Recording Calories Burned During Exercise

dwntwnpengrl
dwntwnpengrl Posts: 49 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
This seems like an easy question . . . but, I've been doing MFP for 3 weeks and having success. When recording calories I just let MFP calculate the calories burned for a particular activity rather than overriding it for whatever the particular workout machine says. Last night I got a HRM (Polar FT4). It says I burned 271 for 20 min. of elliptical and 30 min strength training. MFP says it was 517. Obviously I prefer the 517 from MFP but the HRM should know better, right?

Thoughts?

Replies

  • winfieldv
    winfieldv Posts: 5
    Hi,

    I always use my heart rate monitor, a polar ft4 too, as it represents me a bit more accurately rather than MFP which is calculated on the average person .
  • bradwwood
    bradwwood Posts: 371 Member
    i'd trust the HRM before the MFP database. the MFP database doesn't know exactly how much effort you put into the routine
  • snowflakeheather
    snowflakeheather Posts: 37 Member
    I had the same thing. I was shocked at the difference between MFP and my Polar HRM. But I figure it's better to know the more accurate version, so I only log what my HRM says now.
  • dwntwnpengrl
    dwntwnpengrl Posts: 49 Member
    Thanks! Thought I should trust the HRM just wanted to double check.
  • cindylu35
    cindylu35 Posts: 43 Member
    Now I have to buy a Polar FT4. Thanks. lol
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    Did you go into the settngs for the HRM and set it up for you?
  • RunWinterGarden
    RunWinterGarden Posts: 428 Member
    I always use the numbers on the treadmill, they read my HRM throughout the exercise and make me put in my weight before starting so I feel more confident in their totals than if I were to just use the watch that came with my HRM and I have to say MFP is usually pretty close (granted that's when I'm running, haven't really tried it for much of anything else).
  • vilo_pjd
    vilo_pjd Posts: 15 Member
    MFP seriously over estimates the calories burned.

    I would say use your HRM as your guide and it will also be your tool for maintaining consistency in the future.

    You will eventually become reliant on your HRM and it will help you train efficiently and comfortably.

    It will help you get accustomed to training intensities that you can sustain.
  • tonitass
    tonitass Posts: 22 Member
    MFP seriously over estimates the calories burned.

    I agree. MFP over estimates the calories burned. I use my Polar FT4 for everything including lifting and swimming. It is way more accurate. Just don't forget to adjust the weight when you start to lose.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    HRMs are not perfect, however, I always go with the lower number, just to err on the side of caution.
    Make sure your HRM is set up correctly, Heybales has a great step by step on how to do it here (I think you have to scroll down a bit)

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/813720-spreadsheet-bmr-tdee-deficit-macro-calcs-hrm-zones

    Also - HRMs are not accurate for strength training. They are designed for steady state cardio.

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