HRM Question

dalgirly

Ok,

So just a little random question.

Does a HRM calculate calories burnt based on the increase from your starting heart rate or not?

I have a very low heart rate (typically around 40) so when using a treadmill I'm constantly not considered at a calorie burning typical heart rate.

Just wondering about getting one, but would get frustrated with it not calculating things properly.

*I'd assume it would base it on your own resting heart rate*

MidwestGirlz

The one I use (Polar Fit 4) is based on your resting heart rate.

NicLiving

The key to getting an accurate reading is to check your heart rate repeatedly while you are walking/running on the treadmill.
I try to check mine every 3-5 minutes. Or, if I'm doing interval training, I check it every level change.

juliapurpletoes

we are in the same boat with low resting heart rate (mine is 42 upon waking in the morning)

I do have a Polar FT4 HRM and It does set a heart rate range based on I believe the archaic 220-your age method. That said, I also think it does calculate calories burned based on the heart rate reading it is taking while you are wearing it and it is turned on and NOT what it says your training zone/range is.

I do alot of hiking and can never get my heart rate up into higher beats per minute (as I would if i were jogging or on my elliptical trainer) and it still will give me calories burned at the end of the hike.

I believe the "range" is more about an educational tool for the user.

Hope this can help.

juliapurpletoes

The one I use (Polar Fit 4) is based on your resting heart rate.

this could be true because it does ask you to manually enter it......

dalgirly

I usually check my heart rate every 5 min or so. But I run outside. Just trying to figure that stuff out and whether its worth it to get a HRM or just go by myself. lol.