MFP vs. Elliptical vs. HRM

Mollie007
Mollie007 Posts: 73
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Has anyone used a HRM or Body Bugg or whatever when you're using an elliptical? When I am on the elliptical, I put in my age/weight and it gives me a readout of calories burned. However, they vary quite a bit from the calories listed on MFP. I have read on these forums before that MFP says you have burned more calories than you really burn. But what about the amount of calories the elliptical says I have burned? Are they accurate? I don't have a boydbugg or HRM, so I'm not sure how accurate the elliptical is. I have been logging what it says I have burned, but I'm nervous that it may be off too, like how MFP is. Does anyone know how accurate they are. It's a Precor elliptical machine, if that makes any difference. Thanks!

Replies

  • Effpcos
    Effpcos Posts: 350 Member
    I have a heart rate monitor (polar ft4), for 25mins on my elliptical- my elliptical says 95 cals (it's the sort you put in your weight, height etc), MFP said something like 250cal, and my heart rate monitor said 188. I'd say the heart rate monitor is the most accurate.
  • Mollie007
    Mollie007 Posts: 73
    Good to know that for you the elliptical was giving you less calories than actually burned. Better than overestimating! Anyone else?
  • Krizzle4Rizzle
    Krizzle4Rizzle Posts: 2,704 Member
    My HRM and my elliptical are usually pretty close to each other. MFP over estimates by A LOT!
  • Colleen790
    Colleen790 Posts: 813 Member
    Yes. I use an elliptical nearly every day. I would not put down what MFP say the calories are. Much too high. I got a HRM and am confident I'm getting an accurate calorie count.
  • lisha7997
    lisha7997 Posts: 185 Member
    I use a HRM as well and it's always less that MFP. I like using it because while working out I can see if I'm pushing myself enough. My elliptical doesn't read my heart rate correctly so this helps me keep track of my target zone.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    MFP's elliptical entry is probably among the worst in the entire database.

    If you enter walking, you can select between walking at 2mph and 4.5mph. If you enter running, you can select between 5mph and 11mph. Biking has ranges of leisurely, moderate, vigorous, etc. But elliptical is just elliptical, with no variables for resistance or pace.

    In other words, ignore it. It's as accurate as a broken clock. It might be right... twice a day.
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    For an hour, Mfp says like 1800, elliptical around 1400 and HRM about 950. I trust the HRM the most.
  • kevinvs
    kevinvs Posts: 17 Member
    bump for later reading
  • IMElektra
    IMElektra Posts: 65 Member
    Yeah. I used my HRM Polar FT7 and I believe that is the most accurate one compared to the others.
  • Atsumi
    Atsumi Posts: 21 Member
    When I first joined MFP that was a huge concern for me. I went and purchased a HRM,
    Polar FT4. I believe using a HRM is the only way you can really be accurate for calories burned, especially since you are putting the calories back into your meal plan. You don't want to log too much or too little.

    If I am remembering correctly, when I first started MFP was a few calories off (under) from what my HRM gave me.
  • davepavone
    davepavone Posts: 42
    Go with a HRM if you just cannot do that right now then use the mech. I find MFP to be close to 50% off.
  • Mollie007
    Mollie007 Posts: 73
    Thanks for the responses! :) However, I don't have a HRM - that's why I was wondering how accurate the elliptical numbers were. I wondered if anyone had used a HRM when they were on the elliptical and found the numbers to be similar. You guys that say you have one - how do the numbers compare when you're exercising??
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    Thanks for the responses! :) However, I don't have a HRM - that's why I was wondering how accurate the elliptical numbers were. I wondered if anyone had used a HRM when they were on the elliptical and found the numbers to be similar. You guys that say you have one - how do the numbers compare when you're exercising??


    I included all numbers in my response....Machine is 50% high for me......MFP even more.
  • Mollie007
    Mollie007 Posts: 73
    Thanks for the responses! :) However, I don't have a HRM - that's why I was wondering how accurate the elliptical numbers were. I wondered if anyone had used a HRM when they were on the elliptical and found the numbers to be similar. You guys that say you have one - how do the numbers compare when you're exercising??


    I included all numbers in my response....Machine is 50% high for me......MFP even more.

    I appreciate it! :)
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