ANOTHER HRM Question...

FAVOLOSOMII
FAVOLOSOMII Posts: 188 Member
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
I've read many of the HRM topics, but I cannot seem to find an answer to a basic question. Instead of using the activity specific caloric count in MFP, does anyone that uses an HRM just log their total calories burned based upon the HRM? If so, has that made a tremendous difference in your weight loss?

Sorry if this sounds redundant, but I really need / want an answer. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Replies

  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    That's the whole point of getting a HRM; to get a more accurate calories burned number. And yes, it's helped. MFP tends to massively overestimate the calories you burned, especially when doing a sport with a large number of variables.
  • mamamc03
    mamamc03 Posts: 1,067 Member
    I used the MFP calculator until I got an HRM. Your HRM is in tune with YOU and your specific stats. When I work out, I always use my HRM. I rarely use the MFP calculator unless I just have to. It gets close, but I prefer to accuracy of the HRM. So to answer your question.....yes I just rely on my HRM for my calories burned and it has helped my weight loss. Check out my profile pic...it says it all!!
  • trilikeagirl
    trilikeagirl Posts: 218
    I've used a Garmin 305 for the last two weeks on my runs. The results are very similar to MFPs numbers. However I've not tried it yet on my bike or doing any other type of activity.
  • startingover42
    startingover42 Posts: 28
    i never used the MFP calculator. I used the machine I was on. But I got an HRM pretty quickly. It made a big difference to me.
  • BlJohnston77
    BlJohnston77 Posts: 54 Member
    I am curious as to how the HRM works?? I want to get one but, I want to know the details of them before I buy. How do you figure out calories burned and all that stuff??
  • elzettel
    elzettel Posts: 256
    Are you asking about total calories burned during the entire day or a specific excercise? For something specific I would go with the HRM. If you are thinking more along the lines of what you are burning day-to-day (along the lines of BMR) then I would think something like a Body Bugg would be more helpful as this is what I believe it is made to do. Hope that helps.
  • Anayalata
    Anayalata Posts: 391 Member
    Yep I've been using an HRM for that specific purpose. Calories burned is calculated based on your weight, height and current heart rate. Keeping yourself in your "target zone" is what is considered cardiovascular exercise which is what burns calories.

    Some of the cheaper models won't actually log calories burned and will just show you your heart rate so that you can keep yourself in a target zone.

    The only activity that I use MFP for is walking.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Exercise_zones.png

    Good chart to show what I'm talking about.
  • elzettel
    elzettel Posts: 256
    "I am curious as to how the HRM works?? I want to get one but, I want to know the details of them before I buy. How do you figure out calories burned and all that stuff??"

    HRM monitor will take your age, gender, weight, etc (info you input when setting up) into consideration along with monitoring your heart rate (fitness level) to determine the calories burned during a particular activity. The models that include a chest strap are more accurate. Check out the posts on the board for tons more info.
  • zoezoe64
    zoezoe64 Posts: 13
    I've just bought the FT60 watch by polar, used it for the first time today! I don't know if you use machines in the gym, but my HRM was saying that I burnt more than the machines said. I used the MFP calculator to begin with, but I never believed what it said because it depends on so many factors as to how many calories you've burnt - it's impossible for the value on MFP to cover everything. That's why I got the HRM, because it monitors me, and I can use it to get the values for any exercise I do. I can also use it in the pool, and update my diary on the polar fitness website (polarpersonaltrainer.com). I'm loving it so far because my watch has a built in training plan feature where it does a test to monitor your level of fitness and then devises you a training programme for each week and gives you feedback on your progress. I would definitely recommend this, I felt before like I was losing the motivation because any exercise I did may not have been at the right intensity or for the right amount of time to give the maximum desired weight loss effect. Now I have my own weight loss training programme, and it also tells you to train within 3 zones which are ranges of heart rates, which will lead to fat loss mainly rather than fitness and stamina. The zones it tells me to use are both achievable by walking so it's easy to do, easy to monitor and gives you a great feeling like you're doing the right thing and achieving something.
    Go for it, good luck!
  • FAVOLOSOMII
    FAVOLOSOMII Posts: 188 Member
    Are you asking about total calories burned during the entire day or a specific excercise? For something specific I would go with the HRM. If you are thinking more along the lines of what you are burning day-to-day (along the lines of BMR) then I would think something like a Body Bugg would be more helpful as this is what I believe it is made to do. Hope that helps.

