Counting calories burned...

sassymae4
sassymae4 Posts: 11
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello everyone!

I am rather new to MFP and was wondering if I could get some feedback on what is the best, most accurate way to count calories burned? I have been using the Runtastic app on my phone, but am starting to think it is a little off. I have heard a lot about Endomondo, but have not tried it yet.

After reading through several previous posts it seems like a lot of folks use a Heart Rate Monitor. For those that do, can you tell me more about it? And perhaps let me know which one you use, the cost & whether you recommend it or not?

I would really appreciate it. Thanks :-)

Replies

  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    You will get lots of mixed info on this. I use a HRM (Reebok one). Just remember that all of these are estimates--no matter what you use.
  • escloflowneCHANGED
    escloflowneCHANGED Posts: 3,038 Member
    I've used a HRM since day one, it's worked so far for me!

    I have a polar FT7
  • NutellaAddict
    NutellaAddict Posts: 1,258 Member
    I use a Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor from ****s Sporting Goods
  • Figs318
    Figs318 Posts: 67 Member
    Hello everyone!

    I am rather new to MFP and was wondering if I could get some feedback on what is the best, most accurate way to count calories burned? I have been using the Runtastic app on my phone, but am starting to think it is a little off. I have heard a lot about Endomondo, but have not tried it yet.

    After reading through several previous posts it seems like a lot of folks use a Heart Rate Monitor. For those that do, can you tell me more about it? And perhaps let me know which one you use, the cost & whether you recommend it or not?

    I would really appreciate it. Thanks :-)


    I have a POLAR heartrate monitor the FT4 to be exact. I love my HRM, but as Valerie said remember that even an HRM is not exact. But it does give you somewhat of a good estimate as to what you are burning. Good luck in whatever you choose.
  • nightdragon70
    nightdragon70 Posts: 94 Member
    Everyone has different opinions, but I ended up buying a HRM after a month or so of research. I love it. It really showed me how much of a burn I was getting during workouts, and even on some workouts, where I wasn't burning as much as I thought

    Polar is a great brand, but you have to go with what works best for you.

    Good luck !
  • carolinesparkle
    carolinesparkle Posts: 60 Member
    I often use my HRM (from Oregon Scientific) with the Runtastic App and there usually isn't a huge difference between the 2. As Runtastic syncs with MFP, I just adjust the calories logged if and when needed.
  • ChristyRunStarr
    ChristyRunStarr Posts: 1,600 Member
    I have 2 HRMs-a Polar FT4 and a Garmin Forerunner. I love both but use my Polar for when I'm inside (at the gym) and my Garmin when I'm running outside so I can track my miles. I've used Runkeeper and other apps before and the calories were never right (I go by my HRM and have had it since about 3 months in)
  • bobf279
    bobf279 Posts: 342 Member
    I use a Garmin Forerunner 305 as I like to run, i also use runkeeper on my phone and find that the estimated calories are always in the same ball park
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Everything is an estimate. HRMs and cardio machines use formulas, I'm not sure what websites like MFP and such use.

    The bottom line is that it doesn't matter how you estimate exercise, as long as it works with how you estimate food. It's ok to over estimate exercise (estimate 600 cals burned rather than an actual of 400) if you also over estimate food (estimate eating 600 cals instead of an actual 400).

    See the bigger picture here? There is no way to ensure accurate estimating (that's why it's called estimating). All you can do is work to find your sweet spot... to where you feel good, are happy with your logging, and are seeing reasonable progress.

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