Question about the elliptical..

xneurocentric

Hey guys and gals!

So, I have a question. Today, I went on the elliptical for my usual 30 minute workout before I go home for the day (my gym is on my college campus). I used a different elliptical machine today (there are maybe 3 different kinds) mainly because it had a nice TV attached to it and I wanted to watch something on the screen for a change. It asked for my weight, which I put in, and then it asked me to press a exercise option. I picked "calorie goal" and then start. The path on the screen gave me something pretty flat, then it ramped up, and stayed at a high peak for about 90% of the workout, and then it trailed down again. When I was finished, the machine said I burned 700 calories.

Something like that is unheard of for me. I've been working out for about 3 weeks now, and on the other elliptical I use regularly, I run for 30 minutes at a Level 5 resistance and switch to a Level 8 resistance for two minutes every 10 or so. The path is always flat, but at the Level 5 resistance I'm probably running at a full clip, especially when a good song hits my iPod. At the end of those runs, I burn (according to the machine) 320 calories, roughly.

So, which one is correct? I tend to try and take the number it tells me with a grain of salt, as I never know how accurate these machines are, but 700 calories seems like so much. I'm really new to consistently working out and logging the burned calories, so if there's anyone who can give me some guidance, it'd be much appreciated! Thanks!

chchchangess

I never assume I'm going to get an accurate reading from the elliptical machine when I use it. I'd say, see what MFP says the calorie burn is for how long you worked out, and go by that instead.

xneurocentric

I never assume I'm going to get an accurate reading from the elliptical machine when I use it. I'd say, see what MFP says the calorie burn is for how long you worked out, and go by that instead.

MFP usually keeps the numbers rather high themselves, so I'm guessing the elliptical I used today was a bit more accurate. I just never thought I could burn THAT many calories. Maybe it's my weight, so I burn more?

JakkiCarter

For me, MFP usually runs the numbers low when it comes to logging a workout on the elliptical. I do see different numbers when I use different machines, but I just trust what the machine tells me. 700 calories does seem extensive for a 30 minute workout on the elliptical, even on a high level. I would just use the number MFP generates.