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Fitness Tracker Adjustment Seems SO small!

c613477
c613477 Posts: 296 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I have the garmin vivoactive to track both my steps and cardio (I use the HR monitor strap when running/elliptical, bike, etc). Anyways, I set up MFP as I am sedentary (which I am not typically), so I was expecting some good daily adjustments. I am female, 5'6" and 150 lbs, trying to go down to 135. For someone with my stats, what would your adjustment be for 10,000 steps for example? I am only getting about 100 calories for every 10,000 steps a day. I did almost 15,000 steps the other day and got maybe 141 extra calories? That was about 8 miles walked. Does this seem normal?

Replies

  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I'm 5'8 and 150lbs, age 43. So far today I've walked 10,634 steps and earned an extra 437 calories. I'm set at sedentary and have a fitbit.

    15,000 steps and 141 calories does seem low. What's your TDEE? Mine is around 2,200-2,400
  • c613477
    c613477 Posts: 296 Member
    I am not sure what my TDEE is :( I am 38 years old, I have a very varied type of job (sometimes desk, but usually never more than 2-3 years a day, often run in and out of meetings, and fieldwork at times). In addition, I go to the gym 2-3 times a week where I lift weights (Stronglifts) and do 30 minutes elliptical. I also do a HIIT dance class once a week and do stationary bike 2-3 times a week (45 minutes).
    I am starving with this low adjustment :( On days that I do the bike or elliptical, I add that activity in the garmin app and then my calories get bumped. But on the days I only walk, or walk run, I am getting such a tiny amount. What am I doing wrong?
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    Go here to find out what your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure ) is. Your fitness tracker should tell you??

    I know MFP has a fitbit group, they should also have a Garmin group...

    Have you double checked that your stats are filled in correctly, both in mfp and on your Garmin profile?
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    Well, what do you have your activity level set to on MFP?

    What does your Garmin say you burn in a 24 hr period? < - This would be your estimated TDEE.
    How large of a deficit are you trying for?
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    yes, your selected activity level could have something to do with it..
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    I also have a VivoActive and have had my moments of "that's all I get???" But, I am a small woman.

    Your adjustments seem in line with mine. And I've maintained very effectively--which is impressive considering my work schedule has been crazy and I've not really had much time for formal exercise (just been getting in steps).

    30 mins on the elliptical may not burn much--depends on your intensity. And weight-lifting's benefit isn't necessarily the calories burned during the workout, it's the eventual muscle increase over the long term.

    I am set to sedentary as well. But I love how the Garmin nudges me to move every 45 minutes. My whole office does it with me--they think it's hilarious!
  • c613477
    c613477 Posts: 296 Member
    shadow2soul wrote: »
    Well, what do you have your activity level set to on MFP?

    What does your Garmin say you burn in a 24 hr period? < - This would be your estimated TDEE.
    How large of a deficit are you trying for?

    I am set to sedentary. Ok you are right, of course the total calories should be my TDEE. Looking at the past week or so, they range from 1900 to close to 2600. I am set in MFP for 1 lb a week, but honestly I would be thrilled with 0.5 lb loss. I set the higher goal to give me room for error...MFP only gives me 1243 calories a day! I should be getting another 300 calories at least from the tracker, no? Does the setting on the garmin make a difference? It has a 1 to 10 range.
  • c613477
    c613477 Posts: 296 Member
    The stats are the same with exception of the activity level. In garmin it asked for a number and provided a chart. I picked a 5 out of 10. In MFP I set to sedentary. Great idea on a garmin group!! Thanks.
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    With 14,000-ish steps my calorie adjustment was 230--no exercise other than steps today.
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    edited October 2015
    c613477 wrote: »
    shadow2soul wrote: »
    Well, what do you have your activity level set to on MFP?

    What does your Garmin say you burn in a 24 hr period? < - This would be your estimated TDEE.
    How large of a deficit are you trying for?

    I am set to sedentary. Ok you are right, of course the total calories should be my TDEE. Looking at the past week or so, they range from 1900 to close to 2600. I am set in MFP for 1 lb a week, but honestly I would be thrilled with 0.5 lb loss. I set the higher goal to give me room for error...MFP only gives me 1243 calories a day! I should be getting another 300 calories at least from the tracker, no? Does the setting on the garmin make a difference? It has a 1 to 10 range.

    go to your exercise diary and click the little "i" next to where it says Garmin Adjustment and see if the math looks right
    (if your in the app, scroll to the bottom of your diary and tap the adjustment)

    It looks like you should be getting 1400- around 2000 depending on the day if the burn from your Garmin is right.
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