Calorie trackers/ heart rate monitor

my_jennaration
my_jennaration Posts: 68 Member
edited November 15 in Fitness and Exercise
Okay, I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment. I have been on the hunt for a calorie tracker/ HRM device. I usually am pushing my child in her stroller when I run so I want to make sure I am tracking the right amount of calories I am burning, but I have no idea what my options are to do this. I know about fitbit, but was wondering if there are similar options for less money? Any advice would be appreciated!

Replies

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Heart rate monitors are designed for steady state cardio. What they do is compare your resting heart rate against your heart rate at exertion. A heart rate with a chest strap is going to be more accurate than a wrist only model.

    I like my Polar Ft4 HRM, it's pretty basic. A FitBit measures steps, it's more of an activity tracker. This is great if you have some sedentary and some active days....and need to get a better estimate. They have newer (pricier) activity trackers that have a chest strap that you can add on. Nike Fuel is one I think.

    Calorie burn is tough because there are so many factors - height, weight, age, gender, exertion level, hormones, and more. Many people forgo the HRM and use MFP numbers, but dial them back. Say start with 75%....then adjust as needed.
  • The_Enginerd
    The_Enginerd Posts: 3,982 Member
    Unless you have one of the FitBit models which has the HRM built in, it basically works as a pedometer. If you are pushing a stroller, you won't have arm swing and I don't believe it would work (I don't have one to confirm, I use and HRM/GPS distance for my calorie calculations).
  • my_jennaration
    my_jennaration Posts: 68 Member
    Thank you! :)
  • my_jennaration
    my_jennaration Posts: 68 Member
    I got my Polar ft4 and I LOVE it!!! Thank you all. :)
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