major calorie descrepancy

broox80
broox80 Posts: 1,195 Member
edited January 23 in Fitness and Exercise
I do an eliptical bike so I log it as spinning. But my cals burned are much different on the bike compared to what MFP gives me. I looked it up on a spinning web site too and it gave me a closer number to what my bike does. So what should I go by since I dont have a HRM???

Replies

  • thisismeraw
    thisismeraw Posts: 1,264 Member
    I would personally go with the smaller number. It's best to get a HRM with a chest strap if you can to get the most accurate calorie burn readings.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I always go with the lowest option.
  • broox80
    broox80 Posts: 1,195 Member
    Bump for more feedback.
  • tiddlebit11
    tiddlebit11 Posts: 182
    I had the same problem a while ago and after some research found out that gym equipment can be about 30-40% too high! So i used to take the elliptical number and reduce it by about 40% and then use that number

    Over estimating isnt going to help you ... i originally did that but youre really just making excuses for yourself in a lot of ways...better to go with what is more likely the accurate number :)
  • kethry70
    kethry70 Posts: 404 Member
    Go with the lower option or go to a website like http://www.fitday.com/webfit/burned/calories_burned.html where you can enter in your gender, age, height and weight for numbers that will be much closer to reality. If I do use MFP numbers, I only eat back half my exercise calories
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Get an HRM. Just be aware, though, that there can be up to a 30% discrepancy with the #s.

    Personally, I'll see which # is lower (HRM versus MFP) and then log the lower of the two just in case.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    until you get an HRM, use the smaller number.
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    Use the smaller number. I don't think an elliptical can rack up calories the way working hard at spinning does.
This discussion has been closed.

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