Do I REALLY need a HRM?

elcieloesazul

Lately I've been reading a lot about the discrepancies of calories burned between HRMs, machines, and MFP. I know excersize equipment calorie counts are a guideline, as every body is different, however, is the number so significantly different that I should invest in my own HRM? I'm a full-time student, so yes, money would be an issue, and that is one reason I'm apprehensive to purchase one.

kyrstensmom

Do you eat back your exercise calories? If not, there is no reason to have an accurate calorie burn, except for your own curiosity. I rarely eat back any of my exercise calories, so it doesn't really matter to me if the counts are accurate or not, but at some point I will probably start eating them back and will want a HRM so I get an accurate read.

misskerouac

There are a lot of people that have had tons of success one here that didn't have one while losing the bulk of their weight so I don't think it's "necessary" but I do like mine. I knew I was burning way more calories on the treadmill then the machine was telling me, and I was right, and the elliptical was giving me a higher read than I was actually burning.

MegMilleratc

I love my HRM but it was a gift so I wouldn't push anyone to buy one as they are expensive.
It's tricky but if you calculate your own HR every few minutes while working out and take an average there are online calculators which can help you more accurately measure your calories burned in your workout. The website I use sometime is http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/calculators/heart-rate-based-calorie-burn-calculator.aspx , it can be a pain to take your HR and keep track then take an average (that's how I do it anyway) but it is free so that counts.
Hope this helps and keep up the good work.

Nikstergirl

The quick answer to your question is no. You don't NEED one, but they are a great tool when working on getting fit and losing weight. I lost most of my weight before I bought mine and once I got it wished I hadn't waited so long, but now I've lost part of it and can't afford to replace it, so I'm just going along like before! I would say go ahead and use the MFP calorie guidelines, but don't eat ALL of those back, more like half to 2/3rds so you aren't overeating. Do eat some of them, it will really help that metabolism!

Good luck!!!! Doing something every day will help so much!!!

MissMaryMac33

I would say yes.... since your calories here is already based on a deficit, you SHOULD be eating at least half if not all of your exercise calories back. You sure don't want to be guessing at numbers and eating back more than you really burned.

I personally ignore people who say they don't eat them back. Having such a big deficit only works for a short time, then your body starts holding on to everything and you stop losing. You're trying to learn good habits for life here.... and starving yourself isn't something you can sustain for life.

KatieJane83

Definitely not necessary. I lost all my weight and hit my goal weight eating back at least half of my exercise calories and not having an HRM. I did just get one and it's really fun though! But not necessary, at least for me.

Sp1nGoddess

A HRM will only help you calculate calories burned for tested exercises. At 21.. with a budget, I personally would not worry about it unless you are an anal retentive accountant type personality like me... I love my HRM but it's also a Garmin - so I can track my runs. otherwise ,

Go here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/calories.htm and estimate. Diet beats exercise every time!

elcieloesazul

I do eat back my calories most/some of the time. Today, I didn't but yesterday I did...

hyde1977

You are going to get a lot of different responses....regardless if you eat your calories back or not it is a great investment! If you are burning a lot and not eatting anything back you could not be giving your body the fuel it needs to help you lose weight!

I finally got one and it was the best investment I ever made.

However, like everything else it is a choice that you have to make for yourself! I love mine and it is so helpful to help me push myself when I am not pushing enough!

elcieloesazul

Thank you, everyone! I'll give myself some time to mull over the pros and cons.

Le_Joy

I have one but I would say it is totally not necessary. I don't always eat my exercise calories but when I do I am occasionally worried I am going over without knowing it and the HRM makes me feel like it is more accurate.

nuttyfamily

I've been doing this a long time without one. I actually had one but sold it to my coworker.

elcieloesazul

Does anyone know how accurate the MFP calorie counter is? Because I always write down what the equipment says and compare it to this website. Sometimes it's a difference of 100 and sometimes it's the same.

Sp1nGoddess

MFP, gym equipment and a HRM all use formulas to estimate calorie burn. The only accurate test is VO2 testing in a lab. I have found that MFP calculates calories fairly similarly to my HRM for running. (based on body weight, speed and distance I assume) In the gym I've found variations from machine to machine. Each HRM company and equipment company uses their own formulas to calculate calorie burn.

If you do choose to invest in a HRM be sure to look up reviews and spend your $ on a good one. The ones with chest straps are the most accurate. My HRM is designed for running and cycling - it can't estimate calories burned for say strength training or skating.

All in all calorie counting is an estimate as well as calories burned.