This article explains why calorie estimates can differ between MyFitnessPal and gym equipment, and shows you how to log your machine's number instead.
Two devices, two estimates. It happens, but you can still log the machine's item into your diary.
We calculate your exercise calories using your profile statistics and exercise effort values known as MET (Metabolic Equivalent of task). Because your specific stats are part of the equation, your calories burned will vary if you gain or lose weight, and will look different from another user's numbers for the same activity. If your exercise calories have changed dramatically, see exercise calories not calculating correctly for troubleshooting steps.
These calculations, while reasonably accurate, aren't as precise as feedback from a cardio machine or activity tracker that measures your effort moment to moment. That's why we let you enter your own calorie value when you have a more accurate figure from a source like that.
How to log your machine's calorie number
iOS and Android
- Open the MyFitnessPal app
- On the Today screen, scroll down to the Healthy Habits section and tap on Exercise.
- Select Cardio. (Our program does not currently calculate calories burned for strength training)
- Tap the All Exercises tab and search for the exercise you need in our database.
- Select it from the search results.
- Enter the amount of time you were on the machine, and type the number of calories burned into the Calories Burned box.
- Tap the check mark in the upper right-hand corner to log it to your exercise diary.
Website
- Log in to the website using the same email address and password you use with the app.
- Click the Exercise tab near the top of the screen.
- Under Cardiovascular, click Add Exercise. (Our program does not currently calculate calories burned for strength training)
- Type the name of the machine used into the search bar, and click Search.
- Click on the exercise you want from the search results.
- Enter the amount of time you were on the machine, and type the number of calories burned into the Calories Burned box.
- Click Add Exercise to log it to your exercise diary
Not seeing the machine you need to log in our exercise database? There are always some exercises that vary from person to person, making it difficult to calculate calories burned accurately. We like to research each exercise before adding it to our database, making sure we have the most precise formula. Once we have this formula, we will add the exercise in to our database.
If you're interested in a device that tracks calorie burn automatically, take a look at our third-party integrations. Several partners can sync your calorie burn throughout the day and update your MyFitnessPal goals based on that data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which number should I trust more, MyFitnessPal's or my gym machine's?
Neither is guaranteed to be exact, but a machine or tracker that measures moment-to-moment effort is generally more precise than a general formula.
Will manually entering calories permanently override our calculation?
No. Each entry is independent. You can manually enter a value for one workout and let us calculate the next.
Can I connect my gym equipment directly to MyFitnessPal?
Some gym equipment brands are supported through our third-party integrations. Check the integrations page for supported devices.