How do you guys log Crossfit workouts?

[jelmore12]

I just logged my first workout in FitBit as vigourous weight lifting at approx 300 cals...but I'm sure I burn more than that.  Thoughts?

[eric_andrew]

Hi Jelmore12,

I am a CrossFitter as well.  The method I use, although not perfect, is to take the completed time for the daily WOD and multiply it by 10 calories.

There is no right or wrong answer, but I find this practice easy and am happy with the rought estimate provided.

Eric

P.S. -- For further reading there are several articles that come up when you search Google: https://www.google.com/#q=calories+burnt+crossfit

[jelmore12]

Thanks!  I just looked at the Polar Loop HRM/Calorie counter as well.  I'm torn now.  I just got the FitBit Flex for my birthday and really want an accurate calorie counter.  I'm not worried about steps as much as I am calories. 

I'll try that method, thanks!

[SarahOR]

My strategy is to use my fitbit for all non-gym activities.  At the gym, I leave the fitbit in my locker and use a polar HRM.  Using a HRM (I think) is much more accurate than the fitbit/fitbit database AND it keeps me honest.  I push myself harder to keep my heartrate up if I know what it is.  I then manually enter the info into fitbit - ie pick spinning, but rather than fitbit calculating my calories, I manually input what my HRM says I burned in spin class. 

I am a big believer in using a HRM to keep me pushing myself vs slipping into complacency as I get more fit.

[jelmore12]

That's a good point.  I just don't want to be spending a bunch of money on gadgets.  Maybe I should have researched it more.  With the Polar HRM, do you have to wear a strap across your chest?  I have a Garmin Runner that has the HRM, but I have to wear the chest strap.  Either way, my biggest thing to lose some weight is the diet....I need to make myself eat more veggies...sigh

[SarahOR]

I agree that its a lot of gadgets.  yes my HRM has a chest strap and a watch that it pairs with.  I didn't think I'd get used to the chest strap but have been using one for over a year.  I'm used to it!   Plus a chest band is more accurate than a wrist monitor.  

None of the HRM monitors are great at calculating burn for strictly anaerobic exerice - I do wear mine when strength training because I figure its better than nothing.  

[jelmore12]

So, I had some extra money on an UA gift card and got the UA39 HRM.  It works great and shows me I've definitely been underestimating my calorie burn.  It has a free app that collects the info.  Once I get that, I just put it into my fitbit log as an activity.  Has helped a whole bunch.  I reccomend it as the chest strap is only $99, $10 off if you are military!

[Heybales]

---

@jelmore12 wrote:

So, I had some extra money on an UA gift card and got the UA39 HRM.  It works great and shows me I've definitely been underestimating my calorie burn.  It has a free app that collects the info.  Once I get that, I just put it into my fitbit log as an activity.  Has helped a whole bunch.  I reccomend it as the chest strap is only $99, $10 off if you are military!

---

Just be aware the HRM formulas for tying HR to calorie burn are only valid for steady-state aerobic exercise, meaning same HR for 2-4 min. Because that's normally how long it takes the HR to go back down to the level actually required by the level of effort you are at. If constantly moving up and down, you are constantly elevated 5-10 bpm during the whole workout.

Plus, aerobic, because the heart isn't beating fast for supplying enough oxygen to burn fat when anaerobic, which is total carb burn.

Crossfit is a bigger burner than lifting, which has sets and rests. But it is also totally non-steady state, and mainly in to the anaerobic HR zone.

So be aware you are going to the other extreme now with inflated calories burns.

I know there is usually a lifting component to the cross-fit training, with sets and rests and such. That would be database entry of vigorous if really doing a good overload routine, not easy maintenance lifting - which I know you aren't doing.

Rest of the training is likely up at circuit training level, which is much higher because minimal rests, high reps, more cardio focus with strength component.

[josephz2va]

CrossFit Burns 12 Calories Per Minute, Study Finds

https://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/crossfit-burns-12-calories-per-minute-study-finds-165700320.h...

[Heybales]

---

@josephz2va wrote:

CrossFit Burns 12 Calories Per Minute, Study Finds

https://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/crossfit-burns-12-calories-per-minute-study-finds-165700320.h...

---

That's really too bad that either the study, or the reference to it, didn't do what most studies do along these lines.

How many calories per lb per min. Of course this was only on females it appears.

Because they didn't even mention weight, and that plays a huge factor in all of those exercises.

Plus the time taken to do them, as the article admits.

12.3 cal/min is a super slow run for me, bottom of my Recovery HR zone and actually hard to go that slow. Or I can hit it walking 4mph carrying a 20 lb backpack.

That's not intense at all for me.

But I'm betting the real workout would be much more intense.

I'm betting they used some smaller lighter females to measure.

I'm really surprised they haven't done a good mixed gender study, with not only measured calorie burn during the workout, but the EPOC burn afterwards and how long. Both be good to know where it falls in the scheme of other workouts.