Calories Burned Equation:
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The Calories Burned equation estimates the number of calories expended during physical activity using the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET), body weight, and duration of exercise. It provides a standardized way to quantify energy expenditure across different types of physical activities.
The calculator uses the Calories Burned equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation multiplies the MET value (which represents the intensity of the activity) by body weight and time to calculate total calories burned.
Details: Calculating calories burned is essential for weight management, exercise planning, and understanding energy balance. It helps individuals set appropriate fitness goals and monitor their physical activity levels.
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.
Q1: What is MET and how is it determined?
A: MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) is a standard unit that represents the energy cost of physical activities. One MET equals the energy expenditure while sitting quietly.
Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a reasonable estimate for most people, but individual factors like fitness level, body composition, and exercise efficiency can affect actual calories burned.
Q3: Can I use pounds instead of kilograms?
A: The equation requires weight in kilograms. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide pounds by 2.2046.
Q4: What are typical MET values for common activities?
A: Walking (3-5), running (8-12), cycling (4-10), swimming (6-10), weight training (3-6), depending on intensity.
Q5: Should I include rest periods in the time calculation?
A: Only include the actual time spent performing the activity. Rest periods between sets or exercises should not be included.