1. What is HR-Based Calorie Calculation?

HR-based calorie calculation estimates energy expenditure during cardiovascular exercise by considering your weight, exercise duration, intensity (MET value), and optionally heart rate. This provides a more personalized estimate than generic calorie counts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Duration \) — Exercise time in minutes
• \( MET \) — Metabolic Equivalent of Task (activity intensity)
• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• 3.5 — Oxygen consumption constant (mL/kg/min)

Heart Rate Adjustment: When heart rate is provided, the calculation is adjusted based on the formula: \( Calories \times (1 + (HR - 120) \times 0.005) \)

3. Importance of Calorie Tracking

Details: Accurate calorie estimation helps with weight management, exercise planning, and ensuring proper energy balance for fitness goals.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kg, exercise duration in minutes, select activity type, and optionally provide average heart rate for more precise calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are MET values?
A: MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) represents exercise intensity. 1 MET = resting energy expenditure. Higher MET values indicate more intense activities.

Q2: How accurate is heart rate-based calculation?
A: HR-based estimates are reasonably accurate (±15-20%) for steady-state cardio but less precise for interval training.

Q3: Should I use weight in kg or lbs?
A: The calculator uses kg. To convert from lbs: weight in kg = weight in lbs / 2.205.

Q4: Why is heart rate optional?
A: The basic MET calculation works without HR data. HR adjustment provides more personalized results.

Q5: Can I use this for weight loss planning?
A: Yes, but remember these are estimates. Actual calorie needs vary based on metabolism, fitness level, and other factors.