Why my HRM gives a high reading

SanyamKaushik
SanyamKaushik Posts: 215 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey Pals,

I recently bought an HRM Polar FT4. The problem is that it usually gives around 1.2 - 1.5 times the reading that machines in the gym show or for that matter what MFP shows.

Any ideas why? Which reading should i trust. Though initial indication is that HRM readings sound fake. My heart is still beating (fast :)) while I'm drinking water in between exercises and think HRM picks up calories burnt during that period too.

Any pointers please...

Replies

  • sheryllamb72
    sheryllamb72 Posts: 163 Member
    Nice question San,

    That was why I stopped using my HRM because the readings were well over what my endomondo and joggy coach apps and MFP were giving me......so yes, help please.

    =0)
  • yvette0364
    yvette0364 Posts: 2
    You have to make sure the setting are set properly. That you enter your weight, age, height, etc. All those variables go into the HR calculation. Mine is always WELL under the machines. I use a Polar F7.
  • mgpage
    mgpage Posts: 123
    I always go by my HRM, and I too have the Polar FT4. I go by it because my treadmill at home when it is turned on it is counting calories burned even if I'm not walking on it, so we know that can't be right. If I don't get my HR up the HRM give me less calories burned and than when I really push myself and my heart is pounding out of my chest. That's just my logic, and it may not be right but I would always go by the HRM.
  • nixirain
    nixirain Posts: 448 Member
    I just tested my HRM at the gym yesterday and this is my results:

    Walking 3.0-Walking my ill behaved dog for 26 min
    MFP says: 82 cals HRM says: 141 cals

    Mixed cardio including walking to the gym, Arc Trainer for 20 min and Elliptical for 10 min (I paused when switching machines and checking into the gym)
    Arc Trainer: HