Different calorie numbers

reneeb816 · September 2013

I've been using a HRM (the wrist watch kind without a chest strap) and the MapMyWalk app while taking my daily walk. The HRM gives me a calories burned number about 150-200 more then the app and even MFP.

I know the heart rate monitor is supposed to be the most accurate way to get this number, but since I have two other sources telling me differently I'm starting to second guess my monitor. I usually get a reading on the monitor every 5 minutes or so during my walk.

Any suggestions as to what number I should go with? I'd rather not buy a new HRM if it's not necessary. This one is only about 6 months old!

Melo1966 · September 2013

I had a watch only before I got a real one with a chest strap and the numbers included my BMR so you need to subtract that.
So if your BMR is 1,400 you subtract 117 for each hour.

3dogsrunning · September 2013

People *assume* HRMs are most accurate. They also have their faults and can be inaccurate.

Here is a few links that may help you set up for a more accurate burn

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/774337-how-to-test-hrm-for-how-accurate-calorie-burn-is
(This one includes a link that explains what can affect accuracy)

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/750920-spreadsheet-for-bmr-tdee-deficit-macro-calcs-hrm-zones?page=1

Remember these are all estimates, even the HRM. I always go with the lowest one.

ETA - I missed the part about not having a chest strap - that is going to affect the accuracy a lot. Go with the others. You can disregard the setup links because it won't apply to that one.

reneeb816 · September 2013

I've been adding all 3 up and dividing for a number in the middle. LOL. I guess I should stick with the lowest though. My HRM does take into account weight, age and gender.

3dogsrunning · September 2013

I've been adding all 3 up and dividing for a number in the middle. LOL. I guess I should stick with the lowest though. My HRM does take into account weight, age and gender.

That's fine too.

MFP does as well. As does mapmyrun. If you read my first link it explains all.

reneeb816 · September 2013

I've been adding all 3 up and dividing for a number in the middle. LOL. I guess I should stick with the lowest though. My HRM does take into account weight, age and gender.

That's fine too.

MFP does as well. As does mapmyrun. If you read my first link it explains all.

I just read it. Thank you! I'll invest in a more sophisticated one in the coming months. And until then I will stick with my rudimentary formula.

Melo1966 · September 2013

Does the watch show calories burned when you wake up? It could be showing your total TDEE. Check how much you burn just sitting on the couch for the same amount of time and subtract that number.

Different calorie numbers

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