Exercise cals and average heart rate

Options
kell_riley
kell_riley Posts: 312
in Health and Weight Loss
hey,

I have a polar hrm I'm not sure of the model but it gives me my average heart rate for the length of time I ask. I then put my info from that into a calorie counter and it tells me my cals earned at the gym.
I'm just wondering how accurate doing this is? I ask because I always seem to burn alot more than the machines tell me, I know they are usually wrong but people say they over estimate which isn't the case for me?

My resting heart rate is 49 and when I do a full on workout either on treadmill or crosstrainer I get to around 155-170 depending on intensity. This is where I burn most cals! So why do the machines tell me 125 is my fat burning zone? I'd burn next to no cals and barely break out a sweat or feel like I'm working out at all!

Replies

  • The_Saint
    The_Saint Posts: 358 Member
    Options
    I have a polar hrm as well, I use it religiously.
    And I actually trust it more than the machines.

    So you have 2 options.
    1. Trust the machine - eat accordingly
    2. Trust the HRM - eat accordingly

    Trial and error may be the only way to be certain.
    As for the125 'fat burning zone'? yeah good question. I guess that applies if your 12 years old or 99 years old. However, I doubt it. I think the machine is made for serving the populous. While the HRM feels much more personal.
    Just my opinion.
  • RSO206
    RSO206 Posts: 39
    Options
    I use a Polar FT-4 and use it every time I bike. When I ride 2hr my HRM reads 1600 give or take a few and on MFP for 2hr @ 12-15mph it only says 1151. I usually trust what the Polar is saying and minus off my resting cals burned (60-85) and just leave it at that.
  • Imvidal
    Imvidal Posts: 22
    Options
    I just started using an HRM, it's also a Polar the FT4. Before using it the machines always told me I burned 100 cals less than what my HRM tells me. I was feeling the workout but the damn machines never really hit it on with me. I now only trust my HRM, nothing else really.

    I hope this helps :-)
  • kell_riley
    kell_riley Posts: 312
    Options
    Thanks guys it good to know I'm not the only one that earns more cals than the machines say lol! We must be super efficient calorie burners hehe!

Categories