Is the calorie count correct? Biking vs jogging

RoxyLDN

I like biking and doing spinning in the gym. MFP says that doing 30 min of spinning I burn 237 calories, and I burn 271 calories biking for 30 minutes on a moderate pace. This seems quite a lot to me. Do you think thi is correct?

MFP says that Running (jogging), 6 mph, for 30 minutes burns 339 calories. To me jogging for 30 minutes is much more demanding than doing spinning for 30 minutes (i.e. now I wouldn't be able to run for 30 minutes!). I think this is just because I'm much more used to biking and spinning than jogging, but doesn't this have an effect in the calories burned?

So the main question is: do I burn less calories doing X exercise once I'm used to it (and it becomes less demanding)?

Thanks for your help!

iamlottiebee

I guess the most accurate way to find the difference between the two exercises would be to use a HRM and compare the calories burned between the 2 after the fact?

Assuming you're the same weight, cycling (or running) the same distance at the same pace, I would think you would burn the same calories irrespective of your body being used to it or not (it just gets easier to do, so you can push harder and burning more). But if any of those variables alter even a little, then the calorie burn will change, also.

But I'm no expert...

commotionstrange

bump!

RoxyLDN

Thanks for your reply kiwigirl! :-) Makes sense.
Yes, I guess that the most accurate would be to use a HRM, but I don't have one. Are there cheap reliable ones?

lambertj

Best money I spent was on a Polar FT4 - about $75. It really shows you how off the MFP and machine settings are for calories burned. It comes with a chest strap and is very easy to use. I used to take a basic calculation of 100 calories per mile but have found that I was burning more than that. I have also tested it against treadmills and stairmasters and found both machines to be off.

madmickie

Reckon on 100-120 per mile jogging regardless of speed. Cycling on a stationary bike will be a lot less - depends on resistance, cadence etc. But at a comfortable sustainable pace i would estimate about 50 per mile max. I wouldnt get hung up on it - as long as your weight is going in the right direction

Cheval13

MFP accounts for far too low calories, especially for runners. Spinning and bicycling are less impact, but aerobically just as difficult. A HRM would help you determine more accurately calories burned, but I agree that they are a luxury.