what is REAL purpose of HRM?

spottedlee

I have seen it alot in here about HRM but can't find any post about WHY we need it. I talked to a trainer at the gym and he said that we don't need HRM but to use calories tracker if you want to keep track of calories burns, he showed me his calories "watch". I asked my doctor and she too said there's no need for a HRM. Like the trainer,, she agrees that calories tracker is good.

One thing I found out, calories tracker tends to be cheaper than HRM.

So back to my main question.. Why are you using HRM if you are only using it for tracking calories burned?

Lee

_SusieQ_

How does a calorie tracker track the calories if it doesn't go off of heart rate? Isn't it just an estimate, like what you can find here? Am I just confused?

SergeantSunshine_reused

How does a calorie tracker track the calories if it doesn't go off of heart rate? Isn't it just an estimate, like what you can find here? Am I just confused?

This was my thought.

HRM are way more accurate. Making the margin of error smaller

taso42

Fashion statement

Sunshine_Girlie

You don't HAVE to have it. It will not mess up your weight-loss goals, but it does help give accurate amounts of calories lost.

_SusieQ_

And I was being serious, I guess I don't know what OP means by a calorie tracker that ISN'T an HRM, and how would that work?

Avalonis

How does a calorie tracker track the calories if it doesn't go off of heart rate? Isn't it just an estimate, like what you can find here? Am I just confused?

This was my thought.

HRM are way more accurate. Making the margin of error smaller

Actually, the good calorie trackers like BodyMedia FIT and Bodybug don't go off of HR, and they are clinically proven to be far more accurate. Especially since they can be used 100% of the time, not just while you are working out.

cherryObebe

I used online calorie trackers like the one found here and found that they were WAY OFF! This is really terrible for someone like myself who is trying to do everything right, including eating back my exercise calories. I found that the calorie trackers far overestimate calories burned, a lot of times even double!

If it is a calorie tracker that you wear like a watch, it will use heart rate and oxygen consumption to calculate calories burned. It isn't accurate without a chest strap. Regarding HRM, in addition to being far more accurate for calories burned, there are cardio zones for fat burning and fitness. If I am doing cardio I try to fall into my proper zones.

jrich1

a HRM is attached to me, reading my HR, so its going to give me the best estimate of calories burned.

fitmommy2012

How does a calorie tracker track the calories if it doesn't go off of heart rate? Isn't it just an estimate, like what you can find here? Am I just confused?

This was my thought.

HRM are way more accurate. Making the margin of error smaller

Yeah I agree! Plus I like knowing my heart rate, its good to log and keep track of! :bigsmile: I dont know how I did it before I got mine!

H_Factor

HRM with a chest strap is simply more accurate than any other method of estimating calories. you don't need one, but if you really want to know the amount of calories you've burnt, its the only way.

as for cost, you can find a Polar HRM with chest strap for around $50. its not the latest and greatest model, but it doesn't sound like you're someone who cares about unnecessary bells and whistles (I know that I'm not).

EDIT: unless your trainer and/or doctor are trying to lose weight, then they wouldn't need a precise calorie count...an estimate would be okay for them. if, however, you're trying to determine how many calories to eat back while on a calorie counting program like MFP, then the more accurate is preferred. you get more accurate with a HRM that comes with a chest strap.

almille

maybe *more* accurate- but still not a dead ringer. Heart rate still only estimates calories burned, there are lots of reasons you get your heart rate up that don't appreciably burn more calories- like anxiety, and its only a good estimate for cardio, not strength or resistance training.

That said, I own a polar FT4 HRM and love it because it helps me better assess how hard I'm working. I just take its estimates as estimates.

_SusieQ_

Good start Avalonis. So if the BodyBugg doesn't track off heart rate, how does it track calories burned? I know I can google it, but humor me if you know.

If something is better than what I have to get me to my goal, I'm all for at least considering it.

RaeannePemberton

I have used both.... HRM are helpful when training and they can help you stay in specific heart rate zones. I like to see my burn also as it's an indication of whether or not I am over training. My BodyMediaFit was okay, but I disliked wearing it all the time... and there was no HR indication.

RaeannePemberton

If you want specifics on the body bugg, i wrote a whole blog about it.... called 'buggin' out" over on my blog... payfitforward.net

mallorybriann

I like mine so I can track my HR and keep me in the correct zone. And helps me get the most out of my workout.
Seems to be the most accurate for tracking cals burned too.

_SusieQ_

If you want specifics on the body bugg, i wrote a whole blog about it.... called 'buggin' out" over on my blog... payfitforward.net

Great thanks, I will go look now!

pandsmomCheryl

I use my HRM to remind me to work hard enough. I have had days when I get on a machine, hold on to the sides & stroll along....NOT good enough to work my heart or drop LBS. I also find it shocking how quickly I get up to my Maximum Heart Rate - so it gives me a goal to work towards - meaning I want my heart to be conditioned enough that I don't shoot up to 180 after 30 seconds of running....I probably should be embarrased by that admission - but I wanted to give a concrete example of why they can be important....maybe not necessary for weight loss - but really good for cardiovascular training....

6heatherb6

I've lost weight on MFP to lower my cholesterol by calorie counting and treadmill walking.

