Each Friday, Bwog will be airing a new feature: . Ask Bwog about Columbia, college life, or anything else...we'll find you the expert and post the results. This week, one of our staffers wondered about the accuracy of the cardio machines up at Dodge. He looked to Stacy Toner, the aptly-named acting coordinator of the Personal Training Program at Columbia for some answers.

Bwog: According to the calorie counter on the cardio machines in the gym, the
elliptical trainer burns more calories per hour than just about any other exercise, treadmill and stair climber included. But when I use it, it feels like I'm using a lot less energy than when I run, and I'm certainly putting forth less effort. Am I really burning more calories, or is the machine lying to me? What gives?

Toner: There are a few explications for your fitness results on the elliptical.

1. Elliptical machines use the upper and lower body during the activity (if you are pushing and pulling the moving handle bars). Whereas, the treadmill, bike, stepper do not use any upper body resistance. Therefore, this may increase the amount of calories burned.

2. You may be feeling less effort on the elliptical due to the low impact movement and the smooth fixed gait pattern. It could also be that the muscles you are using on the elliptical are more fit (endurance and/or strength related) than the targeted muscles on the other machines.

Send us your questions! Email us at bwgossip@columbia.edu