20 Minute Elliptical Calories Calculator
Calculate calories burned in a 20 minute elliptical session. Great balance of time and calorie burn.
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20 Minute Elliptical Calculation
20 Minutes Elliptical Calories Burned
A 20 minute elliptical session burns approximately 88 to 210 calories depending on your weight and whether you choose moderate or vigorous intensity.
A 20 minute elliptical workout strikes an excellent balance between time efficiency and meaningful calorie burn. This duration allows you to reach your target heart rate zone and maintain it long enough for cardiovascular benefits.
Calories Burned in 20 Minutes by Weight
| Body Weight | Moderate (5.3 MET) | Vigorous (9.0 MET) |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kg (132 lbs) | 106 kcal | 180 kcal |
| 70 kg (154 lbs) | 124 kcal | 210 kcal |
| 80 kg (176 lbs) | 141 kcal | 240 kcal |
| 90 kg (198 lbs) | 159 kcal | 270 kcal |
Why 20 Minutes Works
Twenty minutes gives your body enough time to transition from burning primarily carbohydrates to also utilizing fat stores for energy. This metabolic shift typically begins after 15 to 20 minutes of sustained aerobic activity.
Maximizing Your 20 Minute Session
- Use arm handles actively for full body engagement
- Increase resistance progressively throughout
- Incorporate incline if your machine allows
- Focus on maintaining consistent intensity
Note: Use our main Elliptical Calorie Calculator for customized results based on your exact weight and intensity level.
Other Duration Calculators
The Science Behind This Calculator
Learn about the researchers whose work powers this tool
Dr. Barbara Ainsworth
External link to Dr. Barbara AinsworthExercise epidemiologist and lead author of the Compendium of Physical Activities, the global standard table of MET values used in energy-expenditure models. Provided harmonized MET estimates for over 800 physical activities.
Key Achievements
- •Lead developer of the Compendium of Physical Activities
- •Standardized MET values for 800+ activities
- •Forms scientific basis for calorie estimations in wearables, apps, and research
+2 more achievements
American College of Sports Medicine - originators of the ACSM metabolic equations for running, walking, cycling, and stepping. Publishers of position stands on hydration, heat illness, and training.
Key Achievements
- •Originators of ACSM metabolic equations for running, walking, cycling, stepping
- •Publish position stands on hydration and heat illness
- •Establish training guidelines and standards
+1 more achievements
Dalleck & Kravitz
Exercise physiology researchers (2007) who created validated metabolic prediction equations estimating VO₂ for elliptical trainers. Enables accurate cross-modal calorie and intensity comparisons between elliptical and treadmill running.
Key Achievements
- •Created validated metabolic prediction equations for elliptical trainers
- •Enables cross-modal calorie and intensity comparisons
- •Based on oxygen-cost testing across resistance and cadence
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