    Yes, the entire day. I'm thinking about entering them at the end of the day before I submit my diary. The BB is nice, but it doesn't allow for an actual heart rate measurement. At least not according to the rep I chatted with the other night.
  • elzettel
    elzettel Posts: 256
    Yes, the entire day. I'm thinking about entering them at the end of the day before I submit my diary. The BB is nice, but it doesn't allow for an actual heart rate measurement. At least not according to the rep I chatted with the other night.

    I had a friend who used the BB and was very happy with it. She lost about 60lbs in the past year. As she has gotten closer to her goal she no longer uses the BB and has since switched to using a HRM during her activities (not all day long). One concern I would have by using a HRM all day is battery life...would you be replacing the things like crazy and would you really want to use it while sleeping? Otherwise, perhaps you could try the HRM for a few days to try to get an idea or average of what type of calories you are burning typically. Once you have that 'base' you could compare it to the BMR here or on other sites and then use your HRM during exercise only.
  • FAVOLOSOMII
    FAVOLOSOMII Posts: 188 Member
    Yes, the entire day. I'm thinking about entering them at the end of the day before I submit my diary. The BB is nice, but it doesn't allow for an actual heart rate measurement. At least not according to the rep I chatted with the other night.

    I had a friend who used the BB and was very happy with it. She lost about 60lbs in the past year. As she has gotten closer to her goal she no longer uses the BB and has since switched to using a HRM during her activities (not all day long). One concern I would have by using a HRM all day is battery life...would you be replacing the things like crazy and would you really want to use it while sleeping? Otherwise, perhaps you could try the HRM for a few days to try to get an idea or average of what type of calories you are burning typically. Once you have that 'base' you could compare it to the BMR here or on other sites and then use your HRM during exercise only.

    Not during sleeping. Don't get me wrong - I think the BB is great! I really do. I'm interested in an actual HRM because I want to know when I'm exercising and entering a fat burning zone, etc, which the BB cannot do. Also, the monthly fee bothers me. Not to mention the fact that I'd have to enter my food both here AND there. That's quite a bit of work. For those that don't mind those caveats, that's great. It's just a matter of personal preference. :bigsmile:
  • elzettel
    elzettel Posts: 256
    Yes, the entire day. I'm thinking about entering them at the end of the day before I submit my diary. The BB is nice, but it doesn't allow for an actual heart rate measurement. At least not according to the rep I chatted with the other night.

    I had a friend who used the BB and was very happy with it. She lost about 60lbs in the past year. As she has gotten closer to her goal she no longer uses the BB and has since switched to using a HRM during her activities (not all day long). One concern I would have by using a HRM all day is battery life...would you be replacing the things like crazy and would you really want to use it while sleeping? Otherwise, perhaps you could try the HRM for a few days to try to get an idea or average of what type of calories you are burning typically. Once you have that 'base' you could compare it to the BMR here or on other sites and then use your HRM during exercise only.

    Not during sleeping. Don't get me wrong - I think the BB is great! I really do. I'm interested in an actual HRM because I want to know when I'm exercising and entering a fat burning zone, etc, which the BB cannot do. Also, the monthly fee bothers me. Not to mention the fact that I'd have to enter my food both here AND there. That's quite a bit of work. For those that don't mind those caveats, that's great. It's just a matter of personal preference. :bigsmile:

    I can certainly understand. You can try the HRM and see how it works for you. I found my Polar FT7 on eBay for a great price. Polar also has something that you can set the HRM on to sync it to an account you create on their site. It helps track the fat burning rate etc...to help improve fitness. Check out the Polar site for all the info...it only works with certain models. Also, I'm not sure if you are near a Dunham's store. They offer discounts (usually 10-20%) off regular priced items. They sell Polar there in the Golf area. I know some health insurance companies partner with fitness type companies for discounts. I think Polar works with BCBS for a discount.
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