Accuracy

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veggiegirl228
veggiegirl228 Posts: 27 Member
edited February 5 in Fitness and Exercise
Curious about the accuracy of calories burned on cardio machines vs what MFP says. Which is most likely to be accurate?

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  • Livingdeadgirl44
    Livingdeadgirl44 Posts: 264 Member
    It varies to be honest. I got a HRM and the number of that is closer to the machine value for running but closer to the MFP value for cross trainer.

    So I would recommend a HRM to be totally sure :)
  • stef_monster
    stef_monster Posts: 205 Member
    My elliptical (which came from WalMart, so keep that in mind), overestimates my calorie burn by about 40 or 50% versus my FitBit. I don't think there's a way to enter the age/height/weight of the user, so maybe it's basing those numbers on a hypothetical user that's twice my size? I have no idea. I don't trust the machines at all, but I'd be more likely to if they let you enter your stats prior to starting.

    If you want accuracy, definitely get an HRM or something similar.
  • lucan07
    lucan07 Posts: 509
    Some machine give me low readings and some high, so I use a heart rate monitor and my VO2max and calculate my burn that way, without knowing lots of your details the machines and MFP can only guesstimate! If you use the same machines and they work for you then it doesn't matter consistency is the main thing!
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