Accuracy of Elliptical 'calories burned'?

[didy]

I love the EFX at the Y. When it tells me at the end that I've burned 350 calories, how accurate is that? I have to put in my weight (can set in increments of 5 pounds), type of course, and time of workout. I know I'm burning a bunch-cause I am so sweaty and pooped afterwards.

I'm not asking so I can come home and eat more calories! And if its not accurate, I'll still watch that number because I'm self competitive and like to beat that number every workout.
didy

[Satyr]

Re: Accuracy of Elliptical 'calories burned'?

i also wonder this, its the same on my bike and tredmill

[californiacasey]

Re: Accuracy of Elliptical 'calories burned'?

I think that the calorie burn is overestimated. As a general rule of thumb, I take off around 50 calories from their count from my total work-out calorie burn.

Just the way I deal with it : )

[ttdriver]

Re: Accuracy of Elliptical 'calories burned'?

For best results (and ACCURACY), invest in a good heart rate monitor with a chest strap (Polar USA makes excellent ones .. I LOVE MINE!)


Betty

[californiacasey]

Re: Accuracy of Elliptical 'calories burned'?

Betty - do you have a link to a chart with heart rate ranges?
Not sure what my heart rate should be?
Do you go by the "fat burn" zone?

I just got my polar from ebay in the mail today and I want to start using it....

Can you advise?

[ttdriver]

Re: Accuracy of Elliptical 'calories burned'?

The standard is to take 220 minus your age which is your maximum hr. You should typically be at 60-80% of that during your workout.

For me, that isn't quite accurate. I have *always* had a higher than normal HR. So I factor that into my equation. I figure 180 as my maximum ... and try to keep my running HR at around 160 at the highest. Its really most beneficial to go LONGER for maximum fat burning. So I try to stay at around 160 (or less) for my long runs (3 hours or more...) I burn more fat at that rate and build more stamina/endurance.

Hope that makes sense!

Betty