Garmin swimming calorie burn estimates are low

Jthanmyfitnesspal

And they upload to MFP. My "proof" comes from this page:

http://www.swimmingcalculator.com/swim_calories_calculator.php

DX2JX2

Have you calibrated the calculator at the link? Just because you get an answer you like better doesn't necessarily mean that it's more accurate!

I haven't used my Garmin for swimming but I've found that it tends to read a bit high on order of 10% to 15% for my runs, at least based on the notion that 3500 calories = one pound.

MostlyWater

Swimming is good but it doesn't burn a ton of calories. Is it your only workout?

deannalfisher

Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »

And they upload to MFP. My "proof" comes from this page:

http://www.swimmingcalculator.com/swim_calories_calculator.php

i find that calculator to be higher than what i have observed with multiple measuring devices (garmin, polar etc) - it says 470ish for 35min at 1:50/100yds for me - but most other averages i get are in the 350range

that link says they are the "most accurate" and yet no information available on how it calculates calories etc

it also says this in their disclaimer:
Our swim calorie burned calculation is an estimate using on distance, pace, time, weight and stroke. The calorie formula is based on a study by University of Wisconsin and our own internal research.

It is only an estimate. Many other factors will affect calories burned, such as water temperature, gender, body mass index, overall health, and stroke efficiency.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

The MFP estimate (which I've used for years with success, "Swimming laps, freestyle, vigorous effort") is closer to the Endless Pools estimate. It seems to be based just on time, but it could use weight as well, who knows? In any case, I've consistently controlled weight using the MFP estimate, 20% higher than Garmin. Still, that's only a ~100kcal difference a few times a week, so it is weak evidence.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

MostlyWater wrote: »

Swimming is good but it doesn't burn a ton of calories. Is it your only workout?

You're going to get a lot of "woos" for that comment! In fact, I cross train on swim, ride, run, and other stuff. I've found swimming to be a fantastic full-body workout that burns about 650-800kcals per hour, depending on the estimate. It keeps up your upper body nicely.

In any case, the MFP mantra is that you lose weight primarily by controlling your diet, not by exercising.

sarabushby

I THINK my garmin does not count the calories I burn when I set it to recording drills during a swim set. Eg say I do kick drills for 5 minutes, it won’t include any calories burnt for that 5 minutes. It could explain if you’re getting off results?

BrianSharpe

Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »

And they upload to MFP. My "proof" comes from this page:

http://www.swimmingcalculator.com/swim_calories_calculator.php

I'd take an estimator on a site that sells endless pools with a grain of salt. I'd also question ones that give huge variances based on weight given that the water supports your body while swimming.