Are workout machines accurate when it comes to calculating how much calories you have burned?

Question

If not, what is more reliable? How should I calculate it?

Answer 1

You dont have to calculate calories burned because there is actually no way you are ever gona know it wright. To know that you need to know more than just your age and weight - you need to know muscle mass, body fat percentage etc.
The only thing you have to count is time doing cardio - if you want to lose - do average of 45min 4-6 times a week (not more than 60min)

Answer 2

Workout machines can accurately track speed and distance, but when
estimating the number of calories burned, there's factors to consider:

A distance runner/biker/walker who is in peak shape will burn fewer calories simply because he/she is very efficient at using energy.

A bulky weight lifter will burn more calories than someone with a lean physique who weighs the same - the extra muscle needs many more calories to "power it" than fat.
These two factors alone make it impossible to trust the caloric readout on the treadmill. But the reading are like an estimate. But if you got a machine where you can put your weight, age, sex .. it would somehow be accurate but still not 100% accurate.

Limit your calorie intake and set your training goals according to time and distance, you will be rewarded with a lean, fit body.

Answer 3

For the most part they are. We have so many pieces of equipment where I work, and they vary some, but not alot. It all depends upon if you enter your weight, etc. Normally when you're exercising in a fat burning program you will be asked this, it is easier calculated if these questions are asked.