Confused about Exercise Cal Burn

cjohn2278

I was just wondering...what do most people log as calories burned...what the machienes at the gym say or what MFP estimates? I find that MFP is usually much higher than what the readout on the machienes is...any suggestions?

Thanks!

Mokey41

I use a HRM to be as accurate as possible.

howardheilweil

I have a HRM also, which I find more closely agrees with what the machines say, versus what MFP says. MFP's numbers are very high. If you don't have a HRM, I'd tend to favor the machines.

cwolfman13

Databases are for **** in RE to getting anything remotely accurate for caorie burn. There are too many variables and people tend to substantially overestimate their level of effort. Something is difficult for them because they are out of shape...so they put "vigorous" effort or something...when you do that with a database, it's basically assuming you are in pretty good shape and really working to a vigorous level of effort. Machines are going to be more accurate than a data base and a good HRM with a chest strap is going to be your most accurate for an aerobic event. The further away you get from a true aerobic event, the harder it is to estimate calorie burn.

Keep in mind that a HRM is likely going to still be off by 20%-30%...when i did MFP, I just ate back 70% of the calories my HRM said I burned to account for estimation error.

cingle87

All machines including HRM are estimates, ones going to give you a better estimate than others but still off, thats why I try to eat back 70-80% of my exercise cals back to acount for overestimate of cals burnt

cjohn2278

Thanks for the advise...guess its time to reactivate my body bugg to continue on this journey!