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!

New Here- How accurate are the Calories Burned on MFP?

bre8199
bre8199 Posts: 10 Member
edited January 15 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm new here and they seem to be a lot higher than what the machine's at the gym say... by almost 200 calories. I am putting in my age and weight on the machines.

Thank you!

Replies

  • sgtrowley
    sgtrowley Posts: 246 Member
    Get your self a heart rate monitor. But yes, the website does seem to give you to much credit. When you log an activity, just "create your own", and enter the calories in yourself.
  • carlsoda
    carlsoda Posts: 3,431 Member
    Welcome! I agree, I don't believe the exercise calories are accurate at all. I have a fitbit and have it synced up and don't record any extra exercise. Before I had the fitbit, I used a heart rate monitor as it's more accurate. Good luck!
  • Microfiber
    Microfiber Posts: 956 Member
    I found out a couple of days ago. The calories burnt on my elliptical were much lower than what MFP stated :noway:
  • tooshee
    tooshee Posts: 14 Member
    I dont have a HRM, but i think that it's possible that MFP is not accurate. For 40min of aqua aerobics it gives just 160cal burn. I dont believe it's this low. So if you are looking for accurate calorie counting, get a HRM
  • 5stringjeff
    5stringjeff Posts: 790 Member
    If you're inputting your age/weight into the cardio machines, the calorie output is probably pretty accurate (within ~10%).

    If you need to calculate calories burned lifting, try this:
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/338469-how-to-calculate-calories-burned-weight-lifting/
  • bre8199
    bre8199 Posts: 10 Member
    Thank you everyone!!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories