Elliptical

embracingashley

I can't run for another 2.5 weeks due to an appendectomy so I have been using the elliptical. Monday I did 3.25 miles is 36 minutes at Level 3 and MFP told me I burned 506 calories. Does that sound right? I mean I definitely felt like I did because i was a soaked, wobbly mess afterwards, but I don't want to have unrealistic expectations and be underwhelmed with my results.

jwdieter

You probably don't want to eat back 500 calories for half an hour on the elliptical.

spfldpam

It depends on what your weight is as to how many calories you burned. I can burn 300 calories on an elliptical machine at the gym in 30 minutes. I use a Polar HRM FT7 that has a chest strap. I can stay on any type of exercise equipment more than 30 minutes or I get really bored and have found that the elliptical machine burns the most calories for me in 30 minute period. I tried the stationery bike and treadmill and neither measured as good. I don't necessarily trust the machine readouts. Depends on how old the equipment is as to how accurate the HRM are on it and other measures of workouts.
Good luck!

embracingashley

Today I am 233.5 and I am 5'7"

Maybe I will just half whatever MFP says I burned, then I wont be disappointed.

spfldpam

The burn of 506 might be correct for your weight for that period of time. I am in the 130's at 5'4" and burn 300 cals in 30 minutes and get my heartrate up to 170 or more. I try not to get it up that high but it is hard not to push myself I guess. I have tried getting my heart rate up and then slowing down to lower it and then bringing it back up but according to my Polar FT7 HRM I don't see much difference except in the fitness and fat burn readouts.
Good luck!

Today I am 233.5 and I am 5'7"

Maybe I will just half whatever MFP says I burned, then I wont be disappointed.

skeo

The calories calculated from the machines is overestimated; it's best to have a HRM when trying to get an accurate kcal burn.