Stairmaster vs. Elliptical?

JenCM

I have a Q for all the wiser than I people here.

I have been working on both a stairmaster and an elliptical machine during my workout sessions. I can't help but see a HUGE difference in the calories burned count on either. Now, I know neither is probably totally accurate, but I'm curious as to if it's probably accurate that I'm burning more on the stairmaster?

Here's what my numbers are looking like -

Elliptical - Resistance 14 of 20. I average 3.8 -4.0 mph or about 72-74 strides a minute. Using arm pumps whole time for 30 minutes = 240-260 calories burned.

Stairmaster - Highest resistance level - 12. I average about 3.8-4.2 floors per minute. Not leaning on the bars, just keeping my lower arms resting over them for a bit of balance if I need it. 30 minutes, 120 floors about = 760-800 calories burned.

Again, I know no machine is probably totally accurate, it depends on machine etc. But I'm just trying to get an idea here....I know I'm usually about 10 times more sweaty and worked feeling after the stairclimber than I ever am the elliptical. I might get out of breath a bit on the elliptical, but I never get where I just feel like I can't keep going.

Thoughts?

jonathandavid_t

So on the stairclimber, you feel it's harder work, you end up much more sweaty and "worked feeling", and it shows you've burnt more calories.

What's unusual there?

You could always set the elliptical to a higher resistance and run faster.

JenCM

It's not unusual...it's just I was asking because I've been told by many people that it's the opposite way around and whether I realize it or not I'm burning more on the elliptical. I was simply trying to get some weigh ins or opinions.