HRM advice?

MFPBrandy
MFPBrandy Posts: 564 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
From some of the threads out there, it sounds like people are coming up with their own calories-burned estimates based on using a heart rate monitor all day. Is this as simple as just wearing the HRM all day? Because I started looking at them online, and it sounds like they don't actually monitor and calculate all day, just when you check your HR during exercise -- and that won't help me figure out what I really burn on an average day.
Am I just misunderstanding what people say on MPF about getting their entire day's calorie burn from a HRM, or am I just not looking at the right ones? Would appreciate insight & advice from those savvy in HRMs! Thanks.

Replies

  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    You are correct. Although people will wear them all day, they are not made for that and the reading will be inaccurate.
  • jms3533
    jms3533 Posts: 316 Member
    I only use my Polar FT7 for arobic exercises. If one is putting down their entire day's calorie use per their HRM that they wore all day, then I don't believe they are doing themselves a favor. MFP considers (in their calcs) that one has a base calorie need for just walking around, sitting, etc.
  • ZyheeMoongazer
    ZyheeMoongazer Posts: 343 Member
    As mentioned, HRMs will not be accurate for calculating your daily burn. However there are other devices that can, Fitbit for example. There are also more scientific tests that can be done to determine a more accurate number. My gym does testing for this but its about $200.

    I personally use an online calculator to find my TDEE and BMR. I prefer using the Katch-McArdle formula that uses your body fat %. http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/
  • MFPBrandy
    MFPBrandy Posts: 564 Member
    Bummer. Unfortunately, I can't use the fitbit because it transmits -- that's not permitted at my work. And I'm not sure how accurate it could be without taking the heart rate into account? It seems the level of effort expended would be a critical part of the calorie equation. how does that work? The fitbit info page is pretty slim on details.
    Does anyone have other suggestions for a wear-all-day device that can tell me what I'm burning? Thanks.
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