Using HRM while doing circuit training?

Linnaea27

I'm considering buying a Polar FT4 heart rate monitor, mostly to be able to track my calories burned during exercise more accurately. I do a lot of circuit training with weights, and I'm wondering if a HRM would calculate the calories burned from circuit training correctly.

Thanks anyone who answers!

SMFRN

I am lost without mine. I think it does a better calculations on calories burned than MFP estimates. I also have a polar ft4. It's basic but does the job.

ericzanetti

I also have an FT4 and it works well. Be sure to use to the pause function during your rest periods or you'll over calculate calories burned.

Cheers

BrianSharpe

Short answer......no.

Heart rate monitors are next to useless when calculating caloric expenditure for anything other than steady state cardio.

amandalovesyouu

I am so lost without it. It does accurately calculate the calories burned. When I am on the treadmill for a bit it will say I've burned 500 cal when my watch says 300 cal... definitely keeps me pushing. I love my ft4 and recommend everyone get one!

Linnaea27

Hmm, thanks everyone so far! Conflicting info though-- hopefully others will contribute too!

jessspurr

I have also heard that HRMs are not accurate for calculating calories during strength training or HIIT for that matter. I wore my HRM for the first couple times I did the circuit and it gave me what I thought would be somewhat of an accurate calorie count. If I did circuit training for 25 minutes, my heart rate would be elevated for let's say 1/2 that time (the other half resting between sets), so I just divided the number by half. Circuit training really doesn't burn that many calories, while it's happening since your heart rate isn't elevated very long, but it burns a ton while your muscles are repairing themselves! Generally, in a 25 minute circuit training session I give myself 75 to 100 calories.

kingscrown

Is my Polar HRM accurate for circuit training? I don't know. I do know that it does show calories burned at a level I think is fair for the effort I put into it. It's a tool that helps me know is I'm lollygagging or pushing myself.

jessspurr

Is my Polar HRM accurate for circuit training? I don't know. I do know that it does show calories burned at a level I think is fair for the effort I put into it. It's a tool that helps me know is I'm lollygagging or pushing myself.

Yeah! I like that. I imagine the calories I burn while I am running and compare activities to that. In 10 minutes of circuit training do I feel like I burned the same amount of calories I did in 10 minutes of running? No. Not even close. Don't get yourself to hung up on it (I did) it will make you crazy. Just make sure you don't overestimate! Underestimating really can't hurt you if you listen to your body's cues for food.

Linnaea27

Is my Polar HRM accurate for circuit training? I don't know. I do know that it does show calories burned at a level I think is fair for the effort I put into it. It's a tool that helps me know is I'm lollygagging or pushing myself.

Yeah! I like that. I imagine the calories I burn while I am running and compare activities to that. In 10 minutes of circuit training do I feel like I burned the same amount of calories I did in 10 minutes of running? No. Not even close. Don't get yourself to hung up on it (I did) it will make you crazy. Just make sure you don't overestimate! Underestimating really can't hurt you if you listen to your body's cues for food.

Hmm, interesting! Thanks!

The way I do circuit training, it does feel as if I'm using about the same amount of energy as I do when I run. I think I am in better cardiovascular shape than I am in muscular shape-- so running's relatively easy but the circuit workouts I do (squats, lunges, weight exercises of various kinds done vigorously and without breaks) seem hard!

loubidy

I have an FT7 and I LOVE IT!!! I do circuit training 3 x a week and because I circuit for about 25 minutes then finish with hard cardio I normally go with my HRM of around 400kcals. I don't usually eat back all my exercise calories so it doesn't really affect me if it is an over calculation.

MeanderingMammal

I'm considering buying a Polar FT4 heart rate monitor, mostly to be able to track my calories burned during exercise more accurately. I do a lot of circuit training with weights, and I'm wondering if a HRM would calculate the calories burned from circuit training correctly.

Thanks anyone who answers!

