weight loss - calories burned

Question
I have gained a lot of weight over the last 4 yrs.  My weight has climbed to 185, and I am a 5 4" woman 48 yrs.
I am trying to lose weight slowing by cutting calories, being more aware of what I eat, and exercising.  My question is:  I use a station bicycle and ride so I that I am in my training heart range.  When I input my weight into the meter, the bicycle tell me I burned 575 calories in 35 minutes.  This seems really high to me.  Can that be possible?  Thank you, AnnMarie

Answer
Annmarie,

First, I want to say that it is great to see you taking an interest in your health and wellbeing.  That's great.

The short answer to your question is, yes, it can be possible.  It used to be that exercise machines couldn't be trusted when it came to reporting calories expended during exercise.  So, unless your bike is really old, it's probably close to accurate.

Remember, the more a person weighs, the more calories they will burn during any exercise.

I'm also glad to see you have been taking steps to eat better.

Although I've answered your main question, what I want to do is give you one more tip to really get your body burning calories efficiently and make you stronger.

Cardio is great, but a complete weight loss program also includes some sort of strength training (machines, free weights, body weight, tubing, or a combination of these) in order to burn more lean muscle mass.  As you burn lean muscle mass, you will decrease you body fat.  Also, muscle burns more calories throughout the day for you that just cardio alone.

Strength training should be done for about 20-30 minutes 2-3 days per week.

If you add that to everything else you're doing, you should see results in a few weeks.

Good luck!

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