How to track calories with Heart Rate Monitor

MaryJane_8810002

So I scored a free heart rate monitor with a strap. It is no Polar FT4 but it works. The only thing is that it is pretty old and does not measure calories. Does anyone know what type of formula I can use so that I can accurately measure how many calories I have burned during a bike ride using the Heart Rate Monitor?

AllanMisner

There is a formula, but it would be very difficult unless you maintain a given heart rate for a given period of time.

luckydays27

you could try this calculator if you know your average heart rate for the time that you are working out.
http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/calculators/heart-rate-based-calorie-burn-calculator.aspx

I tried it with figures from my last workout and it was close. Maybe 40 cals higher than what my HRM said I burned.

sijomial

An alternative would be a free smart phone app like Runkeeper - the estimates it comes up with for cycling are fairly close to the numbers my Polar FT7 gives me.

MaryJane_8810002

Thanks everyone but I found an app.