Elliptical

embracingashley
embracingashley Posts: 19 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I can't run for another 2.5 weeks due to an appendectomy so I have been using the elliptical. Monday I did 3.25 miles is 36 minutes at Level 3 and MFP told me I burned 506 calories. Does that sound right? I mean I definitely felt like I did because i was a soaked, wobbly mess afterwards, but I don't want to have unrealistic expectations and be underwhelmed with my results.

Replies

  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    You probably don't want to eat back 500 calories for half an hour on the elliptical.
  • spfldpam
    spfldpam Posts: 738 Member
    It depends on what your weight is as to how many calories you burned. I can burn 300 calories on an elliptical machine at the gym in 30 minutes. I use a Polar HRM FT7 that has a chest strap. I can stay on any type of exercise equipment more than 30 minutes or I get really bored and have found that the elliptical machine burns the most calories for me in 30 minute period. I tried the stationery bike and treadmill and neither measured as good. I don't necessarily trust the machine readouts. Depends on how old the equipment is as to how accurate the HRM are on it and other measures of workouts.
    Good luck!
  • embracingashley
    embracingashley Posts: 19 Member
    Today I am 233.5 and I am 5'7"

    Maybe I will just half whatever MFP says I burned, then I wont be disappointed.
  • spfldpam
    spfldpam Posts: 738 Member
    The burn of 506 might be correct for your weight for that period of time. I am in the 130's at 5'4" and burn 300 cals in 30 minutes and get my heartrate up to 170 or more. I try not to get it up that high but it is hard not to push myself I guess. I have tried getting my heart rate up and then slowing down to lower it and then bringing it back up but according to my Polar FT7 HRM I don't see much difference except in the fitness and fat burn readouts.
    Good luck!
    Today I am 233.5 and I am 5'7"

    Maybe I will just half whatever MFP says I burned, then I wont be disappointed.
  • skeo
    skeo Posts: 471 Member
    The calories calculated from the machines is overestimated; it's best to have a HRM when trying to get an accurate kcal burn.

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