Do cardio machines inflate calories burned?

musetta460

Hi all,
I was working out on the elliptical today. The machine said that I burned 430 calories. My heart rate monitor watch says 270. My heart rate was not that high (110-125) but I was on the machine for 50 minutes. Do the cardio machines inflate the calories burned? I would think the companies have an incentive to possibly inflate the numbers -- not sure. I know that the machine was picking up my heart rate from my transmitter.

Have others encountered this phenomenon?
I logged the lower number to be conservative

Cheers,
L

m0nster2

I think both numbers might be off - 270 seems way too low for 50 minutes but elliptical machines do tend to overinflate. I checked sparkpeople and self magazine calculators. Self magazine (http://www.self.com/calculatorsprograms/calculators/caloriesburned/elliptical_trainer/result?weightPounds=140&duration=50&activity=&met=6.5&submit=) says that 140 pound woman exercising with moderate effort would burn 361 calories.

Anthonydaman

You were moving for close to an hour, the calorie burn might not be that far off. I generally round down on these things just to stay safe. Good Work BTW!

wolfchild59

From what I've read, most exercise machines are designed to give calorie counts that closer to men's numbers. Though they're being calibrated more often now days for a median between men and women, but either way, they'd still both be a little high for women.

That said, I agree that your HRM seems low. I used to do the elliptical at resistance 9 and 5, in two minute intervals and I'd burn closer to 350-375 for that period of time. I don't get up to the 500 cal range for 50 minutes unless it's running or the ARC trainer.

beckylawrence70

Go by the HRM.....always

salxtai

They can over- or undershoot, no set rule.
For me, eliptical / bike underestimate my burn by around 40cal.

ninerbuff

Unless you know for sure they are calibrated every day, then don't trust a cardio machines readouts.


A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

EBFNP

Usually every machine at my gym is consistent. However, I usually -200 calories or so from the actual read out especially if it felt easy.

chattipatty2

Hi all,
I was working out on the elliptical today. The machine said that I burned 430 calories. My heart rate monitor watch says 270. My heart rate was not that high (110-125) but I was on the machine for 50 minutes. Do the cardio machines inflate the calories burned? I would think the companies have an incentive to possibly inflate the numbers -- not sure. I know that the machine was picking up my heart rate from my transmitter.

Have others encountered this phenomenon?
I logged the lower number to be conservative

Cheers,
L

Go with HRM. If it's a little low, don't worry. Rather be low than too high if your zeroing out at the end of the day. Check the battery. and if you have a strap around your chest, dont forget to wet those probes if indicated. I have the ft7 and I am supposed to wet the probes. Good burn! Keep it up!!