Logging Running Calories

rjd9266
rjd9266 Posts: 15
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm trying to track my calories, partly due to everyone one here being so adamant about eating them back (works for me!). The problem is when I go for a walk/jog/run workout, I'm getting 3 different numbers for calories burned. I know they're approximations, so if they were close I would be less worried but they differ by A LOT sometimes.

For example, tonight when I got home my HRM said 375 calories burned, my Runkeeper app said 303, and when I logged it on here based on my speed, MyFitnessPal only gave me 220. This is the second night in a row for this to happen. I just started looking at what the app and my HRM say since I just started wearing my HRM.

What do you guys log? Specifically those of you who have been doing this for awhile and been successful. I've thought about just averaging them, but I'd like some input before I mess it all up :)

Replies

  • fidgit813
    fidgit813 Posts: 20 Member
    Hi.

    I've always been told that your HRM should be the most accurate...it's the only one that goes off your true exertion (5mph for me is a very different level of exertion than for someone taller or in better cardio shape). So as long as you enter your own details to the HRM it should be the most accurate.

    Hope this helps!
  • erinsueburns
    erinsueburns Posts: 865 Member
    Make sure you have the same, and correct stats on all of them. And if in doubt, take the average of them.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Make sure you have the same, and correct stats on all of them. And if in doubt, take the average of them.

    This.

    On average, running burns 100 calories per mile. It is a little less for women (who tend to weigh less than men) and a little higher for men (as mentioned, who tend to weigh more).

    Keep in mind everything is an estimate, even HRMs, although they are designed to estimate calories for steady state cardio. Even 100 calories one way or another isn't going to derail progress. Pick one and stick with it, or average the three.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I use Nike+, Runkeeper, and my HRM when I run, but I go with the burn from my HRM. I usually check the apps and even MFP, just to see how close they all are (or aren't, as it is sometimes!). But the HRM is the only one actually monitoring my heart rate, so I figure it's the most accurate.
  • sjp_511
    sjp_511 Posts: 476 Member
    Like others have mentioned, the HRM is supposed to be the most accurate. That is what I use.
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
    I always go by my Polar FT60 heart rate monitor...... Best of Luck

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