A Heart Rate Monitor tracks what your heart rate is doing, and then extrapolates from there, along with other information like age, gender etc, to approximate calorie consumption. That extrapolation algorithm is designed for consistent HR, or transitioning smoothly. When you;re doing resistance work, or circuit training, your HR is not transitioning smoothly, it's spiking fast, and then reducing again rapidly.

As a result of that lack of smooth transition the approximations for calorie consumption are pretty inaccurate.

HRMs will give you a reliable approximation for steady state work that maintains an aerobic HR. As soon as you go anaerobic the reliability of the calorie approximation reduces significantly.

Essentially it'll give you a number, but you might as well pick a number from a list for all the usefulness.

Linnaea27

A Heart Rate Monitor tracks what your heart rate is doing, and then extrapolates from there, along with other information like age, gender etc, to approximate calorie consumption. That extrapolation algorithm is designed for consistent HR, or transitioning smoothly. When you;re doing resistance work, or circuit training, your HR is not transitioning smoothly, it's spiking fast, and then reducing again rapidly.

As a result of that lack of smooth transition the approximations for calorie consumption are pretty inaccurate.

HRMs will give you a reliable approximation for steady state work that maintains an aerobic HR. As soon as you go anaerobic the reliability of the calorie approximation reduces significantly.

Essentially it'll give you a number, but you might as well pick a number from a list for all the usefulness.

Hmm, that sucks. But thank you for the good explanation of the reasons it's not accurate. I wonder how accurate MFP's estimate for circuit training is. . .?

heybales

Since circuit training is normally done very close to cardio, meaning the HR is kept high because the rests are kept brief, and the reps are kept high so the weight is kept down - it has a better chance of being close.

But the formula relating HR to calorie burn is entirely based on the body's use of oxygen, therefore aerobic exercise. And steady-state so the HR is the same for 2-4 min.

So normal lifting is anaerobic and opposite of steady-state, will be badly inflated calorie burn estimates.

But circuit if done as above can be a tad closer to reality - still inflated though since not steady-state HR usually, and many of the HR spikes are because of anaerobic nature still.

Just be aware of using the tool not what it was designed for, and don't trust the results that much.
But if that is sole purpose, would you buy any other tool for using it incorrectly?

These values below at least come from studies, you might find the workout that matches yours.

Weight lifting calorie burn references from studies.
1 MET is about 1.2 cal / kg / hr.

Pick Conditioning references, down in list you'll find several study references to the specific lifts that were done, and though MET's are listed, they really found the calorie burn for the people involved, then using MET's came up with universal value. Which can be translated back to your own weight.

https://sites.google.com/site/compendiumofphysicalactivities/references

It's those kind of studies that the MFP and other public databases (they are usually the same though) base the info on.

BootCampCrazy

I have a polar loop w/ an H7 hrm strap that links to it. On the polar flow app there's a graph where I can look at the spikes & trends during my workout. When I lift weights (heavy weights... not just the 5lbers I use during circuit training/boot camp) I see crazy spikes in the graphs. I go from being dead to 170+ Heart rate. The graph is fairly accurate during circuit training. I get similar results to when I use the elliptical so I'm inclined to trust it. I would say the hrm is good for cardio, even HIIT (just won't record the extra benefit/calories burned from doing the high intensity training afterwards), but it doesn't work too well for weightlifting.

jofjltncb6

Short answer......no.

Heart rate monitors are next to useless when calculating caloric expenditure for anything other than steady state cardio.

^this

...and it's true even if/when others vehemently disagree claiming that it's working for them. (These people are either exceptions where their work/rest profile coincidentally has their actual results matching up with the measured results, or where they have success despite the measurement error.)

That said, if you want a HRM, then buy a HRM. It isn't like wearing it will negate the benefits of the exercise.

Linnaea27

Since circuit training is normally done very close to cardio, meaning the HR is kept high because the rests are kept brief, and the reps are kept high so the weight is kept down - it has a better chance of being close.

But the formula relating HR to calorie burn is entirely based on the body's use of oxygen, therefore aerobic exercise. And steady-state so the HR is the same for 2-4 min.

So normal lifting is anaerobic and opposite of steady-state, will be badly inflated calorie burn estimates.

