On my fairly new Schwinn eliptical trainer, and like most other exercise machines, there is a "Calories Burned" counter on the computerized display. Does anyone know how accurate these things are? During my 30 minute sessions I have been getting results like:

Total distance: 3 miles
Total calories burned: 325
etc...

This would lead me to believe that I am burning about 1000 calories a week during my cardio. Should I incorporate that into planning my total calorie intake for my meals?

-Geed

Hi Geed,

I think that these calorie counters are notoriously inaccurate.

I run on four different brands/models of treadmills at my gym. Even if I run the exact same speed/distance/time/incline they all list different calories burned values. I don't trust them.

I also don't take them into account when I figure out my daily caloric intake. I plan my meals independent of any physical activity. It's worked so far.

Kevinp

generally, the only accurate things on the display are the timer, the revolutions or miles, and the speed! dont bother looking at the cals burned, they arent precise even if you plug in your weight, height, age, etc.

I'm pretty sure the calories listed are what a 150lb man would burn doing whatever speed you are going. My cheap treadmill tells me I burn around 200 calories but I know it is more than that especially since I am overweight still, and have to move more mass than the "average" man. http://caloriesperhour.com/ is a great. I think it's pretty accurate.

I only use the calorie thingy as a well to compare intensity from one routine to another or to verify that I'm doing as least as much, if not more, than the last time I did a workout. Other than that I think they're worthless.

Sterno

I've always been taught that these machines over estimate burned Calories by anywhere from 15-40%.

I say ignore them and don't plan additional food around your Cardio. HOWEVER, you will be hungrier if you are burning more Calories so you may need to eat a little more but don't try to eat as much as you thought you burned.

-Allen

I wouldn't rely on the calorie readings on cardio equipment. It probably is right for someone. You can try to call the manufacturer of your particular piece of equipment and ask them. Good luck and keep us informed.

I would say that they are not all that accurate at telling you how much you burned during your efforts. its generaly an in the ball park estiment. If you need to input your weight like all the machines you do weight bareing excercise on then they are closer to what you would realy burn than those that do not ask your weight. I too have heard that the calories burned is usualy over stated by 10-15% maybe more. This will ony be over stated by more as your body adjusts to the workout and intensity of it over time.