How accurate are gym machines??

theatregoddess

I did some cardio workout on an elliptical trainer today at the gym, and according to the machine I burned 372 cals after working for 33 mins. However, when I entered my exercise for the day through MFP, the automatic calculator said I only burned 280. The machine allowed me to enter my age (19) and weight (125lbs), so I am not sure if that makes it more accurate or not. Please tell me what you think, based on experience and knowledge.

Thanks!
~Nicole

mamacoe

check how long your heart rate was in the aerobic zone. should try and do interval workouts hitting aerobic and anaerobic areas 2-3x week other cardio days should stay in aerobic. talk test can you say your name, aerobic... pushing to say name anaerobic, name and address too easy or a recovery day. heart rates depend on age, frequency of workouts, gender, caffine, hydration and even meals. I have been a swim coach for 10 yrs, personal trainer for the last 15 yrs and group fitness instructor/manager for 15 yrs, 10 with gold's gym.

omid990

they're not accurate at all, and the number mfp gives you is better, but still not very accurate. i read in SHAPE to put in 10 pounds less than you really are and then subtract another 20% from the number the machine gives you.

the only truly accurate reading is from an HRM

theatregoddess

Well it said my heart rate lingered around 187bpm on average, while my highest reached 192bpm. I could indeed say my name, but I don't think that I could hold a conversation. Based on that, do you think the amount of cals that is said I lost was an accurate calculation? Thanks!

mamacoe

definitly more than the 280... probably 350, did you have the heart rate monitor that goes around your chest?
either way change up the cardio everyday and make sure you change which energy zone you work in as far as heart rate. consistancy is the key to your success
Hang in there you are young so now is the time to make the rest of your temple the best it can be for the future!
blessings to you

omid990

i entered your information in the following website:

http://www.braydenwm.com/calburn.htm

and i got this data:

Total Calories burned: 453.15

if you have your heart rate, then you can get much more accurate results from websites like the one i posted above.

theatregoddess

Thank you both very much, I appreciate the help and advise! I will try to pick up a HRM, but being a college student doesn't allow a lot of expenses. T-T

Thanks again!!
~Nicole