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elliptical vs running

airen123
airen123 Posts: 149
edited January 21 in Fitness and Exercise
Really? MFP lists 35 minutes on the elliptical as 321 cals burned vs 283 for same amount of time running 5 mph. There's no way this is correct.

Replies

  • carrieous
    carrieous Posts: 1,024 Member
    sure its correct. The elliptical is a full body workout whereas running is pretty much all lower body. Just make sure you use the arm bars with the elliptical.
  • BEERRUNNER
    BEERRUNNER Posts: 3,046 Member
    No way!?!?!??! Im just going by feel here......But when I run 30 minutes my body tells me its worked ALOT harder than when I do 30 minutes on the elliptical.:tongue:
  • airen123
    airen123 Posts: 149
    No way!?!?!??! Im just going by feel here......But when I run 30 minutes my body tells me its worked ALOT harder than when I do 30 minutes on the elliptical.:tongue:

    that's what I'm thinking...I need to borrow that HRM again and figure this out. I do the elllip pretty high (8-10), sure, I sweat, but my heart isn't pumping. Running on a flat treadmill for 35 at 5mph? I'm gasping.
  • lisaanne1369
    lisaanne1369 Posts: 377 Member
    after 35 min/ 3 miles of running my treadmill says 500 cals , run keepar says 3 miles is 352 cals, MFP says running 6mph for 30 min is 317 cals !!! I am hard on my self and use the MFP #.
  • Philllbis
    Philllbis Posts: 801 Member
    If you're running with no incline that could be correct. Also, there are different programs on the elliptical that can work you just as hard as a 30 minute run on a 1.5 incline.
  • obrientp
    obrientp Posts: 546 Member
    Their numbers are usually off. I think it's best to go by your HRM
  • Biomisty
    Biomisty Posts: 41 Member
    Even on ellipticals and treadmills with HRM, it always says the elliptical burns way more calories for me.
  • ksuh999
    ksuh999 Posts: 543 Member
    Depends on the machine.

    I find I can really get the HR up on a Precor. Not so much on a Life Fitness. The stroke is much, much easier on the LF.
  • airen123
    airen123 Posts: 149
    Depends on the machine.

    I find I can really get the HR up on a Precor. Not so much on a Life Fitness. The stroke is much, much easier on the LF.

    I use the Precors, as well. They're the best.
  • BEERRUNNER
    BEERRUNNER Posts: 3,046 Member
    No way!?!?!??! Im just going by feel here......But when I run 30 minutes my body tells me its worked ALOT harder than when I do 30 minutes on the elliptical.:tongue:

    that's what I'm thinking...I need to borrow that HRM again and figure this out. I do the elllip pretty high (8-10), sure, I sweat, but my heart isn't pumping. Running on a flat treadmill for 35 at 5mph? I'm gasping.

    Overall I do know this.....Running on the treadmill is a much better workout! Lungs open...sweating.....Lovely! For me anyway !:bigsmile:
  • carrieous
    carrieous Posts: 1,024 Member
    No way!?!?!??! Im just going by feel here......But when I run 30 minutes my body tells me its worked ALOT harder than when I do 30 minutes on the elliptical.:tongue:

    that's what I'm thinking...I need to borrow that HRM again and figure this out. I do the elllip pretty high (8-10), sure, I sweat, but my heart isn't pumping. Running on a flat treadmill for 35 at 5mph? I'm gasping.

    8-10 is not high. Put your resistance at at least a 12, and vary the elevation/cross ramp.
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