HRM Calories burned question

jkestens63

I finally invested in a HRM - its a Timex Personal HRM, T5G971. Has a chest strap. Did some research and it had gotten very good reviews.

I used it for the first time this morning. For my elliptical session, it said I burned about 160 more calories than what MFP & the machine recorded. For my treadmill session, it said I burned about 180 more calories than what MFP & the machine recorded. I was a little surprised given that most people say switch to HRM because the other methods tend to over-estimate calories burned. However, I've always felt for the walk/jogging I do on the treadmill, I was burning more calories than what MFP or the machine credited. In addition, it may also explain why I've been so hungry at night and have had some trouble staying on track... I'm burning more than I thought.

My question is - has anyone else found that their recorded calorie burn actually went up when you began using a HRM?

Panda86

Yep, my HRM always says that I burn more than what MFP says. That's because your HRM actually takes into account your heart rate, and MFP is just a general guess based on an equation.

lijparsons

When I got my Polar FT4, I noticed it was giving me more than what MFP gave me. I also noticed that each time I do the same workout I burn a little less. That surprised me, but I guess it makes sense. As your fitness level increases, your heart does not have to work as hard.

LoganScottsMom

Yea, mine says I burn more too. I've got the Timex Ironman Race Trainer HR w/ Sensor Mid Size White/Magenta T5K448. It should be close to the one you have.

ejhayes

The machines are not as accurate as the HRM, that's been my impression. I think is a great tool to have, enjoy!!!

shalynna89

My hrm always tells me I've burned more than the calculators on here. I felt the same way before I got mine, that I was burning more than what it says on here. Only my numbers have been off by hundreds!! Today for example I went walking for an hour, did about 3.5 miles my hrm reading was 954, mfp was around 330. I believe my hrm. Its a Polar ft40 with a chest strap, also had great reviews and its been fine for me.

mallorybriann

Mine always shows I burn less than what MFP estimates, and even when wearing the chest strap while on the machine (after putting in my weight), it still shows less than the machine... Lucky you! LOL

angelacasey736

I had the same discovery - just recently started using the Polar FT4 (love it!!) and was definitely underestimating my calories burned on several activities - which is exactly the reason i decided to invest in one.

katheern

I am the opposite - my HRM (Polar FT4) would tell me I am burning way less than MFP or my older HRM. However I trust my current HRM since it actually does take into account my age, gender, height and weight, whereas my older HRM only asked for my weight and MFP just uses an equation. Either way, I don't completely trust HRMs anyway and just like to use them as a good estimator.