Old Elliptical calorie burn approx vs MFP etc.

bbontheb

I know not to trust basically any calculator but if I am doing 30 minutes on an old elliptical, tension is set to fairly easy but my heart rate is high because I'm overweight, and out of shape...sweating, tired...there is this calorie burn number which I have not thought to be anything related to me because I don't input any stats but it says about 80 calories. I'm going a moderate pace I think?

Now, MFP puts it at something like 400 which I've been cutting in half. Another online calculator puts it at 350ish calories. I'm just curious where in the middle should I estimate? I do not want to overestimate

I am 5'2ish, 197lbs.

deaniac83

Does the elliptical have a calorie estimator on it? Often those estimates are more accurate because they are based on the actual amount of energy needed to move the machine rather than a static heart rate based estimate.

The best way to really know if you are doing this right is to give it time and see what the scale says, let's say over a month or two. The time needed to measure is longer at the beginning because there are factors that will affect initial weight loss, such as losing water weight or retaining extra water due to exercise, which evens out over a longer period of time.

At your height and weight, my recommendation, IF you don't have any cardiac health issues (please speak to your doctor and make sure), is that keep doing what you are doing, and make sure your exercise is just a tad above what you'd consider "comfortable". Eventually this level will become comfortable, then turn up the resistance slightly to make it a little uncomfortable again. But don't overdo it. Eat well, get your nutrients, eat filling healthy foods like nuts, nut butters, lean meats and fish and dairy, log everything, and give it time.