What fitness machines tell me I'm burning compared to what M

amac85

It seems to me that when I log my exercises in MFP it shows that I've burned a lot more calories than what the machine tells me I've burned. I'm assuming I should go with the machine...how do I fix that in MFP to show the correct calories burned?

swaymyway

This is the case for most online calculators, I find all massively over estimate how many calories I burn. The only way to know for sure is to get a heart rate monitor - always go with the results you get from that rather than the default ones, when you add exercise you can manually add the calories burned.

last_time11

I don't know how to sorry but I totally agree with you!

I think this website over estimates the calories burned hugely!

I cooked and scrubbed the house and it says I've burned over 700 calories... no way! if I had, I'd be a skinny *kitten* by now! lol

mavis11

From a few other things I have read, I get the impression that gym equipment is set for a 'generic' person and may not reflect you and the calories you are burning. That said, I adjust my MFP calories to those on the gym equipment for consistency. Its easier to track your fitness progress i.e. higher calorie burn for same amount of time.

keeponkickin

Just click on the box that shows your calories, delete it and plug in what the machine at the gym tells you. I never go by what MFP says. I wear my HRM at my gym and the machines there pick up my HRM and I get an accurate reading.

Sasha_Bear

You just enter it manually it lets you change the value and times, but I'd be willing to bet both are wrong if your not using a hrm with a chest strap.

annstan12

I think the only thing that is accurate is running and walking. I run 5 miles, and it says 504(I actually think it should be more) . But I used to do the ellipitical for an hour, and the machine told me I burned 800 cals. There is no way I burn 800 cals on the elliptical for 60 mins, but only 500 running 50 mins. So, I think a heart rate monitor is the way to go!

MayhemModels

Yup there high so i only eat back about 70% of my burned calories

Angela4Health

Neither the machine or the MFP is correct, you need an HRM.

shreyaj

I agree that MFP overcalculates calories burned on most things. When I use the treadmill I put my weight in so I can get accurate calories burned, you should input the machine calories escpecially if you are inputting your weight because that is more accurate. Like other's said a heart rate monitor will give you the most accurate readings, I'm looking into purchasing one myself and suprinsgly they are not very expensive I found a great one at walmart.com for under $50.00.

jaxxie

I always go with the machine, but sometimes I've noticed that it can be less on MFP vs. the machine. I notice too that when I work out at home my treadmill vs the one at the gym is says that I've burned more than the one at the gym says.. I think MFP is trying to make us feel better lol!:happy:

amac85

Yes, from what I'm reading it looks like I need to get a HRM. I'm not sure how many types/brands there are, or if it even matters, but can anyone suggest a HRM that they use and like?

MayhemModels

Get a HRM with the chest strap for the best readings

outersoul

I have a Polar FT7 that I love.

mavis11

Just out of interest, what HRM have people got? Cause I thought a lot of them relied on GPS and couldn't actually tell you the calories if you were at the gym...

amac85

Awesome! Thanks EVERYONE for their input!!!