calories burned

cassienewquist

Does anyone know if MFP has a built in calories burned calculator that goes off our stats? I am finding a significant difference in what the machine says (low) for calories burned vs. what is auto entered on this site. Example: 30 minutes on elliptical at level 2-3 going 2.0 MPH the machine shows about 150 calories burned, where as MFP says more like 400+. I am at my target heart rate for weight loss during the work-out also. Any help/advice?

p.s. and I entered my weight on the machine

Timshel_

Just posted in the another thread about calorie burn and guestimates of deveices and websites. I'll just repost my comment here and see what other thinks about MFP numbers. For me, the MFP numbers seem a bit higher than other numbers I get. Not too much, but as I mention below, I usually grab the lowest nubmers to keep myself honest.

"...depends on your weight, effort, and the exercise of choice. And you really have to watch the source you count calories by. For instance, check out this chart:

http://www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist3.htm

For me, those numbers are WAAAAAY off from the reality of calorie burn according to my heart rate monitor and fitness watch. Accroding to that, on my runs I burn around 550 calories in 55 minutes coverging 5 miles. So I average about 90 calories per mile walking 15 minute miles and up to 120 cal per mile running 10 minute miles.

Cardio machines are just as bad at times.

I tend to take the lowest number of them all and try to work harder. If it is estimating really low, all the better for me. "

BoxingChick

I only rely on my heart rate monitor.....and MFP is always higher and my HRM.

jacksonpt

MFP is likely to be the least accurate. Cardio machines and HRMs probably have similar accuracy rates.... machines more accurate for basic activities (walking, running, stationary bike, eliptical), HRMs probably more accurate for "non-standard" activities (zumba, kickboxing, classes, etc).

cassienewquist

Thanks everyone! I also feel more comfortable going with the lower number so I am keeping things realistic. Just means I am going to have to work harder, more often. I am just starting the exercise part of my healthy lifestyle changes, so I will gradually build up to longer, more strenuous workouts!