How many calories did I really burn??

TheGreatYaYa

Okay, went for a 40 min. walk, rather brisk and I'm getting two very different readings from my HRM and my pedometer. First, let me say that I am usually on a med that slows my heart rate down 'cause it naturally runs fast (resting in the 90s) but am out of it right now and hope to get it filled tomorrow, so my heart rate really jumped up there today, ranging between 140 and 150 most of the time, which I guess would increase my calories burned, right? HRM says I burned 380 cals. in 40 mins. and my pedometer, which is a good one, says I only burned 250...that's a HUGE difference. How should I log it? Go with the HRM or just split the difference and call it a day?

Thanks, MFPeeps...Of course, I want to count all I can. LOL!!

Nance

bert16

Does your HRM have a chest strap? If so, I'd definitely record that value (though I like your suggestion of just summing the two :laugh: )!

Matttdvg

Assuming it's an decent Heart Rate Monitor with a chest strap, that's the best estimate of calories burned that you're going to get. It's impossible to be 100% accurate, but it should be pretty close to your actual calories burned.

moushtie

I'd split the difference or go with the lower figure, especially if you're eating back your exercise calories.

jhardenbergh

if ur resting hr was elevated from lack of meds, did you adjust in the HRM? If so I would definately go with that. I know my HRM has a resting HR built in that you need to set and it has something to do with the calories burned. I am not an expert though and didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

WifeMomDVM

As a general rule, one burns approximately 100 calories for each mile. Of course this varies, slightly based on your genetics, weight, metabolism, etc.... but it's pretty close. So did you go closer to 4 miles or 2.5 miles?

Hope this helps! I'm guessing it's going to be closer to the lower number though. Still, great job!

Puffins1958

If your HRM is a decent one, why would you use both the HRM and the pedometer? If the pedometer is just to "count" steps, why would it tell you how many calories you burn? I would go with the HRM and leave the pedometer at home next time, especially ( or should I say) ONLY if you have the one that comes with the chest strap.


Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

TheGreatYaYa

Should have addressed some of those questions. My HRM does have a chest strap, it's a Polar FT7 and I believe it automatically calculates my resting heart rate. I don't remember setting one when I first got it. The only reason I use the pedometer is to measure distance walked, in this case it was a little over 2 miles. I sometimes vary my route and I want to know the distance covered. I'm 5'6 and I weigh 216 lbs., but still even with my heart rate up to 140-150 for 40 mins., I don't think I could have burned 380 calories, but maybe considering my weight (which you all were way too nice to ask), I could have. 250 cals seems more reasonable. Knowing all the facts with my weight, etc., now what do you think?

I'm really not trying to make this a big issue, I'm just really curious how the heart rate affects the calories burned and if I want to talk to my doc. about lowering the dose she has me on because normally on this walk I would have only burned around 200 cals. per my HRM if I was on my med.

bert16

A HRM with a chest strap is one of the most accurate ways to measure calories burnt; just use that.