right, though I'm guessing here as I've never done it myself.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    You are probably burning more than what MFP says- my heart rate monitor reads MUCH higher than what MFP says I burn when I enter things.

    Most MFP users find this to be the opposite. The better shape you get in the less you will burn according to your HRM but MFP will still show the same amount.
  • riesa00
    riesa00 Posts: 9
    Hey I'm an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. You would definitely benefit from a HRM. When I do Jillian's 30 day shred level 1, I usually burn about 200 calories. Your heart rate varies greatly during this workout, but you're still moving and burning calories and building lean muscle. I wouldn't be too concerned, though. You are doing a wonderful job walking to and from work and burning all those calories. The thing with walking though is that you're at a constant pace, wheras with Jillian's workouts your doing a variety of different exercises-thus creating a different body response.

    Don't worry, just buy a HRM and you'll be able to better track calories burned. I LOVE my Timex HRM: http://www.timex.com/Zone-Trainer-Digital-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000P0TQC8 You can get it for about $60 on Amazon, though.
  • pj_writer
    pj_writer Posts: 107 Member
    your estimate for the walk sounds very high, 300 cals for 20 mins of shred could be about right (depending on your current weight) but I think the walking calories sound really high. Is that from the MFP database?
  • jdelot
    jdelot Posts: 397 Member
    I don't know exactly what a MET is, but perhaps walking has a higher MET than you think...see below.

    Let computers do the work for you. The actual formula for calorie burning is technical and requires a certain amount of professional knowledge. You need to know the metabolic equivalent (MET) for each different type of activity. An MET is a relative measure of intensity. The calorie burning formula looks like this: Total Calories Burned = Duration in Minutes x ((MET x 3.5 x your weight in kg)/200).



    Read more: How to Calculate Calories Burned During a Cardio Workout | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2047677_calculate-calories-burned.html#ixzz1G1r1laOF
  • randi50
    randi50 Posts: 112
    I burn a lot walking. I am heavier and walk 5mph.
  • formytwins
    formytwins Posts: 106
    Purchase a HRM with a chest strap and it will make your life easier:) I love mine and use it daily during my workouts!!
  • forty3fab
    forty3fab Posts: 148 Member
    If I have my HRM figured out correctly, when I do the 30DS it says I burn around 300+ calories.
  • nomoremuffintop42
    nomoremuffintop42 Posts: 129 Member
    Good for you!! I like the way you are embracing your new life!! I love to walk as well but i think the 30DS is toning your muscles as well(working more muscles at one time)..so you might not be burning as many caloires as walking in the time but you are firming and sculpting? That's what I am getting from it..I think....and btw I am on day 5 and it is so much easier(if that is what you call it)now then it was day 1...i thought i was gonna die.......but now not so bad!
    All the best to you keep up the good work!!
  • andipandi
    andipandi Posts: 91 Member
    i don't think you're burning as much as you think on your walk (i burn 600 cals running a 7 min mile, it takes me 55mins), the shred seems more acurate. for a workout to be successful you have to sweat A LOT and at some point run out of breath and recover. google HIIT training...moments of extreme output and rest periods. it's the most efective way to burn cals.
  • musicgirl88
    musicgirl88 Posts: 504 Member
    This confuses me too. I'm interested to see what other people might say about this, because when I'm on the Gazelle for 20-25 minutes I'm burning over 300 calories, sometimes close to 400 depending on how fast I'm going, but when I do the Shred, I'm luckly to be burning 250 and I'm sweating and out of breath WAY more than when I'm on the Gazelle!
  • ShunkyDave
    ShunkyDave Posts: 190 Member
    For those who are asking, I'm walking 2.8 miles, 40-45 min, and it's been between 3 and 30 degrees for the past two months.

    I started walking when I weighed an even 300 pounds. I've now lost 23, and am continuing the trend. I was looking to the 30-day shred as a way to cut down on the time spent. I live less than 3 miles from my office, but I've given myself almost an hour commute.

