Equipment or MFP?

tators19

The elliptical I'm using says I burn roughly 600 calories after an hour on the elliptical. MFP says I burn over 800. Which is it?

Eric_DeCastro

I wouldn't trust either. get your self a Heart rate monitor even a cheap Polar FT7 (which I'm currently using) will give you a more accurate reading than the machine or MFP estimations. it's still an estimate but you input more info so the info is more accurate. if you ever plan on running outside in the future, spend the money and get a garmin forerunner 210 GPS enabled and heart rate monitor. (that's the one I'm going to get) but only if you plan on taking your work out, outside. other wise the Polar FT4 or FT7 will work just fine.

ModoVincere

I'd go with the lower number......and what matters is that you be consistent in working out, and if possible, using the same equipment so the numbers are consistent.
If, after a few weeks of using the eliptical (and other exercise) you aren't showing any progress, you can reduce your calorie intake or increase your workout intensity/time to burn more calories.
Any peice of equipment is going to give you an estimate...not the actual calories you burned.

TeaBea

The elliptical I'm using says I burn roughly 600 calories after an hour on the elliptical. MFP says I burn over 800. Which is it?

Calorie burn depends upon height, weight, age, gender, exertion level & more.

How much information does the machine have? MFP calorie burns are notoriously "generous." I would go with the machine....but unless you put some data in...that might be high as well.

A heart rate monitor works well for steady state cardio......use 1 number consistently with and see how it goes.

tators19

The elliptical has my age/weight/height - it doesn't factor in gender
I'll stick with the machine for now until I get personalized gear that's more individually accurate.