Can I trust the exercise data base?

pcteck2

I am wondering whether the calories burned data base is trust worthy. I differs so much from what the machines say at the gym. For instance, I frequently use a seated elliptical for 30 minutes, working hard. The machine says I burn about 170 calories but the data base says over 400 calories. What do you trust?

arditarose

The machine sounds closer, though that is not always the case for everyone and every exercise. Regardless, the MFP estimates are supposedly extra inflated.

NoelFigart1

It is my opinion that a lot of calorie burn estimates base solely on height, weight and sex are a bit too generous in their estimation. As such, I generally go with the lower.

3dogsrunning

Here is a good explanation.
Some of the entries can be pretty close, others, not so much. Basically, the less specific the activity is, the less likely it is going to be to be accurate.
For example, the elliptical entries do not have any indication of effort or intensity. I never relied on them.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/estimating-calories-activity-databases-198041

Also keep in mind, there is no one way that is most accurate. All methods of estimations have their limitations.
The best thing you can do is log consistently and track progress. Some people eat every exercise calorie back and lose, some choose to use only a percentage of them. Some don't at all (although I do recommend accounting for exercise some way).

vorgas

Absolute best way (imo) if you are wanting to lose weight gradually and a sustained pace, and you workout 4 or more times in one week.

• Set your MFP goals to be at maintenance, no weight loss.
• Set your lifestyle to Sedentary.
• Record ALL exercise burns as 1 calorie

This maximizes what MFP is good at (calories consumed) and minimizes what it's bad at (calories burned). Your weight loss will come entirely from exercise, which is a good thing.