Bodybuilding.net - Bodybuilding Forum

Alright so I finally got myself back into some structured cardio and was pleasantly surprised when I made the switch from treadmills to elipticals. Not like I have never used an eliptical before but I never really paid attention the calorie counter on them. For an eliptical without arm rods it said I burned about 400 calories in 35 minutes on a pretty easy cross training track (went from a 1 incline up to 9 then back). This was on a Precor machine so I know its not just some crappy manufacturer who doesn't care about their calculations. To me, that seems really high especially since I didn't feel like I was exerting myself.

I was wondering anyone else knew exactly how accurate these calorie counters? I know the calculations change dependent on what you enter for your weight/age but it still seems off to me.

Also, I always hear people complaing about how these counters aren't accurate but have never seen any proof. So if anyone has any studies they can point me to that would be awesome.

i used to use an elliptical at my gym and i felt the same way...I think the best way to go is to get one of those heart rate monitors that tells you how many calories you burned over the time period. they will cost you a shiny penny, but its a watch too lol

I've had friends tell me that it's off, but I don't know by how much.