But circuit if done as above can be a tad closer to reality - still inflated though since not steady-state HR usually, and many of the HR spikes are because of anaerobic nature still.

Just be aware of using the tool not what it was designed for, and don't trust the results that much.
But if that is sole purpose, would you buy any other tool for using it incorrectly?

These values below at least come from studies, you might find the workout that matches yours.

Weight lifting calorie burn references from studies.
1 MET is about 1.2 cal / kg / hr.

Pick Conditioning references, down in list you'll find several study references to the specific lifts that were done, and though MET's are listed, they really found the calorie burn for the people involved, then using MET's came up with universal value. Which can be translated back to your own weight.

https://sites.google.com/site/compendiumofphysicalactivities/references

It's those kind of studies that the MFP and other public databases (they are usually the same though) base the info on.

Wow, thanks very much. That link is very useful-- as a scientist, I really appreciate having that kind of source information! My computer here is too slow to view the conditioning exercise document properly, but when I get home I'll have another look.

chelstakencharge

LOVE my Polar FT4!!! Would be lost without it!!!

Linnaea27

Oh duh, I think more than one person was wondering if I'm going to be using the HRM exclusively for circuit training-- the answer to the question is no, I run, cross-country ski, bike, and hike a lot as well. So even if it's somewhat inaccurate for my circuit workouts, it will still be useful for my other activities.

heybales

In that case, I'd recommend the RS300X, as the cheapest that has the required VO2max stat and self-test. (well, if on sale)
Also has great HR zone options as different workouts are desired.
Also can add optional accessories later of GPS unit, bike cadence/speed sensor, and foodpod treadmill, that will all sync their info for display and recording on the HRM.

It's like a piece-meal Garmin.

fercar3000

I have a Polar F7 and love it , it doesn't matter if it cant track the exact calories on strength training ... it gives you a close enough number for you to work with

BrianSharpe

Oh duh, I think more than one person was wondering if I'm going to be using the HRM exclusively for circuit training-- the answer to the question is no, I run, cross-country ski, bike, and hike a lot as well. So even if it's somewhat inaccurate for my circuit workouts, it will still be useful for my other activities.

If you're doing all of these other activities you may want to consider something a little more sophisticated like a GPS / HRM unit such as a Garmin Forerunner. They're a bit pricier but they'll also let you track (with a reasonable degree of accuracy) distances & pace, changes in elevation etc and - this is the bonus - the algorithm used in many of the newer Forerunners (like the 610) is far more accurate than many straight HRMs. (Confession - I'm a numbers wonk and like tracking this kind of additional data but I appreciate that not everyone is as obsessive about it as I am)

PikaKnight

As a few others have said - don't use it for anything other than steady rate cardio. This means no to the circuit training, as well as strength training, yoga, etc.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1044313-this-is-why-hrms-have-limited-use-for-tracking-calories

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472

TeaBea

Hmm, thanks everyone so far! Conflicting info though-- hopefully others will contribute too!

Heart rate monitors are designed to calculate calorie burns for steady state cardio. Strength training does NOT equal steady state cardio. Yes, circuit training combines some strength training and cardio.............

HRM's compare your resting heart rate against your exertion heart rate......is your heart rate at it's max because you are lifting heavy things? Strength training is about muscle fatigue....not heart rate. Fatigued muscles burn calories long after the workout is over.

rubyred147

I've been waiting to see some recent posts about this; glad to read this thread. I have a polar ft4 I use on the treadmill, and it usually works pretty well for that, t's about 3 years old and I've replaced all batteries and clean it, etc. When I want to use it for circuit training, or a Jillian Michaels DVD? Worthless. After 2 workouts where it said I burned 1 calorie, I cried. I don't know if it's not meant for that kind of use, or if it's just getting old, but I don't wear it anymore for circuit training. Too discouraging.
Does anyone else get any reading from a DVD workout with it?

Pirate_chick

I have the FT7 I wear it for Circuit training too. I warm up with cardio, 10-15 minutes, move to circuit/weight training then end with cardio at least a half hour. much better than trying to track with MFP database.

