New Perspectives (and Discussion) on Calorie Burn Estimates
Hello, all!
For years, we’ve included estimated calorie burn ranges with our workouts to help viewers get a general idea of energy expenditure. Over time, however, we’ve revisited the purpose of having these shared on our workouts. This post aims to educate based on updated research and share new perspectives, while also inviting you to share your thoughts in response as we consider removing this feature from our interface. If calorie monitoring is something you enjoy, get benefit from, and works for you, this is by no means suggesting you should stop doing it.
How do we currently calculate calorie burn ranges?
We have estimates for calorie burn ranges by training type and intensity. We then apply those set average ranges to the workout at hand.
By nature, calorie burn estimates lack precision
Calorie burn varies widely from person to person. Factors like body size, muscle mass, age, genetics, hormones, sleep quality, stress levels, and even room temperature all change how many calories you burn in a given workout. Even the most sophisticated wearables and formulas can be off by 20–50% or more for energy expenditure, especially during strength training, interval training, or workouts that involve a mix of movements (see source info below). Listing a single “range” for everyone can easily give a false impression of precision that simply doesn’t exist.
Some of the most beneficial training types don’t burn as many calories during the session but they improve metabolism, hormone health, muscle mass, and recovery long-term. Removing calorie burn estimates would help see beyond that "immediate" burn and take into consideration that many workouts continue to elevate metabolism and energy expenditure after completion (EPOC effect).
Seeing calories burned shifts focus away from what truly matters
When we attach a calorie number to a workout, it can unintentionally make that workout feel like it’s worth more or less, depending on how many calories it claims to burn. But exercise isn’t just about energy expenditure; it’s about building strength, endurance, confidence, mobility, mental well-being, self-care, and more. We want you to tune into how your body feels, focusing on performance markers relevant to your individual goals, and celebrate what you’re capable of - without temptation to fixate on a number that doesn’t tell the full story. Intrinsic motivation and feedback (vs. external) fosters greater consistency, body awareness, self-regulation, and ultimately, confidence!
Removing calorie burn ranges supports a more sustainable relationship with fitness
We strive to promote a quality-over-quantity mindset, one rooted in self-awareness and consistency rather than comparison or control. For some, calorie numbers can feel discouraging or triggering. By removing those numbers, we hope to make Fitness Blender an even more inclusive and supportive space for everyone.
We aim to reflect an honest, science-backed approach
Because calorie burn data can vary so drastically, we believe it’s more transparent and responsible not to list estimates that could be misleading. Instead, we’ll continue to provide clear information about the training type, difficulty, targeted muscle groups, equipment used, and other details that can be more accurately measured and felt, rather than guessed.
Our goal has always been to make fitness attainable, approachable, and rooted in evidence, not trends or guesswork. We hope this provides more clarity on why we intend to move away from sharing calorie burn estimates.
Before we move forward, we’d love to hear from you. How do you feel about removing calorie burn estimates from our workouts? Do these numbers add value to your experience, or do you find them unnecessary or even distracting? Your feedback will help us make the most meaningful decision for our community.
💙 -Erica & the FB Team
While this is not an exhaustive list of all peer-reviewed studies that were viewed, here are a few to reference. We always encourage you to do your own research as well.
New Perspectives (and Discussion) on Calorie Burn Estimates
Hello, all!
For years, we’ve included estimated calorie burn ranges with our workouts to help viewers get a general idea of energy expenditure. Over time, however, we’ve revisited the purpose of having these shared on our workouts. This post aims to educate based on updated research and share new perspectives, while also inviting you to share your thoughts in response as we consider removing this feature from our interface. If calorie monitoring is something you enjoy, get benefit from, and works for you, this is by no means suggesting you should stop doing it.
How do we currently calculate calorie burn ranges?
We have estimates for calorie burn ranges by training type and intensity. We then apply those set average ranges to the workout at hand.
By nature, calorie burn estimates lack precision
Calorie burn varies widely from person to person. Factors like body size, muscle mass, age, genetics, hormones, sleep quality, stress levels, and even room temperature all change how many calories you burn in a given workout. Even the most sophisticated wearables and formulas can be off by 20–50% or more for energy expenditure, especially during strength training, interval training, or workouts that involve a mix of movements (see source info below). Listing a single “range” for everyone can easily give a false impression of precision that simply doesn’t exist.
Some of the most beneficial training types don’t burn as many calories during the session but they improve metabolism, hormone health, muscle mass, and recovery long-term. Removing calorie burn estimates would help see beyond that "immediate" burn and take into consideration that many workouts continue to elevate metabolism and energy expenditure after completion (EPOC effect).
Seeing calories burned shifts focus away from what truly matters
When we attach a calorie number to a workout, it can unintentionally make that workout feel like it’s worth more or less, depending on how many calories it claims to burn. But exercise isn’t just about energy expenditure; it’s about building strength, endurance, confidence, mobility, mental well-being, self-care, and more. We want you to tune into how your body feels, focusing on performance markers relevant to your individual goals, and celebrate what you’re capable of - without temptation to fixate on a number that doesn’t tell the full story. Intrinsic motivation and feedback (vs. external) fosters greater consistency, body awareness, self-regulation, and ultimately, confidence!
Removing calorie burn ranges supports a more sustainable relationship with fitness
We strive to promote a quality-over-quantity mindset, one rooted in self-awareness and consistency rather than comparison or control. For some, calorie numbers can feel discouraging or triggering. By removing those numbers, we hope to make Fitness Blender an even more inclusive and supportive space for everyone.
We aim to reflect an honest, science-backed approach
Because calorie burn data can vary so drastically, we believe it’s more transparent and responsible not to list estimates that could be misleading. Instead, we’ll continue to provide clear information about the training type, difficulty, targeted muscle groups, equipment used, and other details that can be more accurately measured and felt, rather than guessed.
Our goal has always been to make fitness attainable, approachable, and rooted in evidence, not trends or guesswork. We hope this provides more clarity on why we intend to move away from sharing calorie burn estimates.
Before we move forward, we’d love to hear from you. How do you feel about removing calorie burn estimates from our workouts? Do these numbers add value to your experience, or do you find them unnecessary or even distracting? Your feedback will help us make the most meaningful decision for our community.
💙 -Erica & the FB Team
While this is not an exhaustive list of all peer-reviewed studies that were viewed, here are a few to reference. We always encourage you to do your own research as well.