I just don't worry about the calories. My goal is to get my heart rate into the target zone and hold it there for 30 minutes. The calories are an extra bonus.
This is definitely good to know. The elliptical I use asks for my age and weight and monitors my HR, so I think it's at least in the ballpark of how many calories I'm burning.
But this thread has peaked my interest and now I'm interested in getting a heart monitor to show me how many calories I am actually burning. Because, for me, the number of calories is important in keeping my calculations accurate.
When I began using the machines, I would always look at the calorie counter. A little over a month ago, I started putting my towel over the monitor so I can't see it anymore.
I base my exercise off how I feel and the intensity of the workout. That gives me a more accurate feeling and point of where my body is physically pushing itself.
I wear a heart rate monitor/calorie counter with a chest strap when I work out. The calories it says I burn are NEVER the same as what the machine says . Sometimes the machine is high and sometimes it is low. The monitor is more accurate because you input more personal information in to it.
I've always wondered about those calorie counters :/ I generally don't trust them as they always seem to say I've lost far too many calories from just a halfhour workout!
Calories counters, as well as "non-scientifical-grade" fat percentage meters are highly inacurate, and basing on their readings in order to keep track of energy balance is a waste of time. The most accurate, widely accessible tool for people doing gym is the pulsometer. Maintaining a certain HR during a certain time is a valuable information, useful for planning workouts and other forms of activity.
I've heard they're not exactly accurate either, especially if you don't even enter your weight, height, age, sex or anything of that matter! Everyone is so different it'd be hard for them to know exactly, I would use it as a gauge if you do enter your own information that is, but I wouldn't trust it enough to judge your consuming of calories strictly off that!
. Sometimes the machine is high and sometimes it is low. The monitor is more accurate because you input more personal information in to it.
