Elliptical Machine Question

Alissa_Sal
Alissa_Sal Posts: 141
edited September 30 in Fitness and Exercise
I did the elliptical machine at the gym for the first time last night, and I am a little confused about the calories burned. I worked out for 45 minutes, and I was going at what felt like a good pace to me. I was covered in sweat and when I used the HRM it said I averaged around 133 (but I only checked it occasionally because I wanted to keep my hands on the bars to get an arm workout) which is around 55% intensity. The elliptical machine said that I only burned 161 calories which seemed really low to me. When I put in "Elliptical Trainer" for 45 minutes, MVP says that is 524 calories. Big difference!!!! I know it's all just an approximate, but does anyone have any ideas on why they would be so different? Which one is closer to true, do you think? I want to eat my exercise calories to keep my metabolism high, but I don't want to go over by 400 calories if the elliptical machine was right. Thanks!

Replies

  • woofers1803
    woofers1803 Posts: 23
    MFP can't seem to calculate elliptical calorie burn to save its life. I've had the same issue with it. Use a heard rate monitor and it will give you more realistic results.
  • alifer
    alifer Posts: 387 Member
    I believe it will depend on your age and weight. But when I do the elliptical for 20 minutes the machine tells me about 250 calories. I am 42 and weigh 158
  • Jhillian
    Jhillian Posts: 185 Member
    That does seem low, I can burn 4-500cals in 30 mins but I REALLY work-it.. Did you add your weight into the machine? That can make a difference.. Also what was the elevation like I start at lower elevation and by the end of my workout I'm at the highest.
  • dancingdeer
    dancingdeer Posts: 373 Member
    I have an elliptical here at home, and what it show for calories burned is very close to what my HRM will show. Generally, if I work out for 45 minutes and do 4 miles (which ever comes first), I've burned about 400 calories. Of course, it depends on your weight and age, too. Does the machine allow you to add these in? I would take a general average and try to remember the mileage you complete. Sounds like you had a great workout!
  • papastu
    papastu Posts: 737 Member
    go by the lowest, that way if it is wrong you win.

    always go by the lowest

    win win situation to me
  • tiffinee
    tiffinee Posts: 6
    I use an elliptical almost daily and 133 calories is REALLY low. I usually only do about 30 mins and I always burn in the ballpark of 340-380. Does the machine you use ask for your height and weight? The ones that do are going to me more accurate. However I agree that the best way for you to determine the amount of calories burned is to get a heart rate monitor.
  • MissMaryMac33
    MissMaryMac33 Posts: 1,433 Member
    If you're using an HRM that requires you to touch it constantly, those are usually very inaccurate.
    Suck it up and get one with a chest strap so you don't have to worry about it. I got my Polar FT7 on Amazon for about $70 bucks so it's not all that much more than the cheaper touch versions.

    I do notice people post workouts on the elliptical on my wall and I've seen everything from 200 to 1200 for an hour so who knows how the heck they are figuring it out :)

    I got tested at the gym so I was able to program my numbers in my hrm so its as accurate as possible FOR ME. Until I did that, I know I was way overestimating most of the time.
  • birdlover97111
    birdlover97111 Posts: 346 Member
    It depends on weight, age, etc.,...Does the machine allow for you to program that in prior to starting your workout..???...When I used to go to the gym (I have my own elliptical now) I used the elliptical there a few times and was getting the same low reading of calories burned...Then someone showed me how to enter my weight, age and etc., and from there I was burning calories like mad... :flowerforyou:
  • sandy729
    sandy729 Posts: 232 Member
    That does seem low. I do 45 minutes and I burn over 300 sometimes close to 400...The machines at the gym are always off. This is why I invested in a Heart Rate Monitor. It gives you exact calories burned.
  • Alissa_Sal
    Alissa_Sal Posts: 141
    Thanks for the advice and info. I don't think this machine has an option to enter in weight and age - it didn't seem to ask for it. I think I'm going to have to suck it up and just get an HRM, because I really liked using the elliptical and want to use it regularly. Thanks again every one!
  • MellowGa
    MellowGa Posts: 1,258 Member
    go by your HRM I use it when doing the elliptical, usually the number is quite different, same with weight lifting
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