MyFitnessPal: Adding, Editing, and Deleting Exercise Entries

How do I change my exercise on MyFitnessPal?

To change your exercise on MyFitnessPal, navigate to the "Diary" section, tap "Add Exercise," and then either log a new activity, edit an existing entry by tapping on it, or delete an entry by swiping left (iOS) or long-pressing (Android) on it.

Understanding MyFitnessPal's Exercise Tracking Philosophy

MyFitnessPal (MFP) serves as a comprehensive tool for monitoring caloric intake and expenditure, crucial for achieving various health and fitness goals. Accurate exercise logging directly impacts your net calorie balance, influencing the energy available for recovery, growth, and overall metabolic function. Understanding how to precisely manage your exercise entries ensures that the caloric adjustments made by the app genuinely reflect your physical activity, preventing over- or under-estimation of your daily energy needs.

Exercise as an Energy Expenditure Component: When you log exercise in MyFitnessPal, the app typically adds calories back to your daily budget. This adjustment is based on the estimated caloric expenditure of the activity, your body weight, and the duration/intensity you report. Precise tracking allows for a more accurate reflection of your actual energy balance.

Step-by-Step Guide: Adding or Logging a New Exercise

To incorporate a new workout or activity into your daily log:

• Accessing the Exercise Diary:
  • From the main "Home" screen, tap the "+" icon at the bottom of the screen.
  • Select "Exercise" from the options.
  • Alternatively, go to the "Diary" tab and scroll down to the "Exercise" section, then tap "Add Exercise."
• Searching the Database:
  • MyFitnessPal has a vast database of exercises. Use the search bar to find your activity (e.g., "running," "strength training," "yoga").
  • Select the most appropriate match.
• Entering Duration/Intensity:
  • Once you've selected an exercise, you'll be prompted to enter the duration (e.g., "30 minutes") and, for some exercises, the intensity (e.g., "moderate," "vigorous").
  • Based on these inputs and your body weight, MFP will estimate the calories burned.
• Custom Exercises:
  • If your specific exercise isn't in the database, or you have a known calorie burn from a device, you can add a custom exercise.
  • From the "Add Exercise" screen, look for an option like "Add to Database" or "Create New Exercise."
  • You can then name your exercise and manually enter the calories burned.

Modifying or Editing an Existing Exercise Entry

Mistakes happen, or workout details might change. Here's how to adjust an entry you've already logged:

• Locating the Entry:
  • Go to your "Diary" tab.
  • Scroll down to the "Exercise" section for the relevant day.
  • Find the specific exercise you wish to edit.
• Tapping to Edit:
  • Tap directly on the exercise entry. This will open a screen where you can modify the duration, intensity, or even the type of exercise if you selected the wrong one.
  • Make your changes and tap the "Checkmark" or "Save" button to confirm.
• Correcting Mistakes: Regularly reviewing your log and making corrections ensures the accuracy of your calorie goals and progress tracking.

Deleting an Exercise Entry

If you've accidentally logged an exercise or need to remove an activity for any reason:

• For iOS (iPhone/iPad):
  • Go to your "Diary" tab.
  • In the "Exercise" section, swipe left on the entry you want to remove.
  • A "Delete" button will appear; tap it to confirm.
• For Android:
  • Go to your "Diary" tab.
  • In the "Exercise" section, long-press on the entry you want to remove.
  • An option to "Delete" will appear; tap it.
• Why Delete? Deleting erroneous entries is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your calorie balance and avoiding inaccurate adjustments to your daily energy budget.

Adjusting Calorie Burn for Exercises

MyFitnessPal's estimated calorie burn is a general calculation. For more precision, especially if you use fitness trackers:

• MyFitnessPal's Calculation Method: The app estimates calorie expenditure based on Metabolic Equivalents (METs), your body weight, and the duration of the activity. While useful, these are averages.
• Manual Override (if applicable):
  • If you have a more accurate calorie burn figure from a heart rate monitor, power meter, or a dedicated fitness device, you can often manually adjust the calories burned for a custom exercise entry or when creating a new exercise.
  • When logging a custom exercise, you can input the exact calorie count directly.
• Linking Wearable Devices:
  • MyFitnessPal integrates with many popular fitness trackers (e.g., Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, Polar).
  • By linking these devices in the "Apps & Devices" section of the MFP app, your exercise data (including calorie burn) can automatically sync, often providing a more precise estimate than manual entry. This feature typically appears as a "Cardio" or "Steps" adjustment in your diary.

Best Practices for Accurate Exercise Tracking

To maximize the effectiveness of MyFitnessPal in supporting your fitness goals:

• Consistency is Key: Log every workout, no matter how minor. Small activities add up.
• Be Specific: Instead of just "Weights," log "Strength Training - Moderate Intensity" or "Powerlifting." This helps MFP provide a more accurate calorie estimate.
• Utilize Custom Exercises: For highly specific routines or if you have precise calorie burn data, create custom exercises.
• Regularly Review Your Log: At the end of each day or week, quickly scan your exercise entries for accuracy.
• Cross-Reference with Other Data: Compare MFP's estimates with data from heart rate monitors or your perceived exertion (RPE) to develop a better understanding of your actual output.

Common Pitfalls and Considerations

While MyFitnessPal is a powerful tool, be aware of these common issues:

• Overestimation of Calorie Burn: Generic exercise database entries often use average values that may overestimate your actual calorie expenditure, especially for less intense activities or if you are highly efficient.
• Under-Logging: Forgetting to log incidental activity or shorter, less intense workouts can lead to an underestimation of your total daily energy expenditure.
• Reliance Solely on App Data: While helpful, always listen to your body. Fatigue, hunger, and performance indicators are equally important feedback mechanisms.
• Impact on Net Calories: Remember that logging exercise adds calories back to your budget. If your goal is weight loss, accurately logging exercise is critical to maintaining an appropriate caloric deficit without overeating.

Conclusion: Optimizing Your Fitness Journey with Accurate Tracking

Mastering how to change, add, and delete exercise entries in MyFitnessPal is fundamental to leveraging the app's full potential. Accurate and consistent exercise logging provides a clearer picture of your energy balance, helping you make informed decisions about your nutrition and training. By combining the app's robust tracking features with an understanding of exercise science principles, you empower yourself to achieve your health and fitness objectives with greater precision and efficacy.