DIfferent numbers from exercise machine and MyFitnessPal

rosemarievaskiss

Why is it that when I exercise at gym the machine calculates that I burned a lesser amount of calories than when I input it and record it on myfittnesspal website. For example, 30 mins in stationary bike is more or less about 300 calories burned, and the machine only says 100. I don't get it. Which do I go by? I'm wondering if the machine is broken, because I don't think its accurately reading my heart rate either. Any ideas how I can maybe do some cardio here at home? maybe jump rope? and how long? crunches? anyone?
Thanks!

hroderick

Heart rate monitor is the only way to get accuracy. Anything else is a guess.

I find the machines at gym and MFP way too generous.

I do an hour on the treadmill with HRM and put 40 minutes into MFP to get right calories.

This makes it very easy to overeat if you are eating your exercise calories and not accurate in your measurements.

AZKristi

I would go with what the machine says. You can burn 300 calories by riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes, but you have to crank up the resistance and increase your rpm.

ChristineM1953

The machines at the gym are not completely accurate, even if you put in your weight and age. They are more accurate that way, but still way off. I have a heart rate monitor, and the gym treadmill is about half of what I actually burn with my heart rate monitor.

The machines are only actually measuring your heart rate when you hold on to the bar, or whatever is taking your pulse. The rest is just calculated. MFP is calculated based on the "norm", then I think they overestimate it.

If you are serious about calories burned. a heart rate monitor with a chest strap is the only truly accurate way to monitor them.

Hanna82

I read online to take what the machine says and deduct 10 to 15% from that number and that's about right.