70chevellegsp

I use my Polar H7 for all my workouts, whether circuit, weights, or cardio. It's nice to see an (over) estimate of cals burned, but it's the other information that I really use. Such as, seeing how long I'm in the different zones between workouts. Meaning whether I'm working hard or not. My main example will be intervals on my spinner. Prior to my HR monitor, I couldn't really keep my attention to push myself, now I can watch my heart rate and keep it or get it wear I want. For circuit or weights, I like to track my workouts thru Sports-tracker and I can also compare to see that I wasn't "dogging' it. Also, someone mentioned the Garmin unit. You can get your pace, lap times, gps overlay, hr, elevation changes, etc on Sports-Tracker via an app on your smartphone. I agree that it may not give an accurate calorie count, but it does give me great information to analyze and compare to help keep thing interesting, give me a push, and log my activities. IMHO, for $70, it's a steal!

heybales

I've been waiting to see some recent posts about this; glad to read this thread. I have a polar ft4 I use on the treadmill, and it usually works pretty well for that, t's about 3 years old and I've replaced all batteries and clean it, etc. When I want to use it for circuit training, or a Jillian Michaels DVD? Worthless. After 2 workouts where it said I burned 1 calorie, I cried. I don't know if it's not meant for that kind of use, or if it's just getting old, but I don't wear it anymore for circuit training. Too discouraging.
Does anyone else get any reading from a DVD workout with it?

That doesn't have to do with the HRM's ability - it has to do with it not keeping in contact with your skin. If a cloth type chest strap, have you cleaned it in the wash as the instructions say?

Since it is a Heart Rate Monitor after all - did you happen to notice what the HR was it was monitoring during your workout?
Or do you wait until the end and merely look at calorie count?
If so, you are missing a whole a world it was designed for.

Obviously if it sees 0, the calorie calc is bogus.

rubyred147

I've been waiting to see some recent posts about this; glad to read this thread. I have a polar ft4 I use on the treadmill, and it usually works pretty well for that, It's about 3 years old and I've replaced all batteries and clean it, etc. When I want to use it for circuit training, or a Jillian Michaels DVD? Worthless. After 2 workouts where it said I burned 1 calorie, I cried. I don't know if it's not meant for that kind of use, or if it's just getting old, but I don't wear it anymore for circuit training. Too discouraging.
Does anyone else get any reading from a DVD workout with it?

That doesn't have to do with the HRM's ability - it has to do with it not keeping in contact with your skin. If a cloth type chest strap, have you cleaned it in the wash as the instructions say?

Since it is a Heart Rate Monitor after all - did you happen to notice what the HR was it was monitoring during your workout?
Or do you wait until the end and merely look at calorie count?
If so, you are missing a whole a world it was designed for.

Obviously if it sees 0, the calorie calc is bogus.

Yep, I clean it per instructions, but I'm going to do a deep inspection. During the workout it alternates between my HR and telling me to check the settings, and I get a big number 1 usually. Once it said 25 calories. I've tried all sorts of tricks to get the strap in a good place, and tired ultrasound gel etc, but I guess I'll keep tinkering.

VisionNZ16

The interesting part about this is everyone bagging HRMs, but i'd have to say, it's still likely a whole lot better than MFPs calculations. Mine - when calculating steady state cardio (aka running 10miles/16.1km) reads far less than MFP does, so i end up having to adjust the numbers manually in MFP. I trust the lower amount every time.
In regards to circuit training, everyone says that they'll be inaccurate, but my circuit training almost always has my HR high the entire time so i still trust it. In my opinion, none of these options takes into account "afterburn" like what has been stated with regard to weight training, or anything that goes anaerobic, so it may be underestimating anyway.

In short, MFP will severely underestimate actual calorie burn for weight training, and overestimate steady state cardio (particularly in regards to HRMs in this case), but it's nicer to underestimate burn when aiming to lose weight, it's just a pity if you're going for #gainz

Hornsby

2 and a half year old thread, dude. And you're mostly wrong.