HRM Help!!

NicoleLauren17

I just got a brand new Polar Ft4 heart rate monitor. I set it up yesterday and today was my first time using it. The problem is the treadmill I was using said I burned 285 calories, while the heart rate monitor said I burned 400 calories. I don't know which is correct?! 400 calories seem like a lot but then again I always hear about how inaccurate machines are.

For a little background, I'm 20 years old, female, 5'7" and weigh 162 pounds. I was running 5.2 mph for roughly 30 minutes with my heart rate at 180-195 the whole time.

Which number sounds right??

rockerbabyy

id always go with the HRM. i have a ft4 as well and while i dont really have anything to compare it too, it seems accurate to me.

AnninStPaul

id always go with the HRM. i have a ft4 as well and while i dont really have anything to compare it too, it seems accurate to me.

Agreed, assuming that you have set the HRM with your weight.

poustotah

A heart rate of 180-195 for 30 minutes is REALLY suspect at 5.2 MPH. A heart rate that high for that log of a period of time would pretty much kill you. If your heart rate was that high, the 400 calorie burn would be accurate. Seeing as how you aren't dead though, I am guessing that the 285 is more realistic, though probably not accurate.

It sounds to me like something isn't quite right with the HRM.

seven8seven

I'd go with the HRM! Definitely!! Especially if it has a chest strap! HRMs calculate your calories burned by your heart rate and stats .... machines just go by general stats ... stick to what your HRM says!

jhardenbergh

those machines dont measure your continuous heart rate, like your HRM does. HRM will always be most accurate as long as you have it set up correctly with your weight and resting heart rate, etc... Today 1/2 hour on the treadmill said I burnt 340 calories on my HRM, I burned 600.

UponThisRock

HRM would definitely be more accurate

seven8seven

Make sure you've put in all your stats and update your weight whenever it changes

NicoleLauren17

Thanks everyone! The HRM is up to date with all my stats so I guess I'll just go with that.

jhardenbergh

I would say the 400 is pretty accurate for that Heart Rate. What did the machine have as your heartrate?

NicoleLauren17

The machine had roughly the same numbers as the HRM for my heart rate

CatseyeHardcast

Provided all the stats are in the HRM go off that.

That heart rate for a long exercise will not kill you...(Your max suggested heart rate is about 200) Did it feel like it was tough workout? Were you breathless most of the time? Working at that intensity would be hard, but the calories would be about right.

NicoleLauren17

It feels like a tough workout and I'm definitely sweating a lot but I don't feel like I'm about to die or anything like that.

mamamc03

Did you input your correct weight on the treadmill?? they are usually "zeroed" out at 150lbs. If you dont enter your actual weight, it will give you what someone 150lbs would burn. Go with the HRM. Congrats you did a killer burn!!

jhardenbergh

Nothing is 100% accurate but the HRM is gonna be the closest. I never eat back the calories, well maybe once or twice, so I don't really worry too much about it.