Calculating Burned Calories

babbgirl1975
babbgirl1975 Posts: 36 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Question: I notice that on this site it shows I've burned more calories than the machines at the gym do. Is this because this site takes my weight into consideration & the machines don't? I've heard the heavier you are the more calories you burn cause your kinda working harder. I know it feels like it but I don't want to get credit for burning more calories than I actually am!

Replies

  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Actually most people find the MFP values are on the generous side. But the machines at the gym aren't that accurate either. best bet, if you are eating your exercise calories and have to get it as close as possible, is to invest in a heart rate monitor (HRM)
  • therealangd
    therealangd Posts: 1,861 Member
    Actually most people find the MFP values are on the generous side. But the machines at the gym aren't that accurate either. best bet, if you are eating your exercise calories and have to get it as close as possible, is to invest in a heart rate monitor (HRM)

    This exactly.
  • 970Mikaela1
    970Mikaela1 Posts: 2,013 Member
    Mfp has been spot on with me in most thinks, walking at different speeds mfp is Right on .....Hiking off by about 35 % ish, Thats about all ive checked with my hrm tho....
  • SirBeechBum
    SirBeechBum Posts: 28
    Great question!!! I always wondered this too...
  • chickentunashake
    chickentunashake Posts: 164 Member
    You need to get a heart rate monitor and then you can calculate the calories based on your average heart rate and the time you worked out
  • babbgirl1975
    babbgirl1975 Posts: 36 Member
    I try not to eat my calories earned from exercise if I can help it. I may dip into a few but that's it. I do want to invest in a HRM soon. Thanks for the input!
  • juliegin
    juliegin Posts: 77 Member
    Calories burned on MFP are usually less than what my elliptical will read out, so I'm assuming its taking weight into consideration. I usually lowball it anyway just to be conservative. I hope to invest in a Polar HRM within a few months though!
  • babbgirl1975
    babbgirl1975 Posts: 36 Member
    Calories burned on MFP are usually less than what my elliptical will read out, so I'm assuming its taking weight into consideration. I usually lowball it anyway just to be conservative. I hope to invest in a Polar HRM within a few months though!

    Hopefully I can get myself a HRM as well. I've noticed from posts on my profile that MFP is probably more accurate. MFP usually shows I've burned a considerate amount more than the machine I use. I'm guessing that it may vary considering the gym & machines. I will stick with what MFP says for now anyway. I try not to eat my calories burned anyway so it shouldn't make alot of difference!

    Thanks for the opinions everyone :flowerforyou:

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