Why You Should Ignore the Digital Readout on The Local Treadmill
Moe writes:
I’ve been going to the gym for quite sometime now. In my workout session, I like to include 30 minutes of cardio, 15 minutes running on mid to high intensity on the treadmill and another 15 minutes on mid to high intensity biking (machine). However, I’ve just recently cut out the biking and do 30 minutes of running. What I’ve noticed is that my net loss of calories (according to the machines, that is) is GREATER when biking and running rather then simply running in the same amount of time. Whats weird is that I feel as If running is more strenuous than biking, and overall better for my endurance and cardiovascular system. I lose about 300-350 with biking/running and only about 250-300 with running. Should I go back to running and biking or should I ignore the machine readings and do what “feels” like its burning more calories.
Thanks for writing, Moe. Here are my two cents: Those machines are inaccurate. Running will provide you with more calorie burn than biking unless something bizarre is going on. (Yes, a spin class may net you a higher calorie burn than a casual run, but the guy on foot is going to be doing more work most of the time.)So running it is, if you’re after more calorie burn. Just don’t put too much stock in those machines because they don’t know you’re BMI or weight (and a hundred other variables) and more importantly they aren’t calibrated to a common standard.
One important thing to consider: your workout routine is great. There’s nothing to fight off boredom like a quick change-up. You mentioned how your workout “feels” and I would strongly recommend you follow your nose in that direction and not toward some arbitrary goal on a digital readout.
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POSTED IN: Computers, Cycling, Running, Technology
3 opinions for Why You Should Ignore the Digital Readout on The Local Treadmill
jojo99
Jan 30, 2007 at 11:16 pm
The only real value of the machine numbers is as a comparison to what you did previously. And yes, the numbers are probably highly inaccurate.
Speaking of treadmills, I find it interesting to see how few people use the incline function. Crank up the incline and make believe you are climbing some hills. I find this relieves boredom and can also get the heart rate higher. If you ever go for a cardiac treadmill test at the hospital, they will make you climb at a 10% grade until your heart rate hits the numbers they want from you.
Tziporah
Jan 31, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Just curious, why are you using a ham radio (VHF band) to illustrate this article? Amateur radio rocks, but it doesn’t relate to exercise machines.
Wade
Jan 31, 2007 at 4:06 pm
It has a digital readout.
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