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How do you use a HR monitor to calculate calories burned?

MrsHuffmanNC
MrsHuffmanNC Posts: 43 Member
edited February 15 in Fitness and Exercise
Can someone please explain how to do this? I would like to try and get the most accurate reading. I am only working out in small bursts right now but I feel like MFP is way overestimating calories burned due to my high weight.

Replies

  • laurie04427
    laurie04427 Posts: 421 Member
    I just bought one (Polar FT7) so I'm still a bit clueless but anyway, mine has a chest strap that talks to the watch. There's various buttons on the watch but for mine anyhow you press a button, it brings up something to the effect of "Start?" I hit the button again and it starts counting calories.

    I don't actually see my HR while I'm working out (again, still trying to figure it out because I just bought it. I'm sure there is a toggle button on it but I don't bother) I just see calories. When I'm done I press a different button and it gives me the number of minutes and calories.
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    Heart rate monitors are good for estimating caloric burn from things like running and cycling. They don't do a good job calculating burns for HIIT, lifting, and all day wear.

    One big issue is to figure out if your HRM or online calculator provides feedback in net or gross calories burned. Depending on duration and your BMR, that difference can total a few hundred calories.
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