How do you keep track of your calories during workouts?

I'm thinking about getting a Fitbit to track my calories during workouts but I was told that polar watches work better. Any feedback?

Replies

  • mkakids
    mkakids Posts: 1,913 Member
    Fitbit will track your steps, so any step related exercises too like walking, running, dancing. It wont work on biking, swimming, weight lifting.

    Polar heart rate monitors can be used for steady state cardio, which rules out weight lifting and interval training.

    Both will just give you an estimate. I have both and found them to both be reasonally accurate.

    Regardless of the method you choose, it will always be an estimate. Most people reccomend only eating a portion of any exercise calories you 'earn'. I eat back 50% of my estimated burn and have lost 75+ pounds doing that.
  • Wolfena
    Wolfena Posts: 1,570 Member
    I've got both, I thought I'd love the Fitbit when I got it as it seemed to measure so much more & was such a cool toy (had Polar HRMs years prior) but turns out I preferred the Polar!

    Lately I've just been using the generic calorie calculator on this site.
  • CincyNeid
    CincyNeid Posts: 1,249 Member
    Day to day, vivosmart hr
    Running, Garmin Forerunner 220
    Cycling, Garmin Edge 520
    Heart Rate Monitor, Wahoo Fitness Tickr Run

    I have my Garmin Connect account synced to my MFP account so I get a nice rounded picture of everything all rolled into one.
  • Ghostlight1
    Ghostlight1 Posts: 21 Member
    I use a fit bit. You do have to set it before your work out and when you are done (just push and hold the button) this gives you and idea of how many calories you burned during your work out time. although it is an average.