HRM vs. MFP Calculations

I'm a bit confused. I have a Mio HRM wristwatch. Some years ago, I had the watch and the calculations were accurate with MFP's calculations for walking 3.5 mph. They both were at 174 cals burned. Now, however, MFP says the same which is 174 for 33 mins but my watch says approximately 350 for the same amount of time and intensity. All of my info is entered correctly in my watch as well as MFP. I did check to make sure my watch is accurate by also testing my pulse using a cuff blood pressure/pulse. They are both calibrated exactly. Which one do I believe? I constantly check my heart rate throughout my walking time. 350 cals burned sounds like a lot for 33 mins of 3.5 mph walking.

Replies

  • floridagirl7264
    floridagirl7264 Posts: 318 Member
    anybody?
  • alexkirkp
    alexkirkp Posts: 26 Member
    Based on this: https://help.alphaheartrate.com/entries/23038322-Can-the-Alpha-calculate-my-calories-burned-

    I think it is entirely up to the app that you are using.
  • badcemom
    badcemom Posts: 50
    I use a Polar FT7 and generally burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes of mostly running. I would say something is wrong with your HRM's calculations. Does it have a chest strap? Those seem to be way more accurate.
  • beckademic
    beckademic Posts: 69 Member
    i have a polar ft4 with a chest strap and my workout has to be pretty "intense" to burn 300 cals in 30 minutes, like badcemmom it has to be mostly running. i'm 5 foot 6 with a bit over the average weight.
  • floridagirl7264
    floridagirl7264 Posts: 318 Member
    Thank you. I wasn't sure if my HRM was calculating correctly. I'm going to look into a Polar.
  • FireStorm1972
    FireStorm1972 Posts: 1,142 Member
    I love my Polar FT7 I burn approx. 400cals in 36 mins of running. It all depends what zone I'm in. Most of the time I'm at 140bpm.
    Check Amazon for Polar FT7's under $100 to your door. Way cheaper than local stores 8)
  • beckademic
    beckademic Posts: 69 Member
    FT4 is what i have, its a bit cheaper but I wouldn't mind the FT7 -
    I had a 3 mile run today (treadmill with no incline), 38 mins burned 420 cals and my avg hr was 158....i also have a fitbit and have been eying up the polar loop bc it has the capabilities of both (if you're into that), unfortunately polar things don't sync up with mfp.