Strength activity calories calculation

Does anybody know how number of calories of strength activity is calculated?

When I finish such an activity, many of my sets are not fully recognized (unknown/wrong exercise type, unknown weight), which is fine. But still, the calories number is already assigned.
Then, after I finish the activity, I choose the correct exercise type and weight for those undetermined sets, but after saving, calories number stays the same.
(Not only that. Actually, calories field is editable and so I am free to enter virtually any number I like)

Odd, isn't it?

I don't have to be expert to know that calories of strength activity clearly does depend on the exercise type and weights used.
It does make a difference if I do bench press with 60 kg or 80 kg.
So what is the reason Garmin doesn't try to estimate calories based on exercise type and weight used?

No method accurate enough exists for that?
Too many unknown parameters?

And if it is so, how do they come up with any number at all? HR + duration?

0 OEAGLEO over 6 years ago

Does anybody know how number of calories of strength activity is calculated?

When I finish such an activity, many of my sets are not fully recognized (unknown/wrong exercise type, unknown weight), which is fine. But still, the calories number is already assigned.
Then, after I finish the activity, I choose the correct exercise type and weight for those undetermined sets, but after saving, calories number stays the same.
(Not only that. Actually, calories field is editable and so I am free to enter virtually any number I like)

Odd, isn't it?

I don't have to be expert to know that calories of strength activity clearly does depend on the exercise type and weights used.
It does make a difference if I do bench press with 60 kg or 80 kg.
So what is the reason Garmin doesn't try to estimate calories based on exercise type and weight used?

No method accurate enough exists for that?
Too many unknown parameters?

And if it is so, how do they come up with any number at all? HR + duration?

I believe the calories are actually estimated as you suggest, HR+Duration. The actual "workout" plan is simply another gimmick to make you feel like you're accomplishing more, and to actually keep track of progress. Only Polar that I know of actually has different algorithms for each different exercise, as they tweak the base calculation depending on the activity. Just my opinion, but if anyone knows if Garmin does the same, feel free to chime in.

0 Browner40 over 6 years ago

The calorie calculations of every app and device are notoriously inaccurate. It is just a gimmick to make you feel like you did something. There really isn't a good, reliable way for the device to do a calculation anyways without doing an actual baseline lab test for a specific activity and then have a way to calibrate the device to those readings. I did a 1-hour, easy pace run yesterday and my watch tried to tell me I burned over 800 calories. This was with an accurate lactate threshold HR value and an accurate weight inputted.