New HRM = Lots of confusion

kr3851 · June 2011

Hi All!

I've been at the gym now for a couple of weeks and decided to invest in a heart rate monitor (with chest strap). I was really disappointed tonight when I stepped off the elliptical after 45 minutes. The machine's cal monitor said that I burned 600 calories, yet my watch said 425. Why the difference? FWIW my heart rate was around 140 the whole time, and I'm a pretty big gal - both my watch and the machine have the ability to enter height and weight along with age. The only difference is that my monitor knows I'm a girl and the machine doesn't... I don't eat all my exercise cals back, so the difference of 200 cals isn't that big a deal - it just sucks cos I thought I was burning WAY more than I am.

H_82 · June 2011

Everyone burns differently, which is why HRM's are a good idea. There's no guessing that way.

MinnieInMaine · June 2011

Trust the heart rate monitor. I know, it stinks...I'm in the same boat. I WISH I got the calorie burn that some of the machines give me, especially since I DO eat most, if not all, of my exercise calories. The elliptical and the treadclimber seem to be the worst when it comes to these discrepancies. I find the treadmills are much closer but it can depend on what you're doing.

lijparsons · June 2011

I would trust your HRM over the machine. The machines are notorious for being incorrect. They are taking your basic weight and giving you an average. Your HRM actually monitored your heart rate, and used that info, along with your weight and height to give you a personalized reading.

ecmcnamee · June 2011

I feel your pain. I felt the same way when I started wearing my HRM on the elliptical. I'd do an hour and thought for real? That's it .. but you can't argue with the dang thing. I actually enjoy it now because I know MFP or the machine isn't over estimating my caloric burn. What's really cool is that you'll start to see your calorie burn go down as you get better and more fit .. then you know you need to kick it back up! Good luck!

Jared_Holloway · June 2011

Seems about right. 140 HR isn't going to burn as much as you think. For that time frame, I'd say it's pretty close. You also have to remember the HRM is on you all the time and is constantly reading your HR. If you don't have your hands on the panels on the elliptical, then it just assumes your HR is staying at the last recorded level until you recheck. You were in the "burn zone" but I'd still stick with the HRM numbers, and maybe it will encourage you to go a little harder or for a little longer

dlaplume2 · June 2011

MIne was the same way, and I was hugely disppointed. The thing I can say is as you do it more and push yourself, you will get more comfortable at higher heart rates and that will burn more calories.
When I started I would be around 140 for a heart rate and I was huffin and puffin, now I can get up to 150+ and I burn closer to 500 cal, but the machine is still off by at least 50 cals each time, sometimes more.

littlemisskitty24 · June 2011

It is true, HRM's tell the more accurate calories and I now know what I truly expend rather than thinking I have just had a wonderful huge workout.
It is a little depressing the first time you see it, but it has helped me know I can't rely on those machines and push myself that little bit harder. Then you get used to it and you feel really proud of yourself when you have had a really high calorie work out as you have actually achieved it.

kr3851 · June 2011

Thanks Everyone!

I guess I'm kinda bummed... but at the same time very glad that I haven't been eating those extra cals I thought I had burned. Looks like I'll be ramping up my exercise and trying a bit harder to get there... I've got a long road ahead of me but am determined to get there!

New HRM = Lots of confusion

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