Biking

twinmom_112002
twinmom_112002 Posts: 739 Member
edited November 16 in Fitness and Exercise
when calculating biking calories do you just include the flat and uphill time? I started at the bottom of a hill and went up for 20 minutes and then turned and came back down (10 min). Do I count all 30 even though on the downhill I pedaled only like 4 times?

Replies

  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    I just use my average speed. There should be an option for Biking at a certain speed.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,701 Member
    I calculate my calories burned on a 100 calories for every 5 km basis. If I cycle 20 km over whatever sort of route I do (up, down, flat, headwind, tailwind), then I have burned 400 calories.

    I figure there are times when I am probably burning more than 100 calories for every 5 km, like when I'm climbing or pushing a strong headwind ... and there are times when I'm burning less, like when I'm descending or have a great tailwind. It all averages out.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    I calculate my calories burned on a 100 calories for every 5 km basis. If I cycle 20 km over whatever sort of route I do (up, down, flat, headwind, tailwind), then I have burned 400 calories.

    I figure there are times when I am probably burning more than 100 calories for every 5 km, like when I'm climbing or pushing a strong headwind ... and there are times when I'm burning less, like when I'm descending or have a great tailwind. It all averages out.

    This is pretty much what I do.
  • twinmom_112002
    twinmom_112002 Posts: 739 Member
    Thanks all! I am just starting to bike for cross training purposes (normally ignore those columns in my half marathon training plans
  • cmhollis1
    cmhollis1 Posts: 35 Member
    If you have a smartphone you can use the MapMyRide app and it will give you a pretty estimate. If you want better data, get a Bluetooth speed and cadence sensor, and heart rate monitor.
  • XDoodlebugger
    XDoodlebugger Posts: 54 Member
    cmhollis1 wrote: »
    If you have a smartphone you can use the MapMyRide app and it will give you a pretty estimate. If you want better data, get a Bluetooth speed and cadence sensor, and heart rate monitor.

    Yes, what they said. The most accurate way is to monitor your heart rate with a device like an iPhone. I use an iPhone with Cyclemeter and either a Wahoo or Polar bluetooth heart rate monitor. You add your personal info and it will calculate the burn and keep track for you.9w2bsyt3c786.png
  • XDoodlebugger
    XDoodlebugger Posts: 54 Member
    Forgot to add, Cyclemeter even updates MyFitnessPal for you!
  • SBRRepeat
    SBRRepeat Posts: 384 Member
    I use Strava for IPhone, which, in my experience has much more reliable GPS and elevation mapping than Map My Ride (I've done a few races where the RD put out a course map with Map my Ride/Run and the actual elevation was twice what MMR said. I don't trust them anymore :wink:)
    I've found the calorie burns to be pretty spot on whether I'm wearing my HRM or not. It also automatically syncs with MFP.
  • BethanyFrerichs
    BethanyFrerichs Posts: 14 Member
    I just go by what my phone app says.

    If you are truly into numbers, air speed, wind speed, hills, friction, and power all add in, but unless you are a professional athlete, those numbers aren't important.

    Any cell phone app will work since it uses GPS data and you don't necessarily need the wireless/wired cadence/speed sensors. I want to keep a steady cadence and heart rate so those are the most important numbers at the moment with my HRM and cadence sensor. I like Strava because it has great monthly goals to keep me focused but I mostly use my Polar Beat app for heart rate monitoring. All of the apps are great. It's just finding one you like.

  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    edited April 2015
    Another vote for Strava. The free version is all most need to start.

    If you see a GPS cycle computer or multisports GPS watch in your future, Strava (like many apps) will also integrate with GPS devices such as Garmin or Polar, and the big ecosystem of sensors these devices support.

    Calorie estimates seem decently conservative. Strava is kind to my cell phones battery too.
  • twinmom_112002
    twinmom_112002 Posts: 739 Member
    I have a Garmin 220 that I use for running. I did my last bike ride with strava and like it
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