Calculating calories burned question...

HydroTerra
HydroTerra Posts: 23
in Fitness and Exercise
Quick question. How does everyone track their calories burned? I currently use a heart rate monitor then use an online calculator to calculate mine but I never log all the calories it says I burned (I'm not sure I believe it). I'm a bit skeptical due to the fact that before P90X I have used a treadmill that tracked calories burned and have also done Weight Watchers. My treadmill, for example, tells me that I only burn about 250 calories for and hour of walking 4-5 mph on a 10 deg incline and WW never gave me many points for exercising. Therefore I just find it hard to believe that I am actually burning 600-800 cals per exercise and usually cut it in half when logging it. Am I crazy or am I actually burning that many cals and I just need to change my mindset?

Replies

  • alpine1994
    alpine1994 Posts: 1,915 Member
    It says in the P90X booklet that you are burning approx. 700 calories per workout. Obviously this is a rough estimate since it depends on fitness level, muscle mass etc., but your HRM sounds right. As far as I'm seeing on MFP, a HRM is the most accurate way to track calories burned through exercise.
  • confettibetti
    confettibetti Posts: 405 Member
    Trust your HRM! :)
  • CookieGem
    CookieGem Posts: 197 Member
    If you are using a HRM why are you also using a online calculator? The online is a estimate and will be different for everyone. Trust your HRM.
  • JulsCFdelouest
    JulsCFdelouest Posts: 4 Member
    My personal opinion is that you should not rely on any "calorie counting" system. I log here mainly to share my food choices with a couple of clients I am trying to help - not to count calories or to eat back calories I have burned. I focus on protein, carbs mainly in the form of vegetables, some fruit, little to no nuts, some good fats, and no sugar - I am by no means perfect, but I try. When I train and my body signals it needs food, I feed it. As long as I am feeding it the right things, it all balances out. Besides, machines can't calculate anything accurately - sure a HRM is more personalized, but just feed it what it needs, when it needs it and that should be sufficient.
  • HydroTerra
    HydroTerra Posts: 23
    Thanks for the replies. My HR monitor doesn't have an calories burned function (at least that I can find) so I average my heart rate throughout my workout then plug them into a calculator that takes into account age, height, weight, etc. to calculate cals burned. I'm thinking that this would be the same way a HR monitor would do the calcs. I don't really use MFP as my weight loss guide, I just use it to track my daily intake and P/C/F percentages (P90X fitness plan). I am more curious than anything because there is such a difference of opinions in regards to this from plan to plan. Inquiring minds want to know! Thanks again!

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