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!

Machine Calories vs. MFP Calories

cass0107
cass0107 Posts: 15 Member
edited January 11 in Fitness and Exercise
I was wondering which you found to be more accurate - the calories the exercise machine says you burned or the calories MFP inputs? MFP always seems to be much higher, which makes me a bit leery... (I do understand a heart rate monitor would be the most accurate, but that is not an option for me at the moment.)

Thanks!

Replies

  • MichelleLaree13
    MichelleLaree13 Posts: 865 Member
    I would go with a heart rate monitor first if I had one and secondly the number a machine gives you. I do not use the generated calorie counts that mfp gives.
  • fullofsmiles04
    fullofsmiles04 Posts: 158 Member
    I think it's safe to say that the machine calories would be most accurate, especially if you enter your weight. The calories that MFP uses seem really high on certain exercises. I dont have a HRM either though, so I could be wrong. Just my guess.
  • xxnellie146xx
    xxnellie146xx Posts: 996 Member
    I have an HRM so I have never had to enter the exercises on MFP. I do notice that sometimes the machines are way off....both too low and too high. Cybex can be over 100+ cals, elliptical is usually under, and depending what I do on the treadmill it might be on point or over/under.
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
    I only trust my Polar FT60 HRM and then I only eat back 85% of those calories leaving 15% for error in logging and whatnot... Best of Luck!!!
  • witeowl
    witeowl Posts: 89
    Assuming you're not able to enter your weight into the machine, then unless around 150 pounds, then I wouldn't trust the machine at all. But, MFP tends to assume a certain amount of effort. So... HR monitor is really the best way to go.

    Bottom line: pick one method and stick with it. That way, if you get to a point where you're not getting the results you want, you have a baseline upon which you can make changes (up exercise, lower calories, whatever) until you do get the results you want.
  • Pitoufo
    Pitoufo Posts: 6 Member
    I use runtatstic. It is close to what I measure with my polar. It offers the advantage to copy my calories in MFP wich I like since it reduce time of input. I find also that the machine overestimate at low level of effort.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories