Elliptical calorie burn disparity

Amy3935
Amy3935 Posts: 94 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi there - I've been working out alot on the elliptical machine over the past month because I want exercise and calorie reduction to work together to my weight loss.
What confuses me is that the amount of calories the elliptical says I've burned is usually very different from what MFP says. My average workout is about 40 minutes, a little under 2 miles, and the machine says I've burned about 480 calories, while MFP says I've burned closer to 580.
I'm 5'2" and about 215 pounds. Which is more accurate??

Thanks!

Replies

  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    Both seem quite high
  • MikeLAdams
    MikeLAdams Posts: 40
    In my opinion, all fitness machines and MFP overestimate calorie burn, and they are inaccurate unless they have heart rate information anyhow. That's why I just ordered a heart rate monitor. There is also this site for a better calculation: http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/calculators/heart-rate-based-calorie-burn-calculator.aspx
    You may want to scroll down and then calculate your net calorie burn (the calories from the exercise only, not including normal metabolism).
  • kmash32
    kmash32 Posts: 275 Member
    Something to keep in mind is that MFP does not take into account speed or resistance whereas the actual machine does. If you truly want to know what calories you are burning you need an HRM.
  • alaskamatteson
    alaskamatteson Posts: 95 Member
    My machine says I burn 100 while MFP says 220...
  • DayByDayGetStronger
    DayByDayGetStronger Posts: 108 Member
    My best advice is to get a heart rate monitor if you REALLY want some accuracy in your workouts. I bought (for all its great reviews) the Polar FT60 from Amazon for about $120. No, I'm not getting kick backs or anything, but I'm a Registered Dietitian and have done some extensive research on calories measuring during exercising.

    Here's what I've learned from my trainer and online. My trainer has a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy/Kinesiology, BTW. He says to never really trust what the cardio equipment estimates as your calories expenditure. They are never calibrated and even when they are brand-spanking new, they never account for your body fat %, or fitness level, your resting heart rate, gender, or race.

    I tested my Polar FT60 against the ellipticals at the gym (about 7 of them) and they varied from +50kcals to +120kcals, but it always OVER ESTIMATED my calories.

    MFP OVER ESTIMATES my calories too. But by 200+. The Polar FT60 has you enter in your height, weight, age, gender, and your resting heart rate. You find your resting heart rate by lying flat and calm and turn the monitor on while you're wearing the chest strap. I repeat this test about every 6 weeks since my endurance and fitness level is improving and I want the device to record as accurate as possible. I really love the FT60 because it also lets you know which "zone" you're in and gives you a summary of your workouts i.e. how many minutes you're in zone 1, 2 and 3 and your weekly totals. This total I compare to my goals I set on MFP and keeps me motivated to meet it.

    Whatever heart rate monitor you choose, Body Bug, Polar, etc. find one that meets your needs and is comfortable to wear. One note: the wrist monitors aren't as accurate as the chest strap kind according to my trainer.

    Good luck and I hope it will keep you motivated to workout..no matter how many calories you burn. Keep sweatin' :)
  • mebepiglet123
    mebepiglet123 Posts: 327 Member
    Yep I would suggest investing I a heart rate monitor.

Categories