How accurate are those calorie counters on exercise machines?

It's easy to gage your progress when you're trying to get ripped, either your muscles are growing or they are not. What about when you're trying to burn calories though? How accurate are the calorie counters on the treadmill and the elliptical? According to NBC 10 in Rochester, New York, they may not be as concise in predicting the number of calories burned as you think. 

The news provider spoke to Laboratory for Sports Medicine and Motion Analysis strength and conditioning director Brian Biagioli who offered some tips on how to make sure you're actually losing as many calories as the machine says.

First, Biagoli told NBC 10 that people should avoid using the quick start button, and instead opt to enter their weight. This can help the machine more accurately determine how hard you are exercising.

Next, the expert recommended not leaning on the machine.

"The rails are there to maintain your position, but not to actually absorb your body weight. So if you lean 50-percent of your weight on the machine, you have to take 50-percent of those calories away," said Biagoli, quoted by the news provider.

The Seattle Times states that it's best to use these counters as an estimation, and people who are serious about getting an accurate count should contact the manufacturer and inquire on the method they use to determine the number of calories burned.