We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

HRM VS Cardio Machine

mmanderr18
mmanderr18 Posts: 80 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So I recently bought a HRM watch (without a chest band). I did the elliptical at a vigorous pace for 30 minutes and it said I only burned 90 calories. The machine said I burned around 300ish. I've always thought the machines overestimated the calories burned but I feel like my HRM is VERY low. It works perfect when I'm running but this seems off.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance! :)

Replies

  • gdelg732
    gdelg732 Posts: 12
    I burn about 300 in half an hour so the elliptical seems right to me.
  • GaveUp
    GaveUp Posts: 308
    I actually just bought one today. I got a polar FT4 with chest strap. I haven't done any cardio yet with it but I did do 20 minutes of 3 pound weights and a 10 minute standing ab workout. I burned over 100 calories.

    I think your HRM is off. you should have burned a lot more calories. I think having one with a chest strap works better.
  • What average HR did you get? maybe is wasnt registering properly!
  • hush7hush
    hush7hush Posts: 2,273 Member
    That's why a chest strap is worth the money.
  • I did 38 minutes on the elliptical yesterday (5 minute warm-up, 28 minutes in Weight Loss mode, 5 minute cool-down) and burned 374 calories. You probably burned more...? Try a different machine next time and compare
  • nananie2
    nananie2 Posts: 272 Member
    I bought a HRM without the chest strap, and I had to return it the day after. It was way off... Got myself a polar ft4 instead, and it works like a charm. :-)
  • ladybugz_247
    ladybugz_247 Posts: 120
    You need the chest strap to get a more accurate reading, I burn about 300 every 1/2 hour at a moderate pace. I bough the polar rs 100 it has a chest strap and I love it! worth every penny.. try finding a chest strap for your HRM.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    You need to return it and get one with a chest strap.. other wise it won't be accurate at all.

    I have a Polar FT7 and doing 30 min of an interval program on the elliptical I burn about 430 calories.
This discussion has been closed.