Strength, yoga, calories and logging

CarbingTemptation
CarbingTemptation Posts: 50 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So this might seem super newbie, but can anyone help...

Strength training doesn't seem to log any calories on MFP... I know it's not all about that but I like some idea of my balance of input and expenditure. Is there a way to log this?

Also, how can I list yoga and what are the main benefits of it? I'm starting 30 days of yoga and I can feel it working different muscles as well as my balance, but I wondered if it has strength/endurance benefits?

Thanks!

Replies

  • leschubert
    leschubert Posts: 4 Member
    I use a polar ft7 to keep track. A flexbit will work as well.
  • leschubert
    leschubert Posts: 4 Member
    Yoga has a lot of benefits. Keep going. Its great for you
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    Yoga will teach you to breathe and relax in isometrically uncomfortable positions.

    It'll make you more flexible and give you stability at greater and greater end ranges of mobility.

    If you let it, it will teach you an ability to quiet and focus your mind, control your breath and provide some counterpoint to the "hard" style of your other training (especially strength work).
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    As to logging strength training, unless you're doing circuits, metcon or crossfit it's unlikely to have a massive calorie burning effect.

    Probably best to use a low estimate and make a custom entry in the cardio section of the exercise diary...
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,789 Member
    CarbingTemptation wrote: »
    Also, how can I list yoga and what are the main benefits of it? I'm starting 30 days of yoga and I can feel it working different muscles as well as my balance, but I wondered if it has strength/endurance benefits?

    Thanks!

    I don't lift weights, but I recently got fitness tested. I'm in the 99th percentile in leg and core strength. I attribute it all to yoga.
  • MysticRealm
    MysticRealm Posts: 1,264 Member
    edited March 2015
    CarbingTemptation wrote: »
    So this might seem super newbie, but can anyone help...

    Strength training doesn't seem to log any calories on MFP... I know it's not all about that but I like some idea of my balance of input and expenditure. Is there a way to log this?

    Use the Cardio exercises, and find strength or weight training on there. You don't get many cals for weight lifting.
  • CarbingTemptation
    CarbingTemptation Posts: 50 Member
    Just confused because everyone always says cardio gets you nowhere- I know a balance of the two is good, but I wondered what was the most effective thing in that case.
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    CarbingTemptation wrote: »
    Just confused because everyone always says cardio gets you nowhere- I know a balance of the two is good, but I wondered what was the most effective thing in that case.

    A calorie deficit is what makes you lose weight.

    Strength training tells your body to keep the tissues you want (bone, connective tissue, muscle, etc) and dispose of the other tissue you don't want (fat) and (obviously) makes you stronger.

    You can create a calorie deficit by upping your activity (i.e. cardio sessions, more walking, etc) or by restricting calories via eating habits. Or a combination of the two.

    Ideally you'd:

    1) do some cardio/conditioning for heart/lung health and to allow you to enjoy a bit more food.

    2) You'd do strength training to fight tissue deterioration (especially important as you age), make you more capable at everyday tasks, more bullet-proof in general.

    3) You'd want to throw in some soft tissue/mobility/flexibility work regularly to round out that lot and make you super-awesome whilst you lose fat.

    4) Enjoy being more awesome.
  • karen_fitzgibbon
    karen_fitzgibbon Posts: 736 Member
    Yoga is in the cardiovascular section. Just take note of how long your class is. I do a yoga class twice a week and some of the more basic poses at home most mornings. I love yoga and find that out is helping me out more when I'm doing my strength training
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