HRM vs. machine calorie question

ybba12490

I just used my new heart rate monitor for the first time. I played racquetball for 30 minutes and then went on the elliptical for 15 minutes. Usually when I'm on the elliptical for 15 mins the machine says I burn 150 calories, yet my HRM said I only burned 20.... 20!!!! However the elliptical I use does not have censors to place my hands on. I find that so hard to believe. And it said I only burnt 35 during racquetball. Sooo should I believe the machine or my HRM? I can't believe the difference.

mislove68

Does your HRM have a chest strap? if not then thats the problem!

ybba12490

Does your HRM have a chest strap? if not then thats the problem!

ugh no! I forgot to mention that, it just looks like a watch

ma3145tt

Yeah, unless you were standing still the entire time, your HRM has an issue.

amymeenieminymo

Yeah that cannot be accurate. I burned 35 calories just walking at a pretty easy pace in about 5 minutes on a treadmill, so going for 15 on an elliptical would burn WAY more. See if you can take it back and invest in one with a chest strap, way more accurate and worth every penny (I have the Polar F4, cost about $80-100).

ybba12490

I wasn't moving my arms when I was on the elliptical, maybe thats what it is? I can't run on it without holding on lol

Sparksfly

If it doesn't have a chest strap, it's pretty much useless! :-( so sorry!

Invest in one with a chest strap, or I deduct about 30% off of the machine's readings....usually is pretty in line with my HRM with strap.

ybba12490

Thanks everyone! I'm going to use it once more tomorrow and if its still not working properly, I'll return it