How do I know which calorie calculator is correct when it co

Ashley8993
Ashley8993 Posts: 7
in Fitness and Exercise
I am relatively clueless when it comes to the calculation of calories burned from working out. I always just go by what the machine says(if it has a calorie tracker) or by what some random generator says on the internet. I used someone else's data to log my exercise for today, which was just some cardio, and then went online to find a calories burned tracker to see if the numbers added up... they didn't.

Anyone have an suggestions as far as sites with exercise calorie counters?

Replies

  • stablesong
    stablesong Posts: 224
    I use the machine, but only if I set my weight. MFP can't know how fast/slow or how hard you're going, or factor in variations. Heart rate monitors are supposed to be pretty accurate but they're a but expensive.
  • krissypea79
    krissypea79 Posts: 362 Member
    I used to use the number on the machine, with my weight and age entered in, but then I got the Polar FT4 heart rate monitor...I realize there are different factors that come into play, but if you don't want to buy a HRM, and you want to be safe, I'd subtract 20-30 calories from whatever # the machine says - that is about the amount of discrepancy I've seen between the machine and my HRM. It's better to under-estimate than to go over, in my opinion! :smile:
  • Ashley8993
    Ashley8993 Posts: 7
    When I use the eliptical I can use the machine, but I can't use the eliptical anymore because my feet fall asleep. And the treadmills at my rec. center don't have a calorie counter. And yes, a heart rate monitor would be ideal, but way too expensive for me right now.

    Thanks
  • dalygirl_2010
    dalygirl_2010 Posts: 95
    I finally broke down and bought a heart rate monitor, and boy is my world changing... I have to work out harder and longer to get the burn I THOUGHT I was getting before, but it is worth it!!!
  • solskinnzombie
    solskinnzombie Posts: 122 Member
    I go by the machine at my gym. It has a heart rate monitor and fluctuate calories burned based on how hard i use it verses resistance levels. I try to just not eat all my excersize cals back so there is room for error.
  • Ashley8993
    Ashley8993 Posts: 7
    Seems like the common theme is a heart rate monitor. If that's the best way to go, then does anyone have a suggestion as to which brand has the best price to quality ratio?

    :smile:
  • ruby_red_rose
    ruby_red_rose Posts: 321 Member
    Heart rate monitors are generally more accurate compared to machines or websites. Consider getting one.
  • krissypea79
    krissypea79 Posts: 362 Member
    A lot of people on here (myself included) use the Polar FT4 (about $50, try amazon.com). You wear a chest strap that transmits your HR to your watch. It tracks calories burned, duration and heart rate. I love it and I find it pushes me to do even more, and to try different activities to see what the burn will be!! Worth EVERY penny!

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