Calories burned.. accurate?

Jlynn0116
Jlynn0116 Posts: 14 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I typically do about 30-45mins on the elliptical at the Y but the calories burned according to the machine are always WAY less than what MFP automatically gives me when I plug in my time. I realize I would need a heart rate monitor to get a 100% accurate reading but which estimate do you think is closer, the gyms or MFPs?

Thanks so much!

Replies

  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,422 Member
    Why don't you average them and use that number?

    Just choose one and stick with it - without valid data you won't know what to adjust if/when you need to. So either pick the machine or MFP, or an average, or 50% of MFP, or whatever you like - but stick with it for a while so you know if the numbers are worth keeping.

    There is no 'exact' right way - they are all estimates - even the heart rate monitor. Save your money.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    any burn you get from a datbase is usually going to be pretty far off...there are too many variables and people also tend to overestimate their level of effort. They're out of shape and tired afterwards, so they put "vigorous effort" or something when in reality, it's only "vigorous" relative to that individuals fitness level.

    Machines are more accurate than a database and a HRM is an improvement on that. Even then, a HRM is NOT 100% accurate for calorie burn...it's all an estimate and various algorithms are used to derive an estimated burn.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Why don't you average them and use that number?

    Just choose one and stick with it - without valid data you won't know what to adjust if/when you need to. So either pick the machine or MFP, or an average, or 50% of MFP, or whatever you like - but stick with it for a while so you know if the numbers are worth keeping.

    There is no 'exact' right way - they are all estimates - even the heart rate monitor. Save your money.

    This.

    An interesting read on the topic as well.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/exercise-calories-sometimes-the-cardio-machines-are-more-accurate-404739
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    How much info do you plug into the elliptical?

    Calorie burn is lots of factors including: height, weight, age, gender, exertion level, and more. The elliptical can't really know your exertion level because one workout might be easy for you, but difficult for someone else. A HRM helps for cardio .... but other forms of exercise.... not so much.

    MFP does give "generous" burns typically.
  • Velum_cado
    Velum_cado Posts: 1,608 Member
    MFP is generally way over what you really burned. If I don't wear my HRM for whatever reason, I tend to cut the MFP estimate in half.
  • DBiddle69
    DBiddle69 Posts: 682 Member
    It is my opinion that most workout equipment is, if not asked to enter your information, set for an individual who weighs about 150 lbs...so the calories would be close to that.
  • Ayne6246
    Ayne6246 Posts: 37 Member
    There are just so many variables to consider....even HRM is only going to be as accurate as the info plugged in to it. I was do Richard Simmons Sweating to the Oldies until I had to give my knees a break and my HRM was calculating within a few calories of what I had read on line that I would be burning based on my weight at that time. I've found for the most part, that MFP calorie counts are much lower than what my HRM shows so am guessing that these calorie burns are based on someone who is 1. much younger than me and 2. In far better shape than I am. The bdetter shape you are in, the fewer calories you will burn with exercise.

    Just don't get to caught up in the number on the scale or the ratio of calories in to calories out....it will only stress you out and stress inhibits weight loss. MEASURE occasionally and take pictures frequently. I think you will see more change than you think.

    REMEMBER those extra pounds didn't jump on board overnight and they won't come off nearly as quickly as they jumped on. PATIENCE and devotion is the key.
  • SASSYnCHICago
    SASSYnCHICago Posts: 98 Member
    I found by using my polar HRM that both sources were overstanded. MFP is way off, and the machine are within 100 calorie range if you enter your weight and age in the machine. I burn about 200-210 calories with a 30 minute elp. workout @ high intensity with my HRM, and my weight is between 135-140# MFP will calculate 360 calories, and the machine will say @ 298! And none of those are 100% full proof.
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    The machine is definitely more accurate. MFP is way off on the elliptical for sure! On some things it seems to be closer to a general average but the elliptical is way off. While no HRM is 100%, they are more accurate than MFP for sure.
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    MFP is generally way over what you really burned. If I don't wear my HRM for whatever reason, I tend to cut the MFP estimate in half.
    This is what I do for the few times I do not wear my HRM. And even with my HRM I have it set at a much lower weight because I don't want to know actual burn so I am not tempted to eat all of my calories back.
  • kwedman488
    kwedman488 Posts: 132 Member
    You generally burn about 100 cals a mile, so look at how far you go in that time period and that should give you a decent estimate
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    Why don't you average them and use that number?

    Just choose one and stick with it - without valid data you won't know what to adjust if/when you need to. So either pick the machine or MFP, or an average, or 50% of MFP, or whatever you like - but stick with it for a while so you know if the numbers are worth keeping.

    There is no 'exact' right way - they are all estimates - even the heart rate monitor. Save your money.

    This.

    An interesting read on the topic as well.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/exercise-calories-sometimes-the-cardio-machines-are-more-accurate-404739

    ^ Another for this. Your body is not going to be "average," no one's really is. Those estimates are simply drawn from population statistics and you need to track your own intake and burns to find the right number for you.

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