We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

App vs machine calories

emom3boys
emom3boys Posts: 84 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I just downloaded an app that has many reviews for being reliable. It had me put in my weight to figure out calories. Then I hopped on my stationary bike to see how it compared to the settings, and it only took 6 min on the app to burn 100 calories, while the bike was close to 22 minutes. The app seems to calculate calories burned like MFP does, at least it's a closer number. My bike is always about a 1/3 of on here. What numbers do I use? Thank you!

Replies

  • iLoveMyPitbull1225
    iLoveMyPitbull1225 Posts: 1,690 Member
    i go off of what the machine says no matter what. I think that MFP quantities are based soley on user entries and you cant always count on that being accurate for you.
  • twinmom01
    twinmom01 Posts: 854 Member
    I would go with the bike...

    I have a lower calorie burn on the bike vs something like an elliptical or an arc trainer according to my HRM...
  • emom3boys
    emom3boys Posts: 84 Member
    That makes sense. Thanks. Guess the main thing would be to plan on the low end and if I'm really doing more then it is a bonus.
  • ScubyUK
    ScubyUK Posts: 271 Member
    Get a KiFit (UK) or a Bodybugg (US) if you have the means. That will tell you for certain how much you are burning.
  • Misslisat
    Misslisat Posts: 203 Member
    I plan to always go by what the machine says. And if I'm outside riding a bike, then I refer what the stationary bike might say compared to the mph I'm going, etc. Same with walking outside vs. inside. If I can do a 20 minute mile on the treadmill and I time myself outside, I'm doing roughly the same in and out. The only thing not figured in is the incline I use (normally 11-12%).
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I just downloaded an app that has many reviews for being reliable. It had me put in my weight to figure out calories. Then I hopped on my stationary bike to see how it compared to the settings, and it only took 6 min on the app to burn 100 calories, while the bike was close to 22 minutes. The app seems to calculate calories burned like MFP does, at least it's a closer number. My bike is always about a 1/3 of on here. What numbers do I use? Thank you!

    Neither the ap nor the machine are likely to be accurate .... neither one can guage your current fitness level. A heart rate monitor compares your resting heart rate with your exertion heart rate. It also factors in age & gender.

    Go with the lowest number ... if you are relatively fit .... it's at least closer.
This discussion has been closed.