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!

Accuracy of my heart monitor watch?

kooshajan
kooshajan Posts: 174 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I recently purchased a heart monitor watch which has a pedo/ calorie count option as well. How accurate are the calories counted if I am not able to program my height or weight? Are these not strong factors when it comes to counting calories? This mornings bikeride to work says I burned 8 cals..but this site says 80? I also notice if I take the watch off it continues to count calories and just adds one every 60 seconds...strange? This was no cheap watch either!

Replies

  • jrich1
    jrich1 Posts: 2,408 Member
    What model/brand, does it have a chest strap. It seems if its not getting height or weight, it wouldnt be accurate at all.
  • allaboutty
    allaboutty Posts: 13
    I had one like this and I returned it. I've found that if you don't have an actual heart rate monitor for your chest, it isn't very accurate
  • 27strange
    27strange Posts: 837 Member
    Without height and weight how would it formulate a basis to calculate? Also, the HRM's with chest straps are the way to go for an accurate reading. Which brand/model do you have?
  • Leigh_b
    Leigh_b Posts: 576 Member
    There is an equation you can use to calculate your calorie burned based on your average heart rate during an activity. I use my HRM to give me my AHR and then use the equation (which takes weight and age into consideration) to determine how many calories I burned.
  • LordRahl
    LordRahl Posts: 48 Member
    I purchased a Garmin 305 w/chestband a couple years ago when doing a lot of running and have found the chest band to be accurate. I doubt some of the watches that work off of a pulse on your wrist, no real reason, just doubt them. I have found with walking/running etc the amount of calories burned is fairly close to what MFP gives you when entering your time. My goal is to get a foot pod (attach to runner, use on bikes) so I can tell how many kms I have ridden on the stationary bikes.
  • freebird240
    freebird240 Posts: 33 Member
    dang really.... so best if purchase the one for the chest... i have a new balance watch.. seems to work ok.. but seems like its either not enough or too much.. but i always check my heart rate on it..
  • northstar699
    northstar699 Posts: 99 Member
    Speaking of accuracy, I am looking to purchase something to keep a more accurate picture of my calories burned during a workout. Any opinions on whether buying a bodymedia fit over a good HRM is worth the extra expense?
This discussion has been closed.

Categories