Elliptical Calories

So here's the question. One particular brand of Elliptical machine at the gym rates my workout (60min, lvl10, 6-7mph) at 1200 calories, the other brand rates 750 calories for the same workout. After doing the same workout on each machine I didn't notice any difference in the intensity. Obviously I use the smaller number as my basis. But I was just curious if anyone could shed some light on this.

I know that most machines ar not accurate to begin with when it comes to counting calories but I don't know why or how off they really are.  If you want the most accurate count you are suppose to wear your own heart rate monitor and then figure it out from there I think. 

Maybe someone else can ellaborate more about this.

Questions, to ask yourself

1. Is it the type of machine where YOU input your weight? if so that may effect it's estimated calories burned

2. Does it measure your heart rate? If not, it's not gonna be as accurate

3. How much resistance is in a "level"?  level 5 on one machine may be 20 pounds resistance while a level 5 on another may be only 5 pounds. If you kno wwho thta manufacture of the machine is look em up online and see if you can find out the specifics

Would you say machines that let you imput your weight and monitor your heart rate are fairly accurate even though levels of restraint might vary from machine to machine?

SO I was still wondering if anyone knew how accurate an elliptical machine that takes your heart rate and allows you to enter your weight is?  I mean is it close to the number it says as far as cals are concerned or are they usually way off?

I usually read in my magazines (Self, Women's Health) that the elliptical machines over estimate the amount of calories burned. I like seeing the high cals burned, but the rule of thumb I use is 100cals/mile covered. So if I cover 3.5 miles on the elliptical (whether I do it quickly in 30min or slowly in 60min) I concider it 350 cals burned. I like using this method because it translates easily regardless of what machine I'm on (treadmill, ellpitical, rowing, bike.... or even just a walk around the neighborhood). In the end, unless you have fancy measuring equipment, I don't think you're going to have an exact number of cals burned either way.

Ellipticals overestimate by a lot.  you cannot burn more calories on their then a treadmill.  The lack of resistance that seems to make it feel better also means your not working as hard.  Get on the treadmill. 

Yep calorie read out on those machines are O V E R estimated!  Get yourself a heart  monitor for EXCELLENT and accurate caloric expenditures!  I have to agree with healthyhtide....Treadmills ROCK!  I lost 70 lbs that way :)

~H~

Well I really don't like the tredmill because I get shin splints and I hate to run and I have already lost close to 20 pounds using the elliptical.  But I will investigate into a heart monitor and take a closer look at how many miles I am generally doing. Thanks