Calories burned

fteale

I finally got a HRM yesterday and did my first run with it this morning. I was extremely put out to discover in 55 mins of running at quite a pace I burned 350 cals. MFP put me at about 600 for that.

I don't see how some people manage to burn thousands of cals doing stuff that doesn't sound particularly strenuous, and I burn a paltry 350 on a 4 mile run!

jrich1

I finally got a HRM yesterday and did my first run with it this morning. I was extremely put out to discover in 55 mins of running at quite a pace I burned 350 cals. MFP put me at about 600 for that.

I don't see how some people manage to burn thousands of cals doing stuff that doesn't sound particularly strenuous, and I burn a paltry 350 on a 4 mile run!

Because a lot of people use MFP and grossly overestimate their calories.

Also when you are bigger you might burn more calories...

and men will burn more calories than women.

LifeJacketWaterJogger

swimming or walking or running in water is your best calories burner!

BECav0602

What kind of HRM monitor did you get? Does it have a chest strap? If so, be sure to properly wet the sensors before putting it on. I am 5'6", 145lbs and I typically burn about 325-375 on a 3.2 mile run. I run a 9:30-10min mile usually and sometimes incorporate sprints so that could account for why I burn more. So, keep in mind that pace, type of workout, etc. can all make a difference so don't get frustrated. And everyone's body is different. 350 is still excellent!

dad106

Is your HRM calculated to your height, weight, age and gender? Does it have a chest strap too?

If it has both those things, then it is accurate.. and I know it seems like a shock, but MFP can't tell what your heart rate was or anything like that. Everything that MFP tells you is just an estimation.. just like your HRM is an estimation but its a more accurate estimation

DancinSMartiPants

I agree with JRich. The calorie estimators on this site are...generous. It doesn't matter to me because so far I tend to not eat back my exercise calories.

Mandired78

I love running, but burn far more calories on my elliptical(twice the calories per mile, in fact) I never use MFP to estimate workout calories-it grossly overestimates what I burned. I think a 350 burn is still great! Keep up the good work!

CountryDevil

One thing to remember here is that with gym equipment and even with MFP, the calories burned are a best guess calculation. There are a lot of factors like heart rate, speed, distance, terrain and length of workout that are not taken into account during exercises. All of these factors will affect the final outcome of the total calories burned. Also, in my experience gym equipment is notorious for being off by only a few calories to 100's of calories even in the higher quality and pro grade/fitness center levels.

Your best tool in your arsenal is that brand new HRM you just bought. That will give you the closest accurate calorie burn count. In addition, if it is a Bluetooth HRM and you have an Android, Blackberry or iPhone, you can pair it up with your phone and use a program like Endomondo to track you heart rate during your outdoor exercise routine(s) and get an even better calorie count based on your heart rate and type of exercise you are doing.

Bottom line, I would trust your HRM before I trust the calculations on MFP. Although they may be close, your most accurate calculation will be your HRM.

Hope this helps.

fteale

Is your HRM calculated to your height, weight, age and gender? Does it have a chest strap too?

If it has both those things, then it is accurate.. and I know it seems like a shock, but MFP can't tell what your heart rate was or anything like that. Everything that MFP tells you is just an estimation.. just like your HRM is an estimation but its a more accurate estimation

It is a Garmin 610, so absolutely top of the range. Does everything. The HR was accurate, I was checking it regularly. I was in training zone 5 most of the time, and it knows my height, weight etc. It has GPS, knows the elevation and terrain, and I was using a foot pod as well. I felt like an android! I guess I am just quite fit.