    Not only do I use MFP's estimate for calories burned, but you can also google around and get similar numbers:

    http://www.everydayhealth.com/calories-burned-walking.htm

    If I'm walking 2.8 miles in 40 minutes, I'm walking 4.2 miles an hour. I'm walking on streets and sidewalks.
  • WrenLynn
    WrenLynn Posts: 213
    When I walk at a very brisk pace for 45 minutes per my HRM I burn approximately 250 calories. When I did 30 DS Level one I burned about 170 calories and now on level 2 I am burning about 225 calories. But remember it all depends on your weight and other stuff you plug into your hrm. I would never trust MFP numbers as they are not one size fits all.
  • ladybug1620
    ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
    Think about it. The 30 day shred only has a total of 6 minutes of cardio. No way you are going to burn as many calories as a walk that takes 1.5 hours total a day. I also agree that you might be over-estimating your walking calories.
  • ShunkyDave
    ShunkyDave Posts: 190 Member
    Hey I'm an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. You would definitely benefit from a HRM. When I do Jillian's 30 day shred level 1, I usually burn about 200 calories. Your heart rate varies greatly during this workout, but you're still moving and burning calories and building lean muscle. I wouldn't be too concerned, though. You are doing a wonderful job walking to and from work and burning all those calories. The thing with walking though is that you're at a constant pace, wheras with Jillian's workouts your doing a variety of different exercises-thus creating a different body response.

    Don't worry, just buy a HRM and you'll be able to better track calories burned. I LOVE my Timex HRM: http://www.timex.com/Zone-Trainer-Digital-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000P0TQC8 You can get it for about $60 on Amazon, though.

    This makes a lot of sense. I know I'm not engaged non-stop like I am when walking. But my heart rate isn't dropping during the quick switches between exercises.

    I'm starting to feel like I'm making a whole lot of squawk when today was just my first day on 30DS. Sorry for all the noise people. This is a fat guy reacting to having been made to sweat. I'm not used to it and my head is trying to figure it out. I've been saying for months 'it takes a lifestyle change', and I guess working my body to sweat, gasping, and near exhaustion is just part of that change.

    Thank you for all your support and well wishes! This is why I love MFP!!!
  • Cori615
    Cori615 Posts: 100
    I did 30 day shred yesterday and burned 265 calories which seemed to low for me but i think their accurate because your doing all sorts of exercise not just cardio. You get those rest when your doing abs or streght training. Walking is all Cardio.
  • pj_writer
    pj_writer Posts: 107 Member
    I'm starting to feel like I'm making a whole lot of squawk when today was just my first day on 30DS. Sorry for all the noise people. This is a fat guy reacting to having been made to sweat. I'm not used to it and my head is trying to figure it out. I've been saying for months 'it takes a lifestyle change', and I guess working my body to sweat, gasping, and near exhaustion is just part of that change.

    Thank you for all your support and well wishes! This is why I love MFP!!!

    well done on doing the first day of the 30DS, I did day 5 today and it's seriously hard work!
    good luck with the rest of it :)
  • WrenLynn
    WrenLynn Posts: 213
    Hey Dave. I lost my first 50 pounds just walking. Once I got to a weight that I felt more comfortable trying/doing new things I did. I have only lost 1 pound since starting the shred and I am halfway through. It is toning me up though. So I would recommend to continue to walk and throw in some other exercises (weight lifting) and you will continue to succeed. Good luck!
    Wren
  • alyssa92982
    alyssa92982 Posts: 1,093 Member
    I burned 400 calories on the treadmill yesterday for 45 min-but I was walking 3.5 mph and on an incline the whole time
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    First of all from what people say the 30day shred doesn't contain a whole lot of cardio. Strength training doesn't calorie burn as much.

    Walking will burn calories, and you say you are a bigger guy, the heavier you are, the more calories you will burn, I wouldn't trust MFP persay, and I would get a heart rate moniter...

    The reason you shouldnt trust MFP is that it doesn't ask your for your weight or your age.
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    This confuses me too. I'm interested to see what other people might say about this, because when I'm on the Gazelle for 20-25 minutes I'm burning over 300 calories, sometimes close to 400 depending on how fast I'm going, but when I do the Shred, I'm luckly to be burning 250 and I'm sweating and out of breath WAY more than when I'm on the Gazelle!

