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How Acc. are the Calorie Counters?

buffychick Posts: 41 Joined: 2007/06/04	2007/06/13, 10:48 AM Hi Everyone, I wanted to get your opionion. I usually do 45 mins of Cardio on the elliptical trainer, which burns roughly 500cals or so, with level 5 resistance, alternating the up and down of the incline. Trying to break through a plateau, I decided to power walk on a 15 uphill incline at a MET of 4.1. My heart rate was about 145-155 and at the end the total calorie burn calculated was 610! Does this sound right? I was still sweating and working hard, but I don't want this to undermine my weight loss if this number is wrong. :( It was great to get a different workout and burn MORE calories, but it seemed like I was working a little less harder; however, the incline was the highest it would go. Thanks all! Stats 5'4" 144lbs :love:
buffychick Posts: 41 Joined: 2007/06/04	2007/06/13, 10:49 AM BTW, the powerwalk total time was 45 mins.:)
frankybaloney Posts: 19 Joined: 2007/06/04	2007/06/18, 05:36 AM I had the same question too when I moved from cycling to using the eliptical (cross trainer). I burnt an extra 50 calories and it seemed to me that my workout was less exhaustive. Are these machines really that accurate?
stevehwms Posts: 169 Joined: 2003/02/17	2007/06/18, 06:31 AM Personally, I wouldn't split hairs over 110 calories in 45 minutes. 45 minutes of cardio, if you are really pushing yourself, is going to help. I think that there are way too many variables inherent to each individual for those machines to actually calculate calorie burn accurately. For a simple example, on the treadmill, are your hands free or on the rails? That little detail makes a big difference in the level of exertion. Keep up the great work! Just keep increasing the resistance and speed. -------------- Dont tempt me; Im where I wanna be Cause on the eighth day, God made sweet tea. -Cravin Melon
stevehwms Posts: 169 Joined: 2003/02/17	2007/06/18, 06:33 AM Oh, and buffy & franky, you need profiles so people will know your situation. If you are 20 and your heart rate is up to 155, that's probably not enough. If you are 40, it might be.