Elliptical Calories Burned or MFP Calories Burned?

tlish2008
tlish2008 Posts: 10
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello Eveyone!

So the elliptical I use allows me to put in my age and my weight so I thought that was how it was able to determine the amount of calories you burn. But when I go to add the time in MFP under elliptical, it shows a different amount of calories burned. Typcially more. I figured perhaps the callibration is set up differentlyso that's why they are different. Any suggestions or tips on what one I should use? Should I adjust my time in MFP to match the elliptical calorie count or just put in the actual time I went on the elliptical? Help! I want to be as accurate as possible.

Replies

  • funsteps
    funsteps Posts: 74 Member
    I'm not an expert by any means, but I always use what the elliptical tells me. MFP is always significantly higher. I would looooove to assume that MFP is right, but I'd rather error on the side of counting too few calories burned.
  • RobertCu
    RobertCu Posts: 33 Member
    personally I think they're both off. I'd go with what's on your machine because it will include work done to climb those inclines, and distance measurements.
  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    I would say they are both probably off. The elliptical may be a bit more accurate because you entered your info. I would use whichever is lower because I'd rather underestimate than overestimate.
  • IveLanded
    IveLanded Posts: 797 Member
    The eliptical at my gym has a HRM on it too, so I go with that........BUT I've found that MFP really isn't that far off for me (5'6", 142lbs, 36 yo)
  • icimani
    icimani Posts: 1,454 Member
    I've found MFP to be really off - especially after I've added in my own calorie burn from my HRM. Initially it was pretty close, but when I started putting in my own figures it would be off by a LOT. So I'd say if you're not using an HRM then use the calorie burn from the elyptical.
  • tlish2008
    tlish2008 Posts: 10
    I'm not an expert by any means, but I always use what the elliptical tells me. MFP is always significantly higher. I would looooove to assume that MFP is right, but I'd rather error on the side of counting too few calories burned.

    This is a wonderful point! Couting too few calories burned would definitely be to my advantage. Thanks!
  • tlish2008
    tlish2008 Posts: 10
    This is all great feedback! I've always been curious about this and it makes sense to use the elliptical because I do use the inclination and resistance settings. Thank you for pointing that out to me! I feel a little bit more comfortable adding in my excersise now. Thanks everyone :smile:

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