Does MFP overstate Exercise? & Bike Questions

jmsspr93

On my exercise bike there is a pedometer and it shows calories and time, when I input the time on MFP it shows more calories so I alter that to what it says on the bike. My question is also that what is the pedometer based on? Normal weight? so I am actually losing more than it says? And also is it a good idea to ramp up the difficulty slightly each week?

Iknowsaur

Yes. It very much overestimates calorie burns. MFP is notorious for this.

jmsspr93

So is it better to only take what the bike says? (as i have been doing)

Iknowsaur

So is it better to only take what the bike says? (as i have been doing)

That would most likely be more accurate.

bwogilvie

Yes, the MFP database tends to overstate calories. I have a fairly accurate GPS/HRM for cycling (a Garmin Edge 800, which I've been using for over 3 years), and its calorie estimates are 25-50% lower than MFP's.

IrishGabriella

I go by the MFP estimate as it knows my weight & height whereas the bike doesn't. But I try not to eat back all the calories earned as ppl say MFP overestimates. I do an hour at vigorous (+35 kph) about 3 or 4 times a week depending on the week. I haven't thought about upping the intensity though.
I have ordered a heart rate monitor to try and calculate the calories burned more accurately.

scubasuenc

I have an exercise bike and also use my HRM. I find the exercise bike also overstates calories compared to the HRM, but the exercise is closer than MFP.

The only thing I have found MFP to be pretty close on is walking on a treadmill at the stated mph. Even my walks outside don't match because my pace changes and there are hills.

sijomial

If the bike measures power (e.g. watts or kilojoules) then it may be fairly accurate. If it doesn't it's just an estimate - like MFP is an estimate - like a heart rate monitor is an estimate....

Unless you are using your exercise bike standing up your weight doesn't have a huge amount to do with how many calories are burned unlike weight bearing exercises: walking or running for example.

Just pick one or the other or take a mid-point.

SezxyStef

To give perspective on this...

I do a fitnessblender workout 2x a week...it's 23mins long and it gives a range for that workout...

anywhere between 164-258...that range is dependent on age, height, weight, effort etc...hence the range...MFP when I type in 23mins of circut training gives me 274....

This is why when asked this question most responders say eat back 50-75% of the calories you have burned...just to be safe.

Velum_cado

Yeah, when I started using a HRM I discovered that MFP was generally giving me double the calories burned. I've found MFP is more accurate for walking, but still a bit high. Don't rely on what the site is telling you.