Elliptical calories burned. Is the real?????

swiftyoung

I have been using the MFP calculator to enter my exercises and the numbers don't match. I enter my weight on the elliptical machine and the number is much less on the machine, which should I use? I have checked other websites to verify elliptical calories burned and they mirror those provided by MFP.

swiftyoung

I have been using the MFP calculator to enter my exercises and the numbers don't match. I enter my weight on the elliptical machine and the number is much less on the machine, which should I use? I have checked other websites to verify elliptical calories burned and they mirror those provided by MFP.

FloridaGranny

You really need a Heart Rate Monitor...... they are more accurate than the machine settings and they work for YOU. Also a great motivator.

MrsTomy

If the machine asks your weight I go for the machine because it knows how fast you were really going and on what level of intensity. If it doesn't ask for weight I go with MFP! Hope that helps!

Alisha28

I would say the machine is accurate if you put your weight and you might be going slower than MFP thinks you are. My machine always says more than MFP but I still go with the less just in case you know.....


Alisha:happy:

nopogal

I've heard that newer machines (like the elliptical) tend to overestimate how many calories you burn. I would error on the side of caution.

astarte09

I just go with the lower and only eat that...haha :laugh: Im too afriad to over eat!

MisoSoup79

If the machine asks your weight I go for the machine because it knows how fast you were really going and on what level of intensity. If it doesn't ask for weight I go with MFP! Hope that helps!

I have to agree with this, because each brand of machine is different... so level 5 for example may be a higher intensity on one machine than on another and calories will be calculated according to the individual machine AND the intensity you work on it... And if you were doing intervals, the machine would account for that, but the database would not...

If you're worried that the machine gave you too many calories burned, maybe cut it by a third.

ckroys

I use what the machine tells me because it's a more personal account of what you're doing. I think MFP's calculations are averaged because they wouldn't know what level you're using or how fast you're going. That's just me, but I just feel like it's more taylored to my personal experience.

PolarQueen

I did the elliptical today and Dumb me I forgot my polar at home. My darling kids had me running ragged this morning. I will go back tomorrow with my polar and will see the difference. So I will check in with you tomorrow. And we will see. Today for 45 min. it said 381 cal. But that is on the lowest level.
I got a free trial week at a gym and today was my first day. Until tomorrow. Melissa

PolarQueen

Okay this is what I found. But I am sure every elliptical is different. I did 45 like I posted before with 381 calories. Today I did 40 minutes with 478 calories burned with my polar. A HRM is the best way to go. Good luck . Melissa

goochinator

According to my HRM, MFP can be off by like 200-300 calories in one workout. MFP gives me WAY more calories burned than my polar does, so for me at least, MFP calorie burn is not accurate.