Accuracy of Elliptical/ Treadmill

Fitnesstracker2234
Fitnesstracker2234 Posts: 17
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all!

I have read in quite a few articles that the number of calories burned shown on ellipticals and treadmills aren't always accurate. How inaccurate are they? I enter in my weight and age when I use the equipment, but the machine doesn't take into account how fit you are or how much of your weight is muscle vs fat. How can I judge how many calories I have actually burned and enter them into my exercise diary on here and have it be accurate?

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • ME0172
    ME0172 Posts: 200
    Get a HRM. The numbers in MFP and on the machines are generic. Nobody can tell you how far off they are until you use a HRM.

    For me, for example, the stationary bike will say I've burned 280 calories in 30 minutes, MFP will say 310 and my HRM will say 345. If you're eating back your calories get a HRM. If you're not, then it doesn't matter anyway. :)
  • sbarella
    sbarella Posts: 713 Member
    In my experience the treadmill count is on the high side but not that bad (calculating calories spent while walking or running is relatively easy) but the elliptical is way off.
    An HRM would be useful, but trial and error is cheaper: start by eating back 75% of your exercise calories for a couple of weeks and readjust if you see that you have lost less/more weight than you expected.

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