Starting to doubt my HRM

NikkiTaber
NikkiTaber Posts: 190
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
I received my Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor 3 days ago. The first time I used it during my 30 day shred level 3 workout it said I burned 272 calories. Now, two days later, I used it again and It is saying I only burned 249 calories yet I feel like I worked a ton harder today vs the day I burned 272 calories. Could the HRM not be transmitting my heart rate correctly or is this normal?

When I was researching the FT4 there were a handful of reviews stating the same thing. They didn't feel like the monitor was transmitting correctly. The majority of the reviews, however, didn't seem to have that problem so I decided to get the HRM anyways.

What are your thoughts?

Replies

  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    Your body gets conditioned to certain workouts. When you become more fit, or your body is conditioned to the workout, you'll burn less. It's not far off (your numbers) I wouldn't concern yourself.
  • glenna221
    glenna221 Posts: 46
    That's not a huge difference. I would say it's as accurate at HRMs can be.
  • NikkiTaber
    NikkiTaber Posts: 190
    I figured that would happen eventually but I didn't think it would happen in 2 days.
  • mallorybriann
    mallorybriann Posts: 1,380 Member
    Make sure you are wetting the electrodes (?) on the chest strap and that it fits snugly around you.
    I have an FT4 and mine has ben very consistent. The numbers are not too far off, I wouldn't worry too much.
  • forever28
    forever28 Posts: 374 Member
    Make sure you are wetting the electrodes (?) on the chest strap and that it fits snugly around you.
    I have an FT4 and mine has ben very consistent. The numbers are not too far off, I wouldn't worry too much.

    I agree with this! :smile:
  • aflane
    aflane Posts: 625 Member
    I'm not sure how the FT4 is for accuracy, but I know from experience that the FT7 STINKS!! My trainer recommended the FT7, and I found that it had the same caloric burn when I was working out, as when I was sitting in front of the tv. I had switched up to the FT60 and now I get accurate readings. So, it is conceivable that you have a lemon HRM. If it's within the 30 day purchase period, take it back, and get a different one.
  • Kolohe71
    Kolohe71 Posts: 613 Member
    A very common issue with the FT4 & FT7 is that people either forget, or don't know, to wet the grey tabs on either side of the sending unit. Without this the chest strap does not make good contact with the skin and cannot get an accurate reading.

    What were you average heart rates for both workouts. If they were within about 9-10% of each other than I would assume you are getting good readings.
  • Losing2Live69
    Losing2Live69 Posts: 743 Member
    I also have a Polar FT4. I always glance at my heart rate on the watch. My heart rate stays around 120 (I have a resting heart rate of only 54 and it is really hard for me to get my heart rate up).That is what it is when I check my pulse by hand. I use it in the pool for a "cardio splash" class and every time it measures my calories burned the same, within 10 calories. The same thing is true of the 3 mile walk I take....it is always between 220 and 240 calories. Like MissAnjy said, your body gets used to the exercise you do. Especially if you do the same thing several days in a row. It is normal for a little fluctuation your numbers.It is my guess the HRM is accurate. I haven't had any problems with mine.
  • NikkiTaber
    NikkiTaber Posts: 190
    Thanks guys! I do wet the electrodes right before I use it. My HRM probably accurate. I just assumed with in 2 days of working harder then the first time I used it, the calories burned would go up, not down. Guess my body is more resilient then I give it credit for.
  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    Make sure you are wetting the electrodes (?) on the chest strap and that it fits snugly around you.
    I have an FT4 and mine has ben very consistent. The numbers are not too far off, I wouldn't worry too much.

    I agree! My Ft4 is pretty accurate as well!
  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    Make sure you are wetting the electrodes (?) on the chest strap and that it fits snugly around you.
    I have an FT4 and mine has ben very consistent. The numbers are not too far off, I wouldn't worry too much.

    I agree! My Ft4 is pretty accurate as well!
  • elliecolorado
    elliecolorado Posts: 1,040
    Thanks guys! I do wet the electrodes right before I use it. My HRM probably accurate. I just assumed with in 2 days of working harder then the first time I used it, the calories burned would go up, not down. Guess my body is more resilient then I give it credit for.

    Does it tell you what your average heart rate was? Sometimes I feel like I am working harder than a day or two before, but my heart rate is still a little less than it was a day or two before. I did the same walk/run 2 days in a row one day my average heart rate was 139 the next day it was 132, but I felt like I was working harder the second day, but obviously I wasn't.
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