Calories Burned on Machine vs. MFP?

mmmskyler

I was wondering if anyone has encountered the difference in calories burned between the machine and MFP?

For example, I will do an elipitical circuit and the machine will read 180 calories burned at the end of my 20 minute segment. But, when I log the activity in MFP, the automatic calorie burn is much higher-sometimes double.

Which is more correct? Thanks, in advance!

acpgee

At my weight neither is accurate. According to my HRM, my typical 65 minute workout targeting a heart of 140 burns just under 500. According to the machine I burn around 750. MFP says 926. Way inflated.

mmmskyler

What HRM do you use? I don't have one, and wonder if it really is worth it? The ones I see highly reviewed are quite pricey.

lsorci919

At my weight neither is accurate. According to my HRM, my typical 65 minute workout targeting a heart of 140 burns just under 500. According to the machine I burn around 750. MFP says 926. Way inflated.

I second this. Although I use my body media arm band. For 30 minutes on the elliptical, MFP gives me 286, my elliptical barely gives me 200 but my armband gives me around 240 to 260 depending on the effort I put in.

acpgee

I have a Polar FT4, which is one of the cheapest, most basic models. Just make sure you get one with a chest strap because they ae meant to be more accurate. Or if you can borrow one for session you will know what multiplier to apply to the machine reading. If I forget my HRM I take 60% of the machine reading on the elliptical.

princessnuriko

I second the FT4. You can get it off of Amazon for a pretty good price. I'll upgrade after it dies on me.

I have a Polar FT4, which is one of the cheapest, most basic models. Just make sure you get one with a chest strap because they ae meant to be more accurate. Or if you can borrow one for session you will know what multiplier to apply to the machine reading. If I forget my HRM I take 60% of the machine reading on the elliptical.

Mel1509

I'd also go with the FT4, completely worth the expense

mmmskyler

Thank you, everyone! That is the one I was looking at. I appreciate all of your help! Have a great weekend!

Iknowsaur

Eep, as a side note, I would trust the machine before I trust MFP until you get your hands on a HMR.
MFP is notorious for over-estimating burns!

allana1111

I think machine is more accurate, because MFP doesn't know the intensity/speed that we do. But I can use 3 different ellipticals and they'll all read that I burned bout the same

Celestie06

It's weird because I have the reverse problem! The calories burned given by the machine are always much higher than the calories burned calculated by MFP ! I decided to always use the MFP estimations as I don't want to overestimate my calories expenses but it's quite confusing sometimes !

Mandi5Dogs

I have the same issue. However, as I lost weight the MFP calories went down and the calories from the machines went up. I bought a Polar HRM to try and figure where I really am, it was a shock to find the HRM had me at about 200 calories less than either for an hour on the elliptical. Ugh.... I have since read an article here, that discusses the difference and the LIVESTRONG website has an article that describes the same. I now just go by the HRM, which I record in the Notes and don't worry about the machine or MFP.

nikkylyn

IIm guessing they both are wrong. MFP for me is always higher. But I dont really care what the number says. I eat on the higher end anyways so its all gooood!! Maybe get a hrm or something.

mmmskyler

Thank you, everyone! HRM it is!

EddieHaskell97

kirstylewis16

I hate my machine, I do 30mins on elliptical and 7km but machine says 80cals and mfp says high 200s. Hope I burn more than a chocolate bar or whats the point haha

AMNimlos

I would always err on the smaller number, that way you're not overeating calories.

mschicagocubs

Eep, as a side note, I would trust the machine before I trust MFP until you get your hands on a HMR.
MFP is notorious for over-estimating burns!

Agreed, go by the machine until you get a HRM.

If the machine has a HRM monitor it will also be more accurate.

40andFindingFitness

I go with the numbers on my HRM. It may show that my numbers are somewhat lower than MFP but MFP isn't strapped to my chest either. As long as I see results I'm not going to stress about it.

mmmskyler

Eep, as a side note, I would trust the machine before I trust MFP until you get your hands on a HMR.
MFP is notorious for over-estimating burns!

Agreed, go by the machine until you get a HRM.

If the machine has a HRM monitor it will also be more accurate.

I do go by the machine for now. I just ordered a HRM, so that will make a difference.

Thanks!

Celestie06

Eep, as a side note, I would trust the machine before I trust MFP until you get your hands on a HMR.
MFP is notorious for over-estimating burns!

Agreed, go by the machine until you get a HRM.

If the machine has a HRM monitor it will also be more accurate.

Yeah but what is MFP show a lower calorie burned than the machine? ^^
I can't offered a HRM, it's too expensive for me

lsorci919

I hate my machine, I do 30mins on elliptical and 7km but machine says 80cals and mfp says high 200s. Hope I burn more than a chocolate bar or whats the point haha

LOL My elliptical does this too! 10 minutes in and it says I've burned 30 calories! butttttttt thats why I do by my armband which is usually around 2x or 3x that.

suejenfb

I got a Waho chest strap that syncs to my iPhone. I love it, it maps my walks & bike rides as well as keeping track of my HR.