Activity Data Sources

Calories Burned, BMI, BMR & RMR Calculator

Except as noted below, the METs used to calculate the number of calories burned are adapted from Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Whitt MC, Irwin ML, Swartz AM, Strath SJ, O'Brien WL, Bassett DR Jr, Schmitz KH, Emplaincourt PO, Jacobs DR Jr, Leon AS. Compendium of Physical Activities: An update of activity codes and MET intensities. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000;32 (Suppl):S498-S516.

The following list indicates sources other than the Compendium of Physical Activities:

  • In-Line Skating:  Calculations for calories burned for in-line skating are not based on METs as are calculations for other activities. The calculator uses an equation developed by Bob Kalish. The equation is based on the data presented in the chart at rollerblade.com.

  • Pilates:  METs were estimated by Kevin Bowen, President and Co-founder of Pilates Method Alliance, by comparing Pilates to activities listed in the Compendium.

  • Precor EFX 546 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer:  Dalleck, L.C. and Kravitz, L. (2007). Development of a metabolic equation for elliptical crosstrainer exercise. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 104, 725-732.

  • Snowboarding:  METs were estimated based on the results of the calculator at self.com.

  • Tae Bo:  METs were estimated based on Billy Blanks estimation that Tae Bo burns between 800 and 1200 calories per hour depending on workout intensity and other variables.

  • TreadClimber:  METs were taken from a study conducted by Adelphi University.

  • Treadmill:  METs were taken from the console of a popular treadmill.