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How To Calculate Calories Burned During Exercise

Calorie Expenditure Formula:

\[ Calories = MET \times Weight (kg) \times Time (h) \]

MET
kg
hours

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1. What Is MET-Based Calorie Expenditure?

MET-based calorie expenditure calculation uses metabolic equivalents to estimate calories burned during physical activity. MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) represents the energy cost of activities compared to resting metabolism.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard calorie expenditure formula:

\[ Calories = MET \times Weight (kg) \times Time (h) \]

Where:

Explanation: This formula calculates the total calories burned by multiplying the MET value (activity intensity), body weight, and exercise duration.

3. Importance Of Calorie Tracking

Details: Accurate calorie expenditure tracking helps in weight management, fitness planning, and understanding energy balance for optimal health and performance.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter MET value (common activities: walking=3.5, running=8, cycling=7), weight in kilograms, and time in hours. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is MET and how is it determined?
A: MET is a standardized measure of activity intensity. 1 MET equals resting energy expenditure. Values are established through research on different activities.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate for general purposes but individual factors like fitness level, body composition, and exercise efficiency can affect actual calorie burn.

Q3: Should I use kg or pounds for weight?
A: The formula requires weight in kilograms. Convert pounds to kg by dividing by 2.205.

Q4: Can I use minutes instead of hours?
A: Yes, simply convert minutes to hours by dividing by 60 (e.g., 30 minutes = 0.5 hours).

Q5: Where can I find MET values for different activities?
A: The Compendium of Physical Activities provides comprehensive MET values for hundreds of activities from light housework to intense sports.

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