Are there any accurate Fitbit type's or any HRM for the elliptical Trainer?

jenniator
jenniator Posts: 475 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone,

I have just got my gym membership 3 days ago and have really taken a liking to the elliptical trainer. The only problem is there is no way to have a estimate of the calories I burned since the machine could be off, so I was wondering if any type of fitbit or other HRM that is able to calculate the calories burned from the elliptical trainer. I am asking since I have heard the fitbit is not good with the elliptical trainer and I'm not sure if any other HRM.

Replies

  • debrakgoogins
    debrakgoogins Posts: 2,033 Member
    I have a Fitbit Flex. I use it on the elliptical. My trick is to take it off my wrist and tuck into the waistband of my workout pants, on the side of my non-dominant leg. It will count every step. You can use the same trick when walking around the grocery store (hands on the cart so your steps aren't calculated), on a stationary bike, etc.
  • sgthaggard
    sgthaggard Posts: 581 Member
    I have a fitbit one but, for cardio, I prefer a HRM.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    You have a fitbit which is one type of device.
    You have an HRM which is another type of device.

    Yes, there are accurate ones.
  • debrakgoogins
    debrakgoogins Posts: 2,033 Member
    The new Fitbit Charge is both a pedometer and an HRM.
  • Florida_Superstar
    Florida_Superstar Posts: 194 Member
    I think they are all just estimates based on a formula, but if you use the same one regularly, at least your estimates will be consistent for YOU. Just don't go crazy and eat all the extra calories that it says you burned just in case it's wrong. :) Personally I use a Bluetooth heart rate monitor that integrates with the Endomondo fitness app on my phone. It's the Zephyr HXM model and I love it. I can see my workout history on the web interface. Also, the calories burned and heart rate readings are comparable to the reading that I get on the elliptical trainer as well as an older Polar heart rate monitor I used to use before I got this one. (PS, if you think you might get into swimming, don't get the Bluetooth model. Bluetooth can't travel through the water.) Congrats on your gym membership and good luck!
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    The new Fitbit Charge is both a pedometer and an HRM.
    and marginal at both.
  • My fitbit flex tracks my elliptical "steps," but I have heard that other people have had issues with this. An HRM will be more accurate for calories burned, if you get one with a chest strap. I used to have a Polar FT60 (I think that was the model) and enjoyed the data it gave me for my workouts. Just bear in mind that HRMs are going to be good (relatively speaking, it's still just an estimate) for cardio, but they are not useful for tracking resistance training or other types of activities.
  • littlesis412
    littlesis412 Posts: 314 Member
    I have the Fitbit Charge HR which also has a heart rate monitor and have used it on an elliptical with what I feel to be a good degree of accuracy. I take the steps calculation with a grain of salt but figure your hr is your hr. I also own a Polar FT7 that I was using before I got my Fitbit. We had a long, happy relationship together but now I don't have to wear a chest strap (and I would be wearing two watches if I used both). A plus for the Polar hrm is it synced to the ellipticals at my gym so I didn't have to check my wrist when I got curious. If you're willing to throw down the money, I'd suggest the fitbit though because it also has uses outside the gym, but that's my two cents.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    funny enough, that garmin hrm has uses outside the gym.

    Why, just this morning i'm wearing one to get a 35 minute rhr average, to see if I need a rest day.
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    A HRM produces estimated caloric burn totals. A Fitbit produces estimated caloric burn totals. Each machine produces estimated caloric burn totals. None of them are spot on.

    A HRM can provide you with accurate HR data ... not caloric burn data. A Fitbit can provide you with a reasonable approximation of steps taken (usually +/- about 10% in tests) ... not caloric data.

    If you really want caloric burn data, indirect calorimeters are available starting at a few thousand dollars for a used one.

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