This article explains how to log an exercise to your MyFitnessPal diary on iOS, Android, and the website, including the difference between cardio, strength, and workout routine entries.
Logging a workout is just as simple as logging a meal, and just as useful. Every exercise you add fills in the rest of your day's story, right alongside your food. Here's how to get it into your diary, no matter which device you're using.
Logging an exercise
iOS and Android
- Open the MyFitnessPal app.
- On the Today screen, scroll down and tap the Exercise card in the Healthy Habits section.
- If you haven't connected a step tracker like Apple Health or Samsung Health and haven't logged any exercise yet, you'll see Add Exercise. Tap it, then choose Cardio, Strength, or Workout Routine.
- If you have already connected a device or logged exercise, the screen looks a bit different. Instead, tap the blue Log More button at the bottom of the page.
- Type the name of the exercise in the search box, then tap Search. If you've logged this exercise before, you'll also see it listed under History, so you can skip the search and pick it straight from there.
- Select the exercise you'd like to add from the results.
- Enter the number of minutes for a cardio exercise, or the sets, reps, and weight for a strength exercise. (MyFitnessPal does not include calories burned from strength training)
- Tap the checkmark to add it to your diary.
Website
- Log in to the website using the same email and password you use with the app.
- Click the Exercise tab.
- Click Add Exercise under the type of exercise you'd like to log.
- Type the name of the exercise in the search box and click Search.
- Select the exercise you'd like to add from the results.
- Enter the number of minutes for a cardio exercise, or the sets, reps, and weight for a strength exercise. (MyFitnessPal does not include calories burned from strength training)
- Click Add Exercise.
Which exercise type should I choose?
Type |
What it tracks |
Counts toward calorie burn |
Cardiovascular Exercises |
Minutes of activity, like running or cycling |
Yes |
Strength Training |
Sets, reps, and weight |
No |
Workout Routines |
Multiple strength or cardio exercises built into one routine. |
Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log more than one exercise entry per day?
Yes. There's no limit to how many exercises you can add to your diary in a single day.
What if the exercise I'm looking for isn't in the database?
You can search for a similar exercise, or add a custom one. See Can I add a new exercise to the database?
Do I need to log exercise every day?
No. Logging exercise is optional. Your calorie goal is already set to help you reach your target with food alone, and logging exercise simply adds back the calories you earn.