active network espn
Community: Exchange advice in the forums and read running commentary Resources: Personal running log, calculators, links and other tools for runners News: Running news from around the world Training: Articles and advice about fitness, race training and injury prevention Races/Results: Find upcoming races and past results Home: The Cool Running homepage
Cool Running homepage  Search Cool Running Community

This Question is Answered

1 "correct" answer available (10 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (7 pts)
Last post: Nov 11, 2009 6:38 AM by tatiper RSS
mrs_duggan Rookie 4 posts since
Sep 22, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 6, 2009 3:58 PM

Calories burned on treadmill?

I've heard that treadmills (those without the option of entering your own weight, of course) use a standard weight for calories burned as 150lbs. Does anyone know if this is true? Would anyone happen to know how you change the number of calories burned to match your actual weight, then, if you do not weigh 150lbs? I'm just curious, thanks so much!

Tags: help, question, weight, beginner, runner, advice
spicegeek Community Moderator 2,406 posts since
Jan 14, 2007
Currently Being Moderated
1. Nov 6, 2009 4:05 PM in response to: mrs_duggan
Re: Calories burned on treadmill?

yes I beleive most treadmills default to 150 -

 

You can use this if you don`t weight 150 - it`s all a guesstimate either way

 

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/4/4_1/94.shtml






NYC Marathon          Nov 1 2009     -   4:03:13 ( 9:17 mm )

NYC Half Marathon   Aug 16 2009   -   1:55:38 ( 8:49 mm )

1 mile -  7:07                             10K     - 52:58 ( 8:32 mm)

4 mile - 31:35 ( 7:53 mm)          8K      - 42:28 ( 8:32 mm)

15K -     1:22:02 ( 8:49 mm)

Find the Half Marathon Team on FACEBOOK

Marykb Legend 629 posts since
Jan 16, 2008
Currently Being Moderated
2. Nov 6, 2009 4:13 PM in response to: mrs_duggan
Re: Calories burned on treadmill?

I don't know how you can recalibrate a treadmill.  I use an elliptical trainer sometimes and I ignore the calorie counter on there - it tends to overestimate.  I estimate my calories burned compared to the "one mile = 100 calories" formula.  That is also just a rule of thumb but it is good for a general estimate.  I know it takes me about 10-11 minutes to run a mile (or burn 100 calories) at a moderate intensity pace.  So if I am on the elliptical, which is easier than running, I translate that into about 12-15 minutes = 100 calories depending on my perceived level of exertion.  I have been running long enough to know if I am working out at an intensity that is about equal to a moderate running pace.  Also, I can use my HR to double check that estimate since I have an idea what my HR is when I'm running that pace.

 

From what I understand a treadmill is also easier than running outside so you could do something similiar.   Add a couple of minutes to the time it takes you to run a mile outside and call it 100 calories (more or less.)





Recent races:  Peachtree RR: 63:48,  Doug Kessler Lightning 10K: 62:48, Atlanta Half Marathon: 2:19:54,  Polar Bear 5K: 30:13, Chattahoochee Road Runners 10K: 61:03

Lifetime PRs 10K: <55:00, 5K: <27:00  (circa 1990's)

tatiper Amateur 19 posts since
Oct 21, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
5. Nov 11, 2009 6:38 AM in response to: mrs_duggan
Re: Calories burned on treadmill?

I also have a treadmill with a default weight that I can't change... the calories burned are totally off. However, I started working out on the treadmill with a heart rate monitor, and now I just ignore the calories on the treadmill. If you have one, even a cheap one that you can get at a big discount store for ~$35, you can set it up with your age, weight, and resting heart rate for an extremely accurate calorie count for ALL your workouts. It's the best money I ever spent.

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...

Bookmarked By (0)