Calories Burned on Machines

etscher
etscher Posts: 41 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I worked out on a new brand of elliptical and treadmill today at the gym (the TVs are higher so I dont have to look down when I run) and I at the end of my workout, I noticed that the calories I burned were much higher than on the machines I usually use, by about 75 calories over a half hour time frame.

The counts are also always different than MFP when I log my exercise. I want to be sure that I am using the most accurate information and that I eat my exercise calories without overeating for the day.

I know that the calories burned are an estimation, but does anyone have any advice on making sure I'm using the most accurate numbers?

Replies

  • pjtank18
    pjtank18 Posts: 1 Member
    I would go with the lowest number of them all, as I think they are all high on the calorie count. That way you won't go over your number and if you burn more, great!
  • trin5703
    trin5703 Posts: 15 Member
    Each treadmill/elliptical is different. Most treadmills are calibrated for an "average" (whatever that is) stride. the stride is what works out the speed, and the speed is what burns the calories. Your weight will also effect the calories burned on a treadmill. Someone who weighs 250 is going to burn more calories than someone 130. Then there is the gradient to add into it.

    It will drive you crazy! But, there are a few sites that can help you get a good idea of how many cals are being burned.
    http://42.195km.net/e/treadsim/
    or this one:
    http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/calculators/heart-rate-based-calorie-burn-calculator.aspx
  • Alphastate
    Alphastate Posts: 295 Member
    The most accurate method is a calorie counting watch. But if you don't want to shell out the money, take the lower number and try not to "eat back" 100% of them. I personally don't believe in eating back calories, but MFP is set up to allow it.

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