How accurate is MFP?

TaraJ16

I know that a hrm is the best way to know what your burning, but if your going based by the net how do you know which is more accurate?

MFP calculates 467 cals burned for 30 mins on an elliptical
Spark people calculates 510 cals burned for 30 mins on the elliptical

MFP calculates 364 cals burned for 30 mins moderate effort on stationary bike
Spark people calculates 397 cals burned for 30 mins moderate effort on stationary bike

so how do i know which is more accurate?

bettersusan

I'd alway go with the more conservative number. If it's wrong, then I lose faster than expected. If the higher number is wrong and you went with it...well, it might get discouraging.

Good luck to you!

Susan

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tayner

the best, most accurate way is to invest in a heart rate monitor. Then there is no guesswork

RedHotRunner

I'd alway go with the more conservative number. If it's wrong, then I lose faster than expected. If the higher number is wrong and you went with it...well, it might get discouraging.

Good luck to you!

Susan

I would have to agree with this. I use the MFP numbers, but i think they may actually be a little on the low side for some things.

MFR1974

Wow..I only burn 120 calories/30 min on the elliptical...I use a Polar HRM. I think there are too many factors that can change how much you actually burn to use a chart!!!

MacMadame

I found that, compared to my HRM, MFP was high on most things, but low on a few things.

Now I just use a formula I found on the web that is supposed to be similar to what the HRM use. I put in my average HR -- from a HRM, if I wear one; from an average of what it normally is for that exercise, if I did not wear one -- and my VO2 Max.

BrendaLee

MFP seems to be pretty accurate for me.

Azdak

Elliptical trainers are the most difficult to standardize because they do not have standard movements or resistance. Therefore there is no way to calculate a standard energy (calorie) cost for the activity. If you want to use MFP logs, you can use the machine readout, an HRM readout, or a number from another source. You will have to determine through your results which method works best for you.

HRMs are good choices for cardiovascular activities that involve multiple movements or are unstructured, but they have their own shortcomings and should not be regarded as a "gold standard" by which all other methods are judged.