MFP cals burned est vs gym equipment calculations

snowrose3 · August 2012

When I use the equipment at the gym and it asks me for my weight n age etc...then calculates my calories burned I get a much different number than when I enter in the activity and amnt of time performed on MFP. Why is this? MFP knows my weight n age too...usually MFP is 100+ calories more per hr of activity. Which estimation is more accurate?

jwatson7 · August 2012

Honestly the best way to determine how many calories you are burning is to get a heart rate monitor. That is going to give you the best estimate.

cuteypolice · August 2012

where do you get a heart rate monitor?

MTBrob · August 2012

Most sporting good stores.... Google heart rate monitor.. you will find all the answers you seek.

McLifterPants · August 2012

You can order one on Amazon. I have a Polar FT4 that was like $60 that I like a lot.

Americanpeanut · August 2012

My husband and I have Polar HRMs and they are really great. We do kettleworx daily and the amount MFP had us burning was drastically different from our HRMs. Definitely give the HRMs a try! Have fun!

YoungDoc2B · August 2012

If all else fails, just average the two numbers. You don't necessarily have to buy a HRM because they're not 100% accurate,anyway.

pipcd34 · August 2012

I wear a heart rate monitor, this way i go by what it says, not what a machine or mfp tells me. sometimes it's higher, sometimes lower, depending on the machine. going by that monitor keeps me honest.

ashlielinn · August 2012

If the machine also tracks your heart rate, it will be more accurate. MFP estimations are WAYYYY too high! If you want to be completely sure, get an HRM!