Are The Calorie Counters On Cardio Machines Accurate?

[Sonata]

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.

[MagdalenaRaela]

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.

[lissvarna]

I enter my weight 15lbs lower than it is, and then I subtract about 10% of those calories off- I figure that's a fairly accurate reading.

[jttw18]

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.