HRM vs MFP

persanta

Hi All,

I did 30mins cycling on a spinning bike this morning, I had a heart rate monitor attached and it gave me a reading of burning just over 500cals

If I put a similar speed/time into the exercise tool on here it only gives me a cal reading of 269.

Which one do you reckon will be the more accurate??

I dont want to fool myself into thinking I`m working harder than what I actually am.

(I am not a very fit person and its my 1st exercise for months btw)

Paula x

MuffinMan25

the HRM will be more accurate that the formula used on these websites.

persanta

Oooh I was really hoping that was gonna be the answer ha ha x :happy:

Thank You MuffinMan25

fredd500

This is probably only really relevant if you actually want to eat back all of those calories. You should, but many of us don't. The HRM is going to be the more accurate of the two, but not 100% so on this basis, decide how many calories you want to eat back and don't exceed it.

persanta

That is the big question Fredd500......... To eat burned calories or not to eat them???

According to that method I could eat an extra half of my daily allowance (1200 + 600) it just doesnt seem right somehow.

But at least I should be able to enjoy a little treat or glass of wine and really confince myself that I`ve earned it ha ha x

jeff261159

Let's be honest, what's the point of burning calories if you are going to eat them back. Since 00001AD to lose weight you have to expend more calories than you eat. If all you are going to do is eat them back then there's no point in expending them!!! Eating them back is only an issue when you start on a weight maintenance programme.

My polar HRM over a 55 min/10 min per mile run was 2.5% lower than MFP!!

mroger801

I'm currently in a physician-managed weight loss program. My doctor said to not include the exercise because it throws off everything. My theory has been that the workout calories burned are bonus for weight loss or a way to feel a little better if I go over my daily allotment.

It all depends on how quickly you want to lose weight. If you want to lose faster, then don't eat the calories back. If you are okay with slower progress, then feel free to eat calories back. Of course, some people eat back the calories so they can feel satisfied. Its all about what feels good for you.

jadam6

I wear a Garmin Forerunner 305 (on bike mode) when I go cycling and the calorie burn is very similar (+/- 20 cals) to MFP (bearing in mind I go at a leisurely pace - approx 8 mph). Hope this helps

dad106

For the most part, the HRM will be more accurate.. depending on what type of HRM that you have. Polar HRM"s will be far more accurate at estimating calories then a Timex or Sportline HRM.

Also as far as eating back calories go, if your burning off that much.. then eat the freaking calories! MFP already includes a deficit and if you make that defect too big, you may actually do the opposite of what you want and not lose weight.

Tinks2007

I have a HRM and was told to go of that as its more acurate as its set to your weight heilght etc, guides on her are an average and dont suit everyone

caroltina

Totally your HRM, just edit the numbers here, don't sell yourself short

kyle4jem

If your HRM is calibrated to your height, weight and gender then it should give the more accurate reading. As this is your first time time exercising in a while, why not use the MFP reading to today and then if you get a similar reading from the next time you use your HRM, then you'll know for the future.

MFP also uses an algorithm based on your personal details so it's not just a one-size-fits-all average.

persanta

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to reply ....... probs go with the HRM as has been said, its personalised to my own body.

Glass of wine or 2 tonight I think, after all.........I have earned it