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Do cardio machines inflate calories burned?

musetta460
musetta460 Posts: 9 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,
I was working out on the elliptical today. The machine said that I burned 430 calories. My heart rate monitor watch says 270. My heart rate was not that high (110-125) but I was on the machine for 50 minutes. Do the cardio machines inflate the calories burned? I would think the companies have an incentive to possibly inflate the numbers -- not sure. I know that the machine was picking up my heart rate from my transmitter.

Have others encountered this phenomenon?
I logged the lower number to be conservative

Cheers,
L

Replies

  • m0nster2
    m0nster2 Posts: 23 Member
    I think both numbers might be off - 270 seems way too low for 50 minutes but elliptical machines do tend to overinflate. I checked sparkpeople and self magazine calculators. Self magazine (http://www.self.com/calculatorsprograms/calculators/caloriesburned/elliptical_trainer/result?weightPounds=140&duration=50&activity=&met=6.5&submit=) says that 140 pound woman exercising with moderate effort would burn 361 calories.
  • Anthonydaman
    Anthonydaman Posts: 854 Member
    You were moving for close to an hour, the calorie burn might not be that far off. I generally round down on these things just to stay safe. Good Work BTW!
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    From what I've read, most exercise machines are designed to give calorie counts that closer to men's numbers. Though they're being calibrated more often now days for a median between men and women, but either way, they'd still both be a little high for women.

    That said, I agree that your HRM seems low. I used to do the elliptical at resistance 9 and 5, in two minute intervals and I'd burn closer to 350-375 for that period of time. I don't get up to the 500 cal range for 50 minutes unless it's running or the ARC trainer.
  • beckylawrence70
    beckylawrence70 Posts: 752 Member
    Go by the HRM.....always
  • salxtai
    salxtai Posts: 341 Member
    They can over- or undershoot, no set rule.
    For me, eliptical / bike underestimate my burn by around 40cal.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,148 Member
    Unless you know for sure they are calibrated every day, then don't trust a cardio machines readouts.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • EBFNP
    EBFNP Posts: 529 Member
    Usually every machine at my gym is consistent. However, I usually -200 calories or so from the actual read out especially if it felt easy.
  • chattipatty2
    chattipatty2 Posts: 376 Member
    Hi all,
    I was working out on the elliptical today. The machine said that I burned 430 calories. My heart rate monitor watch says 270. My heart rate was not that high (110-125) but I was on the machine for 50 minutes. Do the cardio machines inflate the calories burned? I would think the companies have an incentive to possibly inflate the numbers -- not sure. I know that the machine was picking up my heart rate from my transmitter.

    Have others encountered this phenomenon?
    I logged the lower number to be conservative

    Cheers,
    L
    Go with HRM. If it's a little low, don't worry. Rather be low than too high if your zeroing out at the end of the day. Check the battery. and if you have a strap around your chest, dont forget to wet those probes if indicated. I have the ft7 and I am supposed to wet the probes. Good burn! Keep it up!!
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