You need to use a caloric cost activity chart to calculate the amount of calories burned when exercising on a cardiovascular elliptical trainer. According to CalorieCount.com, light effort on an elliptical trainer burns 0.06 calories per minute per pound of body weight, while moderate effort burns 0.075 cals/min/lb. Vigorous effort burns 0.091 cals/min/lb. You must first determine the intensity level of your workout, and then use the caloric cost activity chart to figure out how many calories you burned. According to "Personal Fitness: Looking Good Feeling Good," multiple the caloric cost times your body weight times the number of minutes of your workout to determine the total number of calories burned.
Step 1
Determine the intensity level of your workout. For example, if you are performing at a vigorous intensity, your caloric cost is 0.091 cals/min/lb.
Step 2
Multiply the caloric cost by your weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 230 pounds and are working out at a vigorous intensity level, your equation will look like this: 230 X 0.091 = 20.93. You are burning 20.93 calories per minute.
Step 3
Multiply the number of calories burned per minute by the number of minutes you are performing the exercise. For example, if you exercised on the elliptical trainer for 45 minutes, your equation will look like this: 20.93 X 45 = 941.85. In other words, you burned 942 calories during your 45-minute elliptical training session.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure that the caloric cost activity chart you use is in pounds and minutes, or else you will have to convert your measurements. Be accurate when estimating your intensity level.
- Always consult your physician before starting a new exercise routine.
Things You'll Need
- Caloric activity chart
- Calculator
References
- "Personal Fitness: Looking Good/Feeling Good"; Charles Williams, Emmanouel Hargeones, Dewayne Johnson and Charles Smith; Kendall/Hunt 2000
Member Comments