Pedometer vs Elliptical Test

zenithfern
zenithfern Posts: 19
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
So today I decided to test out the breast cancer awareness pedometer vs elliptical machine and this is what I got for 60 min of workout (Including my cooldown):
Elliptical: 593 cal / 7798 strides (About 135-145 strides and 10-11 cal per min at peak)

Pedometer: 286.4 kcal / 8590 strides / 2.308 miles (3.71 Km)

Keep in mind that the pedometer is a real cheapo and just clips to your waist. It accounts for weight and approx stride length in inches. The elliptical machine calculates cal per min based on weight and age and calculates your strides with those variables. So the question is, which one should I trust to calculate my workouts?

Replies

  • 2fit4fat
    2fit4fat Posts: 559 Member
    Personally i wouldnt trust either... Pedometers are for steps not ellipticals and are known for being off for thst reason BUT ellipticals are famous for ovet estimating. Id go buy a descent hrm for 50 bucks if j really want a better idea
  • 2fit4fat
    2fit4fat Posts: 559 Member
    Also the pedometer doesnt take into account age, height male or female etc according to you... All pretty key for accuracy
  • zenithfern
    zenithfern Posts: 19
    The thing is, being a student I don't want to go out and purchase a hrm just to more accurately approximate my cal burned per workout. In all honesty, I can easily take my pulse to make sure I'm in my target zone. I've tried downloading apps on my phone to get a decent readout hrm but they all fail unfortunately. I just feel like there is a vary large disparity betweent the two. Should I just add the elliptical readout to my exercise log and only eat back half the cals since it's an overestimated number to begin with? (I make sure to edit mfp's readout for elliptical cals burned because it's generally lower than what the elliptical gives me).

    Anyways, I just thought I'd share the experience.
  • sizzlinoverthefat
    sizzlinoverthefat Posts: 136 Member
    The thing is, being a student I don't want to go out and purchase a hrm just to more accurately approximate my cal burned per workout. In all honesty, I can easily take my pulse to make sure I'm in my target zone. I've tried downloading apps on my phone to get a decent readout hrm but they all fail unfortunately. I just feel like there is a vary large disparity betweent the two. Should I just add the elliptical readout to my exercise log and only eat back half the cals since it's an overestimated number to begin with? (I make sure to edit mfp's readout for elliptical cals burned because it's generally lower than what the elliptical gives me).

    Anyways, I just thought I'd share the experience.

    I would use MFP cal and not be concerned with eating the cals back:ohwell:
  • zenithfern
    zenithfern Posts: 19
    So use the MFP's approx cal burned per workout without editing the numbers to what the machine says? And just not eat back those burned calories? Is that what you are sugguesting sizzlinoverth? Anyone else care to weight in on is?
  • nmj1988
    nmj1988 Posts: 65 Member
    I personally go by what mfp says, my elliptical says i burn over 1000 cals sometiems during my 60 mins workout lol. its likes, wow i knew i went hard, but NOT THAT HARD lol. I know im probably close to 400-600 cals burned, in and around there, I try not to eat my calories back, because even with the food, im just guessing the size etc..
  • cjaharmon
    cjaharmon Posts: 46 Member
    What I do is follow the machine. It calculated by age, weight, and intensity of level. I just don't eat back every calorie. If I work out i make sure I reach at least my goal for the day and maybe 100 or 150 calories (which equates to an extra snack). It's worked and I don't sweat the small stuff.
  • RAFValentina
    RAFValentina Posts: 1,231 Member
    I burn about 700 kCal an hour according to my HRM for weighing 70Kg, Av HR Around 155 BPM probably do about 12.5Km on elliptical on level 15, female and RHR of about 49, Max about 190.
  • sizzlinoverthefat
    sizzlinoverthefat Posts: 136 Member
    yes that is what i'm saying.
  • sizzlinoverthefat
    sizzlinoverthefat Posts: 136 Member
    So use the MFP's approx cal burned per workout without editing the numbers to what the machine says? And just not eat back those burned calories? Is that what you are sugguesting sizzlinoverth? Anyone else care to weight in on is?

    yes that is what i'm saying.
    I've come to the conclusion that HRM's, "machines" and MFP will all be estimates. They're not going to be as accurate as one would want them to be. MFP is for support not meant to be exact but a tool to help you on the way. Since I've come to this enlightenment, I've decided to use MFP calories and not be concerned with what the other "stuff" has. So that said I will continue to record what I eat and what excersie I do. Again MFP is a tool to use for approximate ie questimates.
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