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Calories burned swimming.

Former Member
Former Member over 12 years ago
Hi all.

Does anyone know how the calorie calculations are made with regard to swimming.

I ask as today I did several short sets (primarily because I have only just started using my 910xt, and yesterdays longer swim had some data errors (extra lengths / wrong stroke etc) and I wanted to try and get some clean sets for comparison).

Anyway, although in many of the sets the data was otherwise very very consistent - including calories) I had a couple where the calories alone varied by around 40%. I emphasize that my strokes per length and lap times were very very similar. The only difference was there was around 20% more incorrect stroke types on the higher reading. (reported backstroke instead of *** stroke).

I dont mind adjusting the figures myself (I realise they are merely indicative rather than accurate anyway) but I dont know where to start in terms of identifying the more accurate figure. Changing stroke type in Sporttracks does not effect the calories figure either.

any pointers for additional reading, or other suggestions welcome.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 12 years ago
    Apprreciate the input. Thanks

    Edit:
    Actually, having looked at the links I feel you may have misinterpreted my quandry (or at least I was unclear) as these appear to relate to heartbeat mesurements, wheras I am endevouring to find out about swim data where the heart rate monitor is not used.
  • 0 over 12 years ago
    Since the HRM doesn't work under water, the devices can't use Firstbeat to measure the calories.

    However, this question has been asked several times before, and in general, questions about calorie calculation have been asked many time, so I'd suggest that you use the search function on these forums.
  • 0 over 12 years ago
    Your calories computed in the swim will be based on your personal information in the device and 'finger in the air' calculations based on distance swum etc. if you have screwed up lengths then you can expect to see screwed up results.

    Best thing to do is collect the information from good swims and identify the trends. Overtime, you'll be able to see some consistency...hopefully.

    As you know, calculating caloric information is not an exact science. Personally, I would suggest that you not worry about it overly much and track things that can be measured with some certainty - time, distance, pace, stroke rate, distance/stroke etc.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 12 years ago
    Since the HRM doesn't work under water, the devices can't use Firstbeat to measure the calories.

    However, this question has been asked several times before, and in general, questions about calorie calculation have been asked many time, so I'd suggest that you use the search function on these forums.


    I realise firstbeat wont be used (hence my previous post) Search ?!?! Have been, and am continuing to do so. No luck so far.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 12 years ago
    Your calories computed in the swim will be based on your personal information in the device and 'finger in the air' calculations based on distance swum etc. if you have screwed up lengths then you can expect to see screwed up results.

    Best thing to do is collect the information from good swims and identify the trends. Overtime, you'll be able to see some consistency...hopefully.

    As you know, calculating caloric information is not an exact science. Personally, I would suggest that you not worry about it overly much and track things that can be measured with some certainty - time, distance, pace, stroke rate, distance/stroke etc.


    Certainly I do not expect any particular accuraccy, however my needs may differ from the atheletes amongst you and I am using my watch to help me track my fitness excersizes and calorie burn for weight loss. For the combination of thngs I do this was the most suitable unit (even though it means I purchased many functions I do not use). Given that the unit is merketed as diplaying calories burned, whist I hadnt intended to hold it the the exact calorie, it would be defeating my objectives 'not to worry about it'.