1. What is the Calorie Burn Formula?

The calorie burn formula estimates calories burned during physical activity based on duration, intensity (MET value), and body weight. It's particularly useful for swimming pool activities where calorie expenditure can vary significantly.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the calorie burn equation:

Where:

• \( Time \) — Duration of activity in hours
• \( MET \) — Metabolic Equivalent of Task (intensity measure)
• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms

Explanation: The equation accounts for how long, how intense, and how heavy you are when calculating energy expenditure.

3. Importance of MET Values

Details: MET values represent exercise intensity. Swimming MET values range from 5.8 (leisurely) to 13.8 (vigorous laps). Accurate MET selection is crucial for precise calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter time in hours (can be decimal for minutes), select appropriate MET value for your swimming intensity, and current weight in kg. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical MET values for pool activities?
A: Leisure swimming: 5.8, moderate laps: 8-10, vigorous laps: 11-13.8. Water aerobics: 4-6 depending on intensity.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate (±20%) for most people. Individual metabolism and swimming efficiency affect actual burn.

Q3: Should I use my current or ideal weight?
A: Always use current weight as calorie expenditure depends on the mass being moved through water.

Q4: Does water temperature affect calorie burn?
A: Yes, colder water increases calorie burn as the body works to maintain temperature (add 10-20% in cold water).

Q5: How does swimming compare to other exercises?
A: Swimming typically burns more calories than walking or cycling at similar perceived effort due to water resistance and full-body engagement.