    I would say you should not believe that, are you entering your age and weight, if you are using the programmed weight in it is probably set much higher. I can get my heart rate up to 160+ and work out for 45 minutes and I still only burn about 500 calories or an average of 12 calories a minute, to be doing 20 calories + a minutes is ridiculously high. especially considering it takes a good 10 minutes to get your heart rate up and your pace set. my suggestion is to buy a heart rate moniter.
  • shreddingit
    shreddingit Posts: 1,133 Member
    walking cant burn more than running! u need a hrm to be correct on that
  • sassyg
    sassyg Posts: 393
    The reason you shouldnt trust MFP is that it doesn't ask your for your weight or your age.


    uhhh.... Yeah it does
    Weight is being updated regularly, and you filled in your age when you started.
  • MaKisMom
    MaKisMom Posts: 65 Member
    Walking, more than any other exercise, has been my secret to weight loss. I gained a bunch of weight in university, started walking one summer and lost 40lbs in 4mos just by walking 4mi every day (I walk about 4mph). After my 2nd baby, I walked every day, 2.5mi, pushing my double stroller. Again, got down to my lowest weight in just 2 months. Once I went back to work after having her I put on a couple of pounds (5, maybe), and tried doing the Shred. I did it every other day for months. I toned like crazy, but the scale didn't move at all, if anything it went up a pound or 2. I guess what I'm trying to say is, for me, walking was the #1 calorie burner/weight loss exercise. Nothing else even close to compared to it. As soon as the weather gets better here, I'll be back out walking with my double stroller trying to lose these last few pregnancy pounds again. For the meantime, the 30DS is perfect to get those muscles toned so that when I do get the weight off, I look decent again :-).

    I think you're doing great walking to work every day. As for your estimate of calories, my dad is a Dr and he figured out for himself (6'3, 210lbs) that he was burning approx 125 calories/mi at 4mph.
  • ShunkyDave
    ShunkyDave Posts: 190 Member
    Walking, more than any other exercise, has been my secret to weight loss. I gained a bunch of weight in university, started walking one summer and lost 40lbs in 4mos just by walking 4mi every day (I walk about 4mph). After my 2nd baby, I walked every day, 2.5mi, pushing my double stroller. Again, got down to my lowest weight in just 2 months. Once I went back to work after having her I put on a couple of pounds (5, maybe), and tried doing the Shred. I did it every other day for months. I toned like crazy, but the scale didn't move at all, if anything it went up a pound or 2. I guess what I'm trying to say is, for me, walking was the #1 calorie burner/weight loss exercise. Nothing else even close to compared to it. As soon as the weather gets better here, I'll be back out walking with my double stroller trying to lose these last few pregnancy pounds again. For the meantime, the 30DS is perfect to get those muscles toned so that when I do get the weight off, I look decent again :-).

    I think you're doing great walking to work every day. As for your estimate of calories, my dad is a Dr and he figured out for himself (6'3, 210lbs) that he was burning approx 125 calories/mi at 4mph.

    I'm a dumb animal and went out and bought a bunch of winter gear so I could walk when it was 3 degrees. I kept telling myself I was burning more because my body was fighting to maintain my body temperature, but I don't know if that really happened.

    I've tried to run a few times but it seems my body has forgotten how to jog. I think, "ok, I need to get my heart rate up a little bit" and I start to jog....and find I'm running up the road like a dog is on my heels. I can run for about two blocks, and then when it feels like the pressure behind my ears and eyes is about to make me look like a squeezed stress toy, I go back to walking and gasping for breath. It would look funny if someone was actually watching.

    My only problem with walking is how much time it takes. I love it, but it's not like walking a couple laps around the blocks and going home again. I'm walking to work, and I'm stranded there. And then when it's time to go, I have a 45 minute commute to travel less than 3 miles to my family. Oh well. When I've lost 120 pounds it'll be worth it.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories