MFP Exercise calories vs. your HRM

Quieau
Quieau Posts: 428 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, do the MFP estimates feel right to you? Or do know that they are too high or too low for what you really burn?

If you have an HRM, can you share by percentage, on average, the difference? Is MFP twice the HRM? 50% more? 30%?

Replies

  • goal_digger_2014
    goal_digger_2014 Posts: 29
    I felt that MFP was over by like 50 to 100 calories... so about 20 to 30%..... My HRM was much lower....
  • debraran1
    debraran1 Posts: 521 Member
    My HRM is usually lower on circuit training, not too far off on aerobics, but usually HRM is lower. I would rather go by my HRM although I don't always wear it, if it's 300 for 40 minutes of one DVD a few times, I estimate it will be in that ballpark again. I don't use my exercise calories on a regular basis but when I do, I would rather err on the side of caution.
  • Danimal718
    Danimal718 Posts: 90 Member
    I never go by MFP as I think it is always too high compared to the HRM.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    In my opinion, it varies based on which exercise you're talking about. For walking and running, it's pretty close to my HRM. For biking, MFP overestimates. When I was heavier and less fit, MFP actually underestimated for walking/running. For biking, the one that is off for me still, it's roughly 10% to 20% high compared to my HRM.
  • anaconda469
    anaconda469 Posts: 3,481 Member
    I use my HRM calories only. I have too found that MFP overestimates on cycling.
  • Kevalicious99
    Kevalicious99 Posts: 1,131 Member
    My HRM is always higher than MFP, so I go with the MFP number to be safe.
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 8,031 Member
    For the elliptical, the HRM was about 60% of MFP. I target a heart rate of 140-150 on the elliptical. For walking, MFP looks about right, being around 300 cals per hour.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I've heard the elliptical numbers are the worst ones for overestimating, but I've never tested that myself!
  • RunBrew
    RunBrew Posts: 220 Member
    Me: 33 y/o 145lbs

    Running, 60 minutes 8mph (7.5min/mile)

    MFP estimate: 883 calories per Hour.
    Endomondo estimates 830 calories per hour with no HR data.
    Endomondo estimates 1030 calories per hour with manually input avg HR of 170 (lactate threshold) max HR of 180.
    HRM calculates 1095 calories per hour with recorded avg HR 170, max HR 180.

    I'm not sure I trust any of them, really.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    My HRM is almost always less than MFP.

Categories