My HRM reading too high?

slowbubblecar

Hi,

I have a Polar F7 HRM that I just started wearing (2nd day). I am worried that it is reading too high. I bought it thinking it would be more accurate than the MFP calculation but I don't see too much of a difference in the results. I just completed a 60 minute workout the elliptical machine at 30% elevation and level 15. My HRM said I burned 1028 calories during the run (MFP said 1137). Does this seem reasonable? I am a 5'9" 278lbs and am 27 years old. I have the basic info correct in the watch and my run had an average HR of 155 with a max of 168.

I searched a bit regarding getting the measurement more accurate and the best thing I could find is a thread that discusses changing your age based on your actual BMR. I tried to get that to work, but it would have been a huge age adjustment to get it to the correct results (I think around 70 years old) so I didn't think I was doing it correctly.

Since I have some attention, is it a good idea to eat extra protien after cardio activities or is the extra protein primarily needed for strenght training. I bought a few protien bars to try this week. Also, if anyone has time, I would welcome any feedback regarding my food diary (it is open). It seems to be working for me, but I am not sure if I should be eating more. I am to the point where I could get by without being hungry on 1200 calories a day but don't want my metabolism to slow down too much. I travel a bit for work so you will see more convenience type foods in my diary for this week.

I appreciate the help!

James

MNchick

Did you set up the HRM for your age and weight?

It seems reasonable as I would burn the same amount running longer, but weighing less than you...how fast were you going? Running/walking/intervals?

slowbubblecar

I have that basic info set up correctly and I was going at a decent pace. My average HR was 155 with my max being 168. I am not planning on eating back my calories but still want to make sure it is somewhat accurate.

I was running manual mode level 15 for this time. I was doing intervals but I don't like the lower levels that much as it seems like I don't work hard enough .

MNchick

sorry, I know that came across as confusing about running/walking...it's been a long day and my brain couldn't find a better way to ask if you had been varying your pace.

I didn't look at a ton of your diary, but it seemed to look good to me. Eating on the road is definitely a struggle, and you'll see your sodium go over. As long as you aren't doing that every single day, you don't have blood pressure issues, and you're keeping up on water to flush extra sodium out...I think you'll do great!

slowbubblecar

Thanks for taking a look. I know I need to work on my sodium a bit and try to keep an eye on it. Some foods are just loaded with it though. It doesn't help that I like Franks Red Hot either (0 calories but a ton of sodium). "I put that *kitten* on everything" when I am home lol. I drink a ton of water and drink probably a gallon some days. I am not sure why I even put water on MFP since I am always way over. BTW, I am in MN as well .

MNchick

I knew I liked you for a reason...hahhaha

theanicole11

I have the ft7, ft4 and now ft80 by polar. They are very accurate. My new one allows me to put in my vo2max which helps with the accuracy and it's always on with my others. As long as you have your info in you should be good. It monitors your heart rate which "average" or generic calorie quoting doesn't. While usually close - they don't determine how hard you worked which your hrm does.

slowbubblecar

I am pretty sure my FT7 allows me to change the VO2 max. I will try to look into how it works and how to do it. I have only used the monitor for 2 days (yesterday and today). I am somewhat suprised with my inconsistency in HR though. Yesterday, I was on the elliptical for 45 minutes and 30 of them were at a HR in the 165 range. With the same elliptical settings and pace today, it took me 45 minutes to get my HR in the 160 range. It was in the mid 150s most of the time. Not sure why this was but I was on it longer anyways.

theanicole11

I monitor my HR very closely as it is common for me to be pushing my max. My resting HR has always been a little high. One thing I have noticed is that is really depends on how I feel that day. If I am to tired, or if I didn't eat properly. I take a spin class called RPM and if its the same instructor its the same class as its choreographed. I can take the class Wed, Thurs & Frid and my HR can vary. Fridays It is always a lot harder for me to get my HR because it is an early morning class.

Use the HR as a guide to see how hard you are pushing yourself. If you know you can be in the 160's and that same pace isn't getting you up there. Maybe up a level or go faster. Even if it is for intervals.

There are a lot of factors that can play in.

Hope that makes sense.