New HR-Polar FT4. Unsure of accuracy

Tami113

Ok so i caved and bought a HRM. Polar FT4. Hubby and i went for a hike in the trails with our pup. Took 51 minutes and the HRM said i burned over 400 Calories!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so afraid of the accuracy of the HRM. Before i had it i would say that i only burned about 150 calories and log 150. Holy mole-y! can this be true? 400 calories burned? should i log it as such or underestimate?
I have lost nearly 10lbs in one month by always underestimating calories burned and over estimating calories eaten.

Advice?

MyTyme2

I just typed hiking into the exercise log for 45 minutes and it said at my weight that for that long I would burn 504 calories!!! So I would guess that your monitor is pretty accurate. I am looking for something to measure distance walked...any suggestions?

rockerbabyy

i would say it depends on how high your heart rate was, as HRMs are more accurate when in "the zone" but id say that sounds about right.. i have the same model and love it. i burn about 10 calories a minute on the elliptical

FitMama2013

I think that's definitely possible for you, so log the 400

nicehormones

Sounds about right. I love my polar ft4 and I have never had any weight loss issues due to inaccuracy.

Shajsum

Sounds right to me!! I love my PolarFT4!!

gspea

I was looking at that the other day. Will have to check it out.

gspea

I just typed hiking into the exercise log for 45 minutes and it said at my weight that for that long I would burn 504 calories!!! So I would guess that your monitor is pretty accurate. I am looking for something to measure distance walked...any suggestions?

Hi - If you have an Android Phone - there is app called My Tracks. I use it to track all my walks (even tracked my walk shopping in Walmart). Free app and it will show you, miles, speed, elevation, and it is easy to use. I really like it. Use it for hiking, walking, running. Cool Tool...

Tami113

a lot of people vouch for the validity of the polar ft4!!! awesome. i think i will underestimate just a little to keep myself in check.
also some pedometers track distance. check them out on amazon and read the reviews.
thanks everyone!!

SparkleShine

Sounds about right to me!

tjsusong

Polars are all pretty accurate which is why I've had 3 of them. I trust that their burn count is much more accurate than any machine is giving me! Although, I would love to count what the Elliptical says I burn! LOL Seriously, yes... count it that way!!!

Tami113

thanks everyone! it still amazes me and i am a bit reluctant still because my weight loss has been successful thus far. i will continue to use the HRM and see how it goes with eating more (since now i know i am burning more than i thought) hopefully the weight continues to come off