How accurate are the elliptical calorie counters?

chickadee555
chickadee555 Posts: 2 Member
edited December 21 in Fitness and Exercise
I go on two types of elliptical machines, one of them I burn a solid 9-10 calories a minute. The other more bouncy one says I burn 11.5-12 calories a minute, but I feel like my workout is the same (if not less intense!) as with the one that burns less calories. What gives?

Side notes: I start to sweat a fair amount after 7-8 minutes or so, but I am never horribly out of breath. I am a 195lb female.

Thank you!

Replies

  • KaylaPeterson24
    KaylaPeterson24 Posts: 60 Member
    In my experience, wearing a heart rate monitor, the machine calories are far less than what you are really burning.
  • lovelyfacex3
    lovelyfacex3 Posts: 68 Member
    In my experience, wearing a heart rate monitor, the machine calories are far less than what you are really burning.

    ^ This.


    Machines can be inconsistent and inaccurate. Do not look to them for the calories you've burned. The most accurate way you will get how many calories you've burned is through a HRM. I have a Polar FT7 and I adore it. Invest in one, you won't regret it!
  • Naturally_sassy0525
    Naturally_sassy0525 Posts: 134 Member
    I agree with the other two posters when wearing my HRM it assays I've burned way more calories then what the eliptical is saying I think a HRM is a very good investment.
  • chickadee555
    chickadee555 Posts: 2 Member
    In my experience, wearing a heart rate monitor, the machine calories are far less than what you are really burning.

    ^ This.


    Machines can be inconsistent and inaccurate. Do not look to them for the calories you've burned. The most accurate way you will get how many calories you've burned is through a HRM. I have a Polar FT7 and I adore it. Invest in one, you won't regret it!

    Hmm, I have never thought to even buy one, but thanks for the tip! I'll take a look on eBay! :)
  • SeanNJ
    SeanNJ Posts: 153 Member
    In my experience, wearing a heart rate monitor, the machine calories are far less than what you are really burning.

    Depends on the machine manufacturer, but I found this to be true too, much to my surprise. I have a Polar FT60, and love it.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    In my experience, precor elliptical gives me a ~20% higher burn than my HRM. Cybex Arc machine is even higher than that, like 25%. Treadmills tend to be closer to accurate.
  • mrkennethjay
    mrkennethjay Posts: 88
    I just want to say thanks for the forum post, i've been wondering the same thing, Now i too am in the market for a HRM.

    Thinking about doing the Timex Personal Trainer HRM

    It's between $40 and $50.

    The feautres aren't too fancy but they are what you and i are looking for.

    Decent price, positive reviews. I'm going to try it out :)

    http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5G971-Unisex-Personal-Monitor/dp/B000P8VWQS/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1339213417&sr=1-3&keywords=heart+rate+monitor+watch
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