imaginaryplaces Member

This. Calorie burn is a function of weight and intensity (height and age are largely irrelevant). Heart rate can approximate calorie burn but this will vary with the individual and the type of exercise. Cardio equipment that has you input your weight can *sometimes* be as accurate as a HRM (sometimes more accurate). Both…

I have MicroSpikes too. I've used them only a few times, but they've made a huge difference. Have a great weekend!

That sounds wonderful! I visited Utah in 2007 - mostly Zion NP, but also stopped in Bryce as well as Arches and Canyonlands. It was spectacular. You live in a great state for hiking. I would really like a do-over - I weigh at least 80 lbs less now than I did then and am in good enough shape, fitness-wise, to really hit…

LOL. I think REI dividends are kind of evil - they put me in the state of mind of thinking up new things that I "have" to have. ;-) [heads over to REI web site to start planning how to spend dividends...]

Exactly. And I always bring my 11th essential: toilet paper and plastic baggies! Plus a small, super lightweight inflatable cushion to sit on. You know, Hikergirl's experience has been a good reminder for me, for sure. I've slacked off on a few of these items. Going to go through my pack thoroughly before going out this…

Two and a half years ago I was 55 years old and weighed 226 lbs. Today I weigh 137 with maybe 5 or more pounds of fat to lose. It can be done! Just remember that you don't need to be perfect every day - but you need to have more good days than bad and not let yourself get de-railed by the off days. Start with small changes…

Tara Parker-Pope summarized some of the recent scientific research on this exact question in a December 2011 New York Times article: Quote: The research shows that the changes that occur after weight loss translate to a huge caloric disadvantage of about 250 to 400 calories. For instance, one woman who entered the Columbia…

@FiftySixFit - those are some serious icicles! Sounds like a nice hike.

Yesterday I snowshoed up Mazama Ridge on Mount Rainer. A bright blue sunny day - and the Mountain was out. I really loved the contours formed by wind and snow.

Great post and great reminder! I'm guilty of skimping on my pack for hikes on Cougar Mountain which is close to home and very familiar. But 2-3 miles from a trailhead is still 2-3 miles from a trailhead, in my backyard or not.

@Hikergirl - what a harrowing experience! I'm so glad it ended well. The search and rescue folks are wonderful, aren't they?

This discussion makes me want to dig out some old photos! I remember loving the Yorkshire Dales too. And thanks for the offer of recommendations. If (or rather when!) you make it to the US I'd be happy to do the same.

That is a beautiful part of the world! My husband is English (I am American) and, before he came to the U.S., spent a lot of time hiking and climbing in the Lake District. I've only visited the Lake District once, but would love to return.

Bumping for all the new folks who have questions about the most accurate way to measure calories from exercise.

My SO had a total knee replacement about five years ago in his early 50s. He had been active and was otherwise quite healthy. He recovered very quickly - was back at work in less than two weeks and walking free of crutches in a few more weeks. He cycles, hikes and is generally active. No regrets. I'm surprised your surgeon…

LOL. I totally relate - when I first started out, the death by exercise thing was a concern, and learning about max heart rates and having an easy way to measure was reassuring. Now, I'm amazed how high I can get my heart rate and live to talk about it. :-)

I have a Polar FT7, and I like it. However, keep in mind that HRMs are designed to measure your heart rate, and the calorie counting feature is secondary and often not especially accurate. And, at least in my experience, the calorie calculations can be way off for strength training and for lower intensity activities. For…

It really depends... if you are using a treadmill that requires that you input your weight, the calories may not be too terribly far off. However, if you are not entering your weight, then I would be very skeptical. Other equipment, such as ellipticals can be significantly off, even if you are entering your weight. How…

@Hikergirl - great shots! Wallace Falls really is a nice hike. I'm glad you were able to find some sunshine - this weather has been ugly!

This is a great question! I'm not sure if I can pick just one. Once summer finally arrived here in the Pacific Northwest, we had some great day hikes. I think my favorites were Maple Pass/Heather Pass and Park Butte in the North Cascades. The Maple Pass trail loops up above Lake Ann. In September, the alpine larches were…

This x10. I know it's hard, but try not to worry about it. Everything I've read and experienced has convinced me that whether or not one ends of with saggy skin is largely a matter of genetics, not something we can control. So I'm focused on the things I can control. I have lost over 85 pounds, with maybe ten to go. I have…

@MarisaLWood - Props to you! I too am working on increasing elevation gains, but not yet on par with you. This summer I did four hikes with over 2000' elevation gain: Park Butte (7.5 mi 2200'), Cutthroat Pass (11 mi 2100'), Cascade Pass (9 mi 2000'), and Maple Pass/Lake Ann (9 mi 2100') - all in the North Cascades. (Send…

For an explanation about HRM and lifting: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/hrms-cannot-count-calories-during-strength-training-17698

@Hikergirl - Was that the Frying Pan Gap trail? It's on my list of must-dos for next summer. This past summer I wasn't quite ready for it - Next year I will be! I hope :-)

@Hikergirl - You are in my territory! Most of this summer, we hiked W. Tiger #3 every Wednesday evening as a conditioning hike. I haven't been up there since October. How high up did the snow start?

"Novebruary". That about sums it up :-)

Another Pacific Northwesterner here! I've found that I *have* to work out a lot in the winter - otherwise the long dark days really get to me. I go to the gym first thing almost every morning. I'm convinced that it's one of the things that keeps me from descending into a winter depression. I think, if you can get yourself…

@denisedwrt: Welcome! I'm from the Seattle area too! My SO and I moved here two years ago from the Midwest and have really gotten into hiking. We did some awesome hikes this summer, especially in the North Cascades.

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who does this! :-)

I work from home too. Like some of the other posters have said - I plan my meals/snacks ahead and log the day's calories first thing in the morning, so I know what I have to work with. And I keep a schedule - for example, I eat lunch at exactly noon (unless I have a rush project that throws me off). When I do feel a food…