Does grocery shopping count as exercise?

I don't because I don't break a sweat and my heart rate doesn't increase a lot. It's not real exercise unless you are out of breath/sweating/higher heart rate.

You know, I just don't agree with this. It is dismissive and unfair to people who are just getting started and aren't as fit as you clearly are.
That might be your definition of exercise but it doesn't mean you don't burn calories doing things where you don't break a sweat.

If someone does something that burns calories (like walking or shopping) and that is extra activity over and above their regular daily activities then that has not been accounted for in their daily calorie allowance and it may well be appropriate to log that as exercise.

You don't know every single person's particular situations, so it isn't helpful to make dismissive, blanket statements.
What is helpful is that people understand how their calories are accounted for - so if they are already covered in their daily activity then they shouldn't add them as extra exercise.

You also shouldn't pander to people and tell them that something is helping them when it's not. I get that everyone has to start somewhere and every single person on this site should be proud of their accomplishments regardless of whether this is their first day on here or their 1000th. However, telling people that they can lose weight shopping for groceries or making the bed or doing three jumping jacks is just simply not accurate.

Part of this site is being accountable and learning how to live a healthy lifestyle. I refuse to give false praise because I believe people may NEED to hear something regardless of whether they WANT to or not. Ultimately, you get more benefit out of the truth...even if it hurts a little when you hear it initially.

I know, I know....ArrogantBear, JerkBear, IHateYouBear...blah, blah, blah. Fine. I'm arrogant. I'm a jerk. You hate me. Ok. I'm fine with that. But the fact of the matter is that I say what I say with the best of intentions. Take it as you wish.

Let me reiterate - every single person on this site deserves to be proud of what they have accomplished. But to truly change your life and your lifestyle, it takes work, commitment and a change from your previous lifestyle and habits. And grocery shopping does not count.

Maybe if you're pushing that kiddie car- shopping cart monstrosity. Those things are pretty heavy and are a pain i the *kitten* to maneuver.

PatientBear doesn't like to "panda" to people.... :laugh:

PB, you make some good points, I just feel that people posting "unless you're sweating it out, you're not exercising" is really mean to those who have a lot to lose and are just getting started. For some people, a 15 min walk around the block (or the mall) is a big deal. It's not going to cut it for long, but if it gets someone started it's great.

I still think the question has to be taken in context - and for some people (OK, I admit, not many) slow walking/shopping is a valid way to burn cals.
But, if people are logging it just to eat more, then there is probably a better way to get more cals or to make better food choices. And they are only going to be cheating themselves out of losing weight if it isn't valid for them.

I won't poke you with any more sticks today, I promise

haha, awesome.

I think that's reaching just a little.

For the average Joe, I wouldn't really count it, unless grocery shopping really is that taxing on your body. I find it's one of those things that you just do and is already part of your daily activity calories. It's like logging going to the kitchen to make yourself a sandwich.

Have you ever tried HIIGS (High Intensity Interval Grocery Shopping). I did once. Never again. The bill was like $500 and my cabinets are still full of weird foods I can't even pronounce.

OMG Taso, you are so eff'n funny!

I don't because I don't break a sweat and my heart rate doesn't increase a lot. It's not real exercise unless you are out of breath/sweating/higher heart rate.

You know, I just don't agree with this. It is dismissive and unfair to people who are just getting started and aren't as fit as you clearly are.
That might be your definition of exercise but it doesn't mean you don't burn calories doing things where you don't break a sweat.

If someone does something that burns calories (like walking or shopping) and that is extra activity over and above their regular daily activities then that has not been accounted for in their daily calorie allowance and it may well be appropriate to log that as exercise.

You don't know every single person's particular situations, so it isn't helpful to make dismissive, blanket statements.
What is helpful is that people understand how their calories are accounted for - so if they are already covered in their daily activity then they shouldn't add them as extra exercise.

I still stick by what I said because I know there are people who have A LOT to lose and who are clearly out of shape (I have a relative who is over 300 lbs and never leaves the couch... literally). If she were to walk the grocery store she would be out of breath and sweating... she would be getting a workout then. I'm not going to lie to people and tell them that it is a workout if they are in shape enough to handle it either and not sweating, out of breath, or feeling it at all (I agree with PatientBear).

http://www.fitday.com/webfit/burned/calories_burned.html

This website will give you calories burned for grocery shopping and several other things. It was sent to me by another person on MFP.

Maybe if you're pushing that kiddie car- shopping cart monstrosity. Those things are pretty heavy and are a pain i the *kitten* to maneuver.

I hate that darn thing!!!

I don't count mine, but I feel like I should sometimes... Pushing the blasted kiddie cart, dealing w/ a 3yr old and a 18 mo old, through 3 stores.. no less than 3 hours (usually closer to 5 total... yes I'm a couponer).. It's exhausting.. Yes I have worked up a sweat, and even done sprints a time or two... And throw in some strength training in the form of pushing a buggy while carrying 28 lbs of squirminess, and making sure the other doesn't run, and mind you, I'm pushing the cart they wanted me to get for them, even though it's a bigger pain than I don't know what. ... Man I hate Thursday!!!

But, I think the main reason I don't log it is because I haven't yet worn my HRM to the store. I think whether you log it or not, should depend on what you normally do during a day, and what you log for working out. But, if you typically sedentary and count walking as your exercise, then okay.... but other than that, no, unless you shop like I do then maybe ;p