Did you really burn that many calories?

Nothing better than getting off the elliptical after an hour knowing that you’ve burned around 800 calories when it’s all said and done. But did you really burn that many calories in an hour? How accurate are the readouts on exercise equipment? Exercise equipment that allows you to input metabolic information will be more accurate as well as equipment that requires you to bear your own weight.

When it comes to burning calories, exercise equipment that requires input will be more accurate. For instance, using the elliptical that requires you to input your age and weight etc… will be more accurate compared to a stationary bike that doesn’t require that information. Also, using the elliptical verses the stationary bike will require more muscle groups and weight bearing, thus more metabolically demanding. Some machines are programmed to use formulas that calculate calories burned per mile relevant to the individual’s weight. Equipment that has default information will calculate calories burned based on programmed information. For instance, a person who moves faster on the machine, it will calculate the individual as weighting more, resulting in more calories being burned. However, the formulas that have been programmed into the machines may still not be as accurate due to additional information that is lacking, such as the amount of energy muscle uses compared to fat. The amount of calories muscles uses can vary from 13-45 cal/lb depending on the person (Cannon 66). In addition, the types of machines and the manufactures programming can vary. A few studies have shown that machines can overestimate the amount of calories burned by as much as 20% (Cannon 66). Another factor that counts in accuracy is that male and females are anatomically different. Males have more muscle mass than women; therefore use more calories.

When deciding what machine to use, choose the one that requires you to input your weight. If this information is not required on the machine, most machines will use a default weight resulting in less accuracy. Also, choose a machine that requires weight bearing. For instance, if you choose the treadmill, try not to use the handrails. Allow your arms to be at work by moving them as you run or walk. This will also increase the amount of calories you use. And for best accuracy try exercising longer than you normally do. For example, lets say you normally run on the treadmill for 30 minutes and burn around 500 calories, if you extend the time for an additional 5-10minutes, it will bring you closer to the actual amount of calories burned (Cannon 66).

Exercise provides many benefits and knowing the you’ve burned 500 plus calories makes the workout seem more worthwhile. However, try not to get so caught up on the amount of calories burned but stay focused on the benefits obtained;).


Cannon, Joe “Calorie Readouts On Exercise Equipment” Today’s Dietitian Jan. 2010: 66 print.