Exercise Calorie Burn Calculator
Understanding Exercise Calorie Burn
Estimating the number of calories you burn during exercise can be a valuable tool for managing your fitness goals, whether you're aiming for weight loss, maintenance, or simply tracking your activity levels. Our Exercise Calorie Burn Calculator uses a widely accepted formula based on Metabolic Equivalents (METs) to provide an estimate.
What are METs?
METs, or Metabolic Equivalents, are a common physiological measure expressing the energy cost of physical activities. One MET is defined as the energy expenditure of sitting quietly, which is roughly 1 calorie per kilogram of body weight per hour. When you perform an activity with a MET value of 5, it means you are expending 5 times the energy you would at rest.
The higher the METs value, the more intense the activity and the more calories you burn. This calculator uses your body weight, the duration of your exercise, and the METs value of the specific activity to give you an estimated calorie expenditure.
The Formula Explained
The calculator uses the following formula:
Calories Burned = (METs * Weight in kg * Duration in minutes * 3.5) / 200
- METs: The Metabolic Equivalent value for the specific activity.
- Weight in kg: Your body weight in kilograms. (If you enter pounds, the calculator converts it for you).
- Duration in minutes: The total time you spent exercising.
- 3.5: A constant representing the oxygen consumption of 1 MET (3.5 ml/kg/min).
- 200: A conversion factor to translate oxygen consumption into calories.
Common Activities and Their Approximate METs Values
To help you use the calculator, here's a table of approximate METs values for various activities. Keep in mind that these are averages, and individual effort can vary.
| Activity | Approximate METs |
|---|---|
| Sleeping | 0.9 |
| Sitting quietly | 1.0 |
| Walking, slow (2 mph) | 2.0 |
| Walking, brisk (3 mph) | 3.5 |
| Light gardening | 3.0 |
| Cycling, moderate (10-12 mph) | 6.0 |
| Swimming, moderate pace | 6.0 |
| Running (6 mph / 10 min mile) | 9.8 |
| Aerobics, general | 5.0 |
| Weightlifting, vigorous | 6.0 |
| Basketball game | 8.0 |
| Tennis, singles | 8.0 |
Factors Affecting Calorie Burn
While the METs formula provides a good estimate, actual calorie expenditure can vary due to several factors:
- Individual Metabolism: Everyone's body processes energy slightly differently.
- Fitness Level: Fitter individuals may burn fewer calories for the same activity as their bodies become more efficient.
- Environmental Factors: Temperature, humidity, and terrain (e.g., uphill walking) can influence energy expenditure.
- Effort Level: The METs values are averages; your personal intensity can make a difference.
- Age and Gender: These factors can influence basal metabolic rate and overall energy expenditure.
This calculator is designed to give you a helpful estimate. For precise measurements, specialized equipment like metabolic carts or advanced fitness trackers might be necessary. Always consult with a healthcare professional or certified fitness expert for personalized advice.