Polar HRM vs MFP Estimates

goldengodd3ss

I am interested in purchasing a decent HRM, mainly because I want to know if I'm getting an accurate count of calories burned so I can better balance my food intake.

I appreciate MFP's estimates for exercise calories, but I've always wondered how accurate they are.

Now before I splurge on a HRM, I hope you all using a HRM can confirm - is the HRM giving you more accurate estimates of your workouts? Is buying a HRM worth it, or should I just stick to MFP estimates?

Thanks for your comments!

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In case you're wondering, I'm considering one of these HRMs:

http://www.amazon.ca/Polar-Womens-Heart-Monitor-Watch/dp/B0035XOYH4
$169.99

http://www.amazon.ca/Polar-Womens-Heart-Monitor-Purple/dp/B001F0PVNA
$172.56

mfergie1111

I use a Polar FT4 I purchased on ebay for $60. I bought it because I figured it would be more accurate than the MFP estimation because it would be reading my heart rate throughout my workout.The longer you are in your target range and the higher it is in that range, you burn more calories. I have found on days where I am not as aggressive it can be lower by as much as 40 calories for the exact same workout video. Hope this helps.

ceejay1982

I spent £120.00 on my hrm and its the best investment ive made.. Its great for motivation and U know every calories burnt is official not just figures on a data base for the average person

Ellegirl22

LOVE my hrm. It's consistently lower than MFP and the machines at my gym. Am assuming it's more accurate. If nothing else it's a great motivator!

goldengodd3ss

Thank you so much for your comments fergie, ceejay and elle!

You're right that it'll be more accurate by measuring calories burned by intensity and length of time at that intensity- I never factored that some days (same workout) can be super energetic than other times!