how are calories burned during cardio calculated?

miatheamazing2015

For example, I used an eliptical machine at moderate intensity for 45 minutes. The app says that's worth 835 calories. As great as that sounds, I'm.fairly sure that's way off!

numinousnymph

yes, i'm certain it's off too. anything that MFP says i burned i usually halve it. same for cardio machines (even after i input my weight in the machine as 15 lbs less than what i really am so help counteract any overestimation). it's why i just use a heart rate monitor instead (and i even deduct 75 cals off of that one as well just to be safe).

CyberTone

Elliptical Trainer, "mets" value="9.0"
MFP uses the METs factor to provide an estimate for Calories burned.
Reference:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_equivalent

miatheamazing2015

Thanks numinousnymph- glad to know I'm not the only one who doesn't believe it. I need to buy a hr monitor. Thanks cybertone, I'll have to take a look at that.

ninerbuff

Gym equipment calorie burn monitors aren't reliable. Remember these units are used daily and for many hours at a time. With the exception of them being new, chances are they aren't calibrated once a month, which is why many burns are over estimated.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

miatheamazing2015

Ninerbuff- I was questioning the accuracy of what MFP calculates, not the machine- I know that's off for sure.