My stationary bike calorie burn count

BethAnnC448

I do not know which one to record...my stationary bike says I burned 156 calories at moderate pace in 30 minutes and MFP says that I burned 346 in 30 mins moderate pace...I have also did the Calorie burn calculator that says I burned 346 according to my weight in 30 min at moderate pace......I am confused.

BethAnnC448

I do not know which one to record...my stationary bike says I burned 156 calories at moderate pace in 30 minutes and MFP says that I burned 346 in 30 mins moderate pace...I have also did the Calorie burn calculator that says I burned 346 according to my weight in 30 min at moderate pace......I am confused.

Never mind...I did research online and the calorie burn calculators seem right as you have to take in account how much you weigh too.

TeaBea

Calorie burns are dependent upon MANY factors (some of which are): height, weight, age, gender, and exertion level. The more information you plug into a calculator (machine, whatever) the better the estimate.

It's still an estimate .........no calculator (machine) can know your exertion level. The same workout that is difficult for you ..... may be easy for someone else.

It's best to use the lowest number or at least an average. A heart rate monitor (with a chest strap) or HRM measures electrical impulses and compares to your resting heart rate....this is a pretty good indicator of exertion level (for cardio).

BethAnnC448

Thank you for your reply...going to look into a heart rate monitor...

jacksonpt

Every method of "measuring" calorie burns is actually just an estimate. There is no way to know if a particular method is over estimating or underestimating, or by how much.

Your best bet is to choose 1 method, use it consistently for a month, then compare your expected results with your actual results. How closely those line up will tell you if/how to adjust your estimates.

BethAnnC448

I appreciate your response very much, ty