Stairmaster... feels like a better workout, but i'm burning

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What's the deal with the stairmaster? I feel like it's a super hard workout and i'm sweating like a wilder-beast, but in comparison of time vs. the treadmill, I don't burn nearly as many calories. Why is that??

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  • jnh17
    jnh17 Posts: 838 Member
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    I wonder that too. I do the stairclimber and feel like a Biggest Loser week 1 contestant...
  • myfitnessnmhoy
    myfitnessnmhoy Posts: 2,105 Member
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    First, how are you calculating calories? The calories based on this site are generally pretty fanciful (high or low) and seem to represent averages based on who entered them.

    Get a heart rate monitor that takes your age, etc, into consideration and calculate them yourself.

    If you're sweating like a wildebeest (do they actually sweat?) then you're probably burning off some calories, but heart rate is a good measure.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
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    Are you using a HRM? A stairmaster is technically cardio, but it is also strength training for your legs so perhaps a HRM doesn't tell the whole picture in this case?? (just a guess)