Being 50 I also wanted to do weight bearing exercise (walking) and exercise my heart. I asked my Doctor about heart health and he said excerise for 30minutes a day with your heart rate over 100. I suppose if I got a HRM I could keep track of it but I'm pretty sure mine gets up there on the treadmill as it has a pulse rate monitor.

SO...if attached to a machine like me for exercise I think you don't need one....if you are walking outside etc you might ...to keep an accurate track. I used to walk around the block and I'm sure I wasn't exercising hard enough for my heart's health.

Hope this helps

PS I'm not an expert....

:flowerforyou:

aimeeturner

I like mine so I can track my HR and keep me in the correct zone. And helps me get the most out of my workout.
Seems to be the most accurate for tracking cals burned too.

This...I don't know how anything could track accurately without detecting a heart rate. My Polar FT7 is the best piece of "equipment" I have ever invested in.

drog2323

I use mine mostly for cals, but I also use it as a stop watch, and also to see my heart rate. I like to see roughly where I am at.

especially if doing some interval training...

but yes...it's not mandatory, but probably a nice to have and convenience if wanting to lose weight and see cals burned.

don't know much about bodybugg...but heard some good things. but seems more $ and I think there is a monthly or yearly subscription fee.

AnninStPaul

I like mine so I can track my HR and keep me in the correct zone. And helps me get the most out of my workout.
Seems to be the most accurate for tracking cals burned too.

This...I don't know how anything could track accurately without detecting a heart rate. My Polar FT7 is the best piece of "equipment" I have ever invested in.

me too

UsedToBeHusky

Each type of HRM has its own method of calculation. Some take more factors into consideration than others. Some just strictly overestimate, but the fact of the matter is that there is no way to know for sure exactly how many calories are burned in a single activity. HRM's do accurately track your heart rate, and therefore, can help you to know when to increase or decrease your effort depending on what you are hoping to achieve with exercise. But the calorie counting feature of an HRM is really just an educated guess.

Avalonis

Good start Avalonis. So if the BodyBugg doesn't track off heart rate, how does it track calories burned? I know I can google it, but humor me if you know.

If something is better than what I have to get me to my goal, I'm all for at least considering it.

Bodybug/Bodymedia both go off body temp, motion, accelerometed, blood flow, moisture level, ect.

Bodymedia official site:

Using four sophisticated sensors, the Armband captures over 5,000 data points per minute — from heat and sweat to steps and calories burned — every minute of every day. If you take a walk, most body monitors (ours included) show a level of calorie burn. Take that same walk up Mt. McKinley or any incline and we'll show you a higher calorie burn. BodyMedia FIT captures that important difference because our sensors measure more variables and give you the most accurate calorie burn.*

Basically, its the most accurate calories burned tracker short of a portable oxygen analyzer, which is like $50,000.

UsedToBeHusky

How does a calorie tracker track the calories if it doesn't go off of heart rate? Isn't it just an estimate, like what you can find here? Am I just confused?

This was my thought.

HRM are way more accurate. Making the margin of error smaller

Actually, the good calorie trackers like BodyMedia FIT and Bodybug don't go off of HR, and they are clinically proven to be far more accurate. Especially since they can be used 100% of the time, not just while you are working out.

/\ This!

0PhAtDaDdY

I have the Polar FT7 with chest strap, it seperates Fat Burn/Fitness example today I wanted to excercise in the Fat Burn Zone only so I keep an eye on the Heart Rate to make sure I don't excersie extremely hard. If you exercise in the Fitness Zone you are building muscle. Bottom Line it's a fun toy to play with while exercising keeps ya mind off da work.:glasses:

SergeantSunshine_reused

How does a calorie tracker track the calories if it doesn't go off of heart rate? Isn't it just an estimate, like what you can find here? Am I just confused?

This was my thought.

HRM are way more accurate. Making the margin of error smaller

Actually, the good calorie trackers like BodyMedia FIT and Bodybug don't go off of HR, and they are clinically proven to be far more accurate. Especially since they can be used 100% of the time, not just while you are working out.

I learned something new today! I didn't actually know how BodyMedia FIT and such worked. I assumed they were HRM! Thank you for informing me

_SusieQ_

Good start Avalonis. So if the BodyBugg doesn't track off heart rate, how does it track calories burned? I know I can google it, but humor me if you know.

If something is better than what I have to get me to my goal, I'm all for at least considering it.

Bodybug/Bodymedia both go off body temp, motion, accelerometed, blood flow, moisture level, ect.

Bodymedia official site:

Using four sophisticated sensors, the Armband captures over 5,000 data points per minute — from heat and sweat to steps and calories burned — every minute of every day. If you take a walk, most body monitors (ours included) show a level of calorie burn. Take that same walk up Mt. McKinley or any incline and we'll show you a higher calorie burn. BodyMedia FIT captures that important difference because our sensors measure more variables and give you the most accurate calorie burn.*

Basically, its the most accurate calories burned tracker short of a portable oxygen analyzer, which is like $50,000.

Awesome, thanks.

See, you are good for something besides just eye candy.

tuffytuffy1

Crap. Now I wish I had bought a BodyBugg instead of my Polar F4.

Stephanie08

I like my HRM because I'm obsessive and want to know right down to the exact calorie....plus I like to use it to know what Zone I'm working out in so I can adjust my exercise to move my heart rate as needed.

ckdub428

bump