HRM question...

LosingIt4good
LosingIt4good Posts: 1,214 Member
edited September 19 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all,

I bought a Timex HRM yesterday and it has a chest strap. I wore them to the gym for my workout today and the calories are wayyyy off from what the machine says I burned. Im just curious if anyone else has noticed this?

I did 35 minutes on the elliptical. The Machine says that I burned 356 calories but the HRM says I burned 519. I then jumped on the treadmill and walked at a 3.6 pace for 30 minutes and the machine said I burned 220 calories and the HRM says 400.

I did set up my HRM with my weight (220) , height (6ft), age (35), sex (F) and resting heart rate (72). From what I can tell it keeps a accurate heart rate while Im exercising. It was only off by maybe 3-4bpm from what the machines said, usually on the low side.

Mainly, I wanted the HRM to keep track of how many calories Im burning at home when I do my workout videos, but also plan to use it at the gym. Should I go with the HRM calories or the Machine readings? Any advice??

Replies

  • LosingIt4good
    LosingIt4good Posts: 1,214 Member
    Hello all,

    I bought a Timex HRM yesterday and it has a chest strap. I wore them to the gym for my workout today and the calories are wayyyy off from what the machine says I burned. Im just curious if anyone else has noticed this?

    I did 35 minutes on the elliptical. The Machine says that I burned 356 calories but the HRM says I burned 519. I then jumped on the treadmill and walked at a 3.6 pace for 30 minutes and the machine said I burned 220 calories and the HRM says 400.

    I did set up my HRM with my weight (220) , height (6ft), age (35), sex (F) and resting heart rate (72). From what I can tell it keeps a accurate heart rate while Im exercising. It was only off by maybe 3-4bpm from what the machines said, usually on the low side.

    Mainly, I wanted the HRM to keep track of how many calories Im burning at home when I do my workout videos, but also plan to use it at the gym. Should I go with the HRM calories or the Machine readings? Any advice??
  • Phoenix_Rising
    Phoenix_Rising Posts: 11,417 Member
    HRM, for the win.
    Sounds pretty correct.
    Machines are inaccurate, generally speaking.
  • fishernd
    fishernd Posts: 140 Member
    I found the same thing. My HRM was higher than the machines. That's because the machines default to probably around a 150 pound person. The HRM takes into account your higher weight and height as well and people who weigh more will burn more calories for a given exercise than someone much smaller :0) Go with the HRM reading and good luck!

    :flowerforyou:
  • firewalking
    firewalking Posts: 335 Member
    HRM wins....it's more accurate than the machines as it is in constant contact with your breathing and heart beats...Just remember to adjust your weight to keep it accurate.
  • knlamb10
    knlamb10 Posts: 33
    Sounds like a great HRM... I bought one you put on yoru finger... and I realized after it does not tell you total calories burned!! Can you tell me where you found yours? I bought this one because it was all the store sold.

    Thx
    K
  • LosingIt4good
    LosingIt4good Posts: 1,214 Member
    Sounds like a great HRM... I bought one you put on yoru finger... and I realized after it does not tell you total calories burned!! Can you tell me where you found yours? I bought this one because it was all the store sold.

    Thx
    K

    I got it at Fred Meyers (Krogers). They are on sale right now for 25% off and regular price is $89.99. Its also double points week for Club card holders... :happy:
  • 72lori
    72lori Posts: 6,791 Member
    I also found my heart rate monitor gave a higher amount than the machines. I expected the other way around. I thought for sure the machines would give a higher amount.

    I did wear mine around and get a general idea of what I burn if I'm not working out and then I subtract that from what I eat extra for my exercise calories.
  • LosingIt4good
    LosingIt4good Posts: 1,214 Member
    Thanks everyone. I was just very curious about this because if I have really been burning that many more calories each week, then I am definitely not eating enough and its more than likely the reason my weight loss has slowed a bit!! So this is VERY helpful!!

    Thanks a ton!! :flowerforyou:
  • knlamb10
    knlamb10 Posts: 33
    Awesome!! Thanks... and good luck to you too! I think if I can get a more accurate read I will lose more weight at well. I have been doing this for over 3 weeks and have only lost 1 lb!! YIKES!
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