Calorie trackers/ heart rate monitor

my_jennaration

Okay, I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment. I have been on the hunt for a calorie tracker/ HRM device. I usually am pushing my child in her stroller when I run so I want to make sure I am tracking the right amount of calories I am burning, but I have no idea what my options are to do this. I know about fitbit, but was wondering if there are similar options for less money? Any advice would be appreciated!

TeaBea

Heart rate monitors are designed for steady state cardio. What they do is compare your resting heart rate against your heart rate at exertion. A heart rate with a chest strap is going to be more accurate than a wrist only model.

I like my Polar Ft4 HRM, it's pretty basic. A FitBit measures steps, it's more of an activity tracker. This is great if you have some sedentary and some active days....and need to get a better estimate. They have newer (pricier) activity trackers that have a chest strap that you can add on. Nike Fuel is one I think.

Calorie burn is tough because there are so many factors - height, weight, age, gender, exertion level, hormones, and more. Many people forgo the HRM and use MFP numbers, but dial them back. Say start with 75%....then adjust as needed.

The_Enginerd

Unless you have one of the FitBit models which has the HRM built in, it basically works as a pedometer. If you are pushing a stroller, you won't have arm swing and I don't believe it would work (I don't have one to confirm, I use and HRM/GPS distance for my calorie calculations).

my_jennaration

Thank you!

my_jennaration

I got my Polar ft4 and I LOVE it!!! Thank you all.