MFP Exercise Calories v Real Exercise Calories

mikeyml

Hey all, I have a question about the accuracy of MFP exercise calories. I've read that MFP exaggerates the amount of calories burned from exercise but I was wondering if anyone knows how badly it does this. I don't have a HRM at the moment and I don't know when I will be able to pick one up so I am completely relying on MFP right now. Should I reduce the calories burned according to MFP by 5%, 10%, more? Or should I just forget about it because the difference is negligible?

kac7700

I've found MFP is lower then my HRM says. I always have to input the correct amount, but it's not THAT far off. I would trust it.

punkrawkcutie

It seems to depend on the person and the exercise. I found for me, it was under what my HRM was telling me. For others I hear it's way over...

ChubbieTubbie

It varies a lot person to person. I find that it's within 5-10 calories in comparison to my HRM.

spacecase76

for me, it is a little under

AndriaLL

It's really hard to say as it tends to UNDER estimate mine for some exercises and OVER for others. For example, I use the elliptical trainer a lot. MFP doesn't ask what settings for crossramp or resistance you used, or even how fast you're going on it. I tend to set it high and work out as hard as I can. Although my thyroid is underactive, I still burn about 20% MORE than MFP tells me I am when I use my HRM. On the other hand, when I ride my TT bike at a pace of 18 mph, I have to enter it as 12 mph to be even close to accurate to the calories burned because the thing is so aerodynamic I don't have to work very hard to go that speed. Until you're able to tell how many you've burned by how you feel, a HRM is really necessary.

garrett3452

It is very close to the same. MFP is about 5 under from what I have seen

mikeyml

Awesome news! Thank you everyone. I had the impression that it was quoting way over the amount really burned but it seems like everyone is saying the opposite. I guess I will just trust what MFP says until I can get a HRM to see for myself. Thanks again!

dewoods

Hey all, I have a question about the accuracy of MFP exercise calories. I've read that MFP exaggerates the amount of calories burned from exercise but I was wondering if anyone knows how badly it does this. I don't have a HRM at the moment and I don't know when I will be able to pick one up so I am completely relying on MFP right now. Should I reduce the calories burned according to MFP by 5%, 10%, more? Or should I just forget about it because the difference is negligible?

Here is a topic I posted on this. Hope it helps.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/149609-hrm-resting-calories-exercise-calories-real-calories-bu

mikeyml

Thanks for the link Dave! That's pretty interesting. So basically whether I use MFP or HRM calories burned it is still technically wrong unless I subtract BMR calories. I might join you in not eating my exercise calories until I'm ready to maintain because otherwise I might be eating too much.

dewoods

Thanks for the link Dave! That's pretty interesting. So basically whether I use MFP or HRM calories burned it is still technically wrong unless I subtract BMR calories. I might join you in not eating my exercise calories until I'm ready to maintain because otherwise I might be eating too much.

Mike, just don't eat them all is kind of my theory as everything is an estimate.