Swimming calories

NorthwestLadybug

I'm a strong swimmer and I can pretty much swim "forever" without getting tired, but this is ridiculous! I bought a New Balance HRM and have been using it on the elliptical and circuit training and it seems to match up fairly well with MFP estimates (though MFP estimates are always higher), but in the pool I am either insanely efficient (I'm not) or my HRM doesn't work. After 30 minutes of rigorous swimming, my HRM showed a measly 28 calories burned! I took a measurement about every 6 laps... though I have to say that it was much harder to get a reading than it is "on land."

Anyone have any advice? Is the HRM just useless in the pool?

cygnetpro

I don't have a HRM, so I use the counts on MFP or on other calorie count sites. And they are much more than 28 calories. Is it possible that the HRM takes body temp into account? Or simply heart rate?

sarahbear1981

I have a Polar FT7 and it does not work in the pool. I usually take whatever the calories burned for swimming based on the MFP calculator are and cut it in half. However, you can burn a great deal of calories swimming versus land exercises due to added resistance and cold temperatures. SO don't be uncertain about high burn estimates.