Calories Burned....

ConleighS
ConleighS Posts: 1,058 Member
edited January 10 in Fitness and Exercise
why is it there is such a huge difference in how many calories the machines say I burned vs. the database (example: I did 10 min on elliptical and 20 min on recumbent bike - machines show 186 cals combined, while the database would have it at like 500 cals) ? Just curious...

Replies

  • dietpepsi100
    dietpepsi100 Posts: 76 Member
    this is a tough one to answer. I borrowed a bodybugg from a friend to see how many calories I burned in a day. I can say this with the exercise I did and the other calories burned thourghout the day the machines are pretty close added to the other events of the day. That is if you are able to put your weight in ect. Here is a tip that I do. You will see people say they eat the calories they burn back. Unless I am hungery I never eat back my workout calories! It works for me. Good luck!
  • Tilran
    Tilran Posts: 627 Member
    why is it there is such a huge difference in how many calories the machines say I burned vs. the database (example: I did 10 min on elliptical and 20 min on recumbent bike - machines show 186 cals combined, while the database would have it at like 500 cals) ? Just curious...

    If you enter you age, weight, height into the machines and hold on to the heart rate sensor the whole time, you should get an accurate count of calories burned. An HRM is the perfect tool to tell.

    The figures on MFP were entered as an average but dont take in consideration your body stats or the intensity you did for the most part. For example, if I was doing 10 resistance at 180 steps per minute on elliptical for 60 minutes and you did 1 resistance at 160 steps per minute on elliptical for 60 minutes, I would burn far more calories then you, but we both log it as 60 minutes on here and get the same number. This is why heart rate and intensity is important in figuring that out.
  • ConleighS
    ConleighS Posts: 1,058 Member
    Thanks.... I don't eat them back either. Will just use what the machines say..... Have a great weekend.
  • ConleighS
    ConleighS Posts: 1,058 Member
    Makes sense now....thanks
  • CaitlynTheCop
    CaitlynTheCop Posts: 1 Member
    Best thing I can recommend is getting a heart rate monitor. One with a chest strap will give you the most accurate reading and it keeps great records of the calories you have burned. Be warned though, using the thing is addictive!
  • ConleighS
    ConleighS Posts: 1,058 Member
    Thanks Caitlyn, I have a HRM but it doesn't have a chest strap.....of course it also doesn't have working batteries either right now - LOL....
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