Calculating Calories Burned During Exercise

Calories Burned Formula:

\[ Calories = MET \times Weight \times Time \div 200 \]

Calories Burned:

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1. What is the Calories Burned Formula?

The Calories Burned formula estimates energy expenditure during physical activity using Metabolic Equivalent (MET) values, body weight, and exercise duration. It provides a practical way to quantify calorie burn for various exercises and activities.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard formula:

\[ Calories = MET \times Weight \times Time \div 200 \]

Where:

\( MET \) — Metabolic Equivalent of Task (unitless)
\( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
\( Time \) — Exercise duration in minutes
\( 200 \) — Conversion factor

Explanation: MET values represent the energy cost of physical activities. One MET is defined as the energy expenditure while sitting at rest. Higher MET values indicate more intense activities.

3. Importance of Calories Burned Calculation

Details: Understanding calorie expenditure is crucial for weight management, exercise planning, and achieving fitness goals. It helps individuals balance energy intake with energy output for optimal health.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are MET values and where can I find them?
A: MET values represent exercise intensity. The Compendium of Physical Activities provides comprehensive MET values for various activities.

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

Q3: Why divide by 200 in the formula?
A: The division by 200 converts the product of MET, weight, and time into kilocalories, accounting for the relationship between oxygen consumption and energy expenditure.

Q4: Can I use this for weight loss planning?
A: Yes, this calculator helps estimate exercise calorie expenditure, which is useful for creating calorie deficit plans for weight loss.

Q5: What are common MET values for popular exercises?
A: Walking (3-4 MET), jogging (7 MET), swimming (6-8 MET), cycling (5-10 MET), weight training (3-6 MET), depending on intensity.