MFP calories VS. Equipment Calories.

TLCorsini

Alright, one thing I've noticed that I can't understand is why when I log my exercise on MFP the calories burned are always much higher than the machine says I've burned. I always log what the machine says but I'm curious if that's correct or if I'm the only one??

graveflower316

I've noticed this too. Even when my intensity level is logged properly, I've noticed I have to say I did less time just to keep up with what the machine says.

chasetwins

does your equipment take into consideration your age, weight, sex etc?

thatonepersonfromtheinternet

The machine doesn't factor in your weight. The heavier a person is, the more they burn so that's why MFP's database tracks it as more.
Personally, I tend to go by the number the machine provides when I do use it only because I do a variety of intensities at different elevations. I guess it eventually all comes down to personal preference .

karhunen

Most machines that I have used do not ask gender so that might be the difference. MFP already knows your age, gender, etc so I always go by what it lists for calories. When I do 45 min of elliptical it is pretty close though, only being off by 120 calories.

ATT949

Alright, one thing I've noticed that I can't understand is why when I log my exercise on MFP the calories burned are always much higher than the machine says I've burned. I always log what the machine says but I'm curious if that's correct or if I'm the only one??

Every calorie expenditure estimate, unless you're exercising with a mask strapped to your face (which I've done), is inaccurate. It's just a question of how inaccurate and how much $$ you're willing to part with to get less inaccurate data.

Exercise machines are, generally speaking, quite inaccurate, for understandable reasons one of which is that the formulas that are in use in the various machines are only accurate for whatever level of fitness and body type they've modeled. I have no doubt that they're accurate for that small percentage of people but, as your body and fitness level differ from "the model", calorie expenditure estimates must become more inaccurate.

Some of the entries in MFP's exercise database appear to be fairly accurate but, again, they're based on "some person" and if you're not that person, it's impossible for those formulas to be accurate.

As I see it, a good way to get a decent calorie estimate is using an HRM that estimates using heart rate, height, weight, and gender. All of the Garmin HRM's the end in -10 use heart rate to estimate calorie burns and, as I understand it, even the entry level 110 will get you to within 10 to 20% accuracy when it comes to calorie estimates. (I'm not pushing Garmin over an other brand it's just that I've been using their products for about 15 years and they're pretty good.)

TLCorsini

Im sure if I spent time trying to figure it out I would be able to log my height and weight mesurments into the machine but typically no they don't take that into consideration. If I were to listen to MFP I would have burned like 1,000 calories last night and that just seems wayyy off to me for a little over an hour of being on the elliptical??