BMF vs HRM

runningartist
runningartist Posts: 24 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all -

Anyone do a test and see a difference in calories burned using your BodyMedia Fit and Heart Rate Monitor when working out? I just did one of my own and notice a HUGE difference. I just finished with Insanity Cardio Circuit and my Body Media Fit came back with a 332 burn. However, my Heart Rate Monitor came back with 654. That's gigantic!!! I do notice over all that my BMF compared to the BodPod in daily calories burned is very accurate. I'm just concerned with calories burned during a workout.

Any input would be awesome!
Have a great night!

Replies

  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    My HRM and BMF are usually pretty close unless it's something with reduced arm movement. I found that while roller skating (I tuck my left arm behind my back and pace with my right), using the Stair Mill, and using the ARC Trainer my BMF gave really low readings for the workouts. So I just stopped wearing it when I did any of those and would edit the calories in later from what my HRM said. It doesn't register the steps with that method, but I found it better for the overall total.
  • Farah_akbar
    Farah_akbar Posts: 1,692 Member
    yea thats a funny thing OK when i go to the gym and walk on the treadmill it says i burned 290 cal when i log it in MFP it says 237 cal what one is right treadmill or MFP
  • runningartist
    runningartist Posts: 24 Member
    So, are you saying I should just go with the HRM and edit them during physical activity? I'm thinking maybe I should...
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    I'd use the lowest one. In general, we over estimate exercise and under estimate food intake so it helps to even out the playing field.
  • runningartist
    runningartist Posts: 24 Member
    I had it happen again today - BMF calculated 274 for Insanity Pure Cardio and my HRM calculates 594. My HR was 180 for almost 30 minutes. There's no way 274 is correct....
  • Phrakman
    Phrakman Posts: 113
    I had it happen again today - BMF calculated 274 for Insanity Pure Cardio and my HRM calculates 594. My HR was 180 for almost 30 minutes. There's no way 274 is correct....

    Sorry to say but there is really no way your burning 20 calories a minute. Id say the BMF is closer as most non preformance athletes can only manage of steady output closer to 10 cal/min
  • runningartist
    runningartist Posts: 24 Member
    I see what you're saying... I will admit though, most Beachbody programs come with a guide that tell you what the average person burns per workout. It does say this one will burn roughly 500-600 calories. Not that I'm saying all is right - or I am right.

    I will also say, I am not a couch potato and am fairly active to begin with. When I run for the same length of time, my BMF calculates close to 500 calories. However my arms are also moving. Does this have an impact? You do wear the BMF on an arm that not move as much during an insanity workout... Just a thought. Again - not trying to say one is more right then the other, just curious.
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    This is mostly a function of your weight and heart rate. I do nearly 20 calories a minute but I'm about 210 pounds. Unless you're around that weight range it's not likely (not impossible) that you're doing 20 a minute. Generally I would say that your HRM is more accurate. Just make sure your HRM has the correct stats for your age/weight and that the batteries aren't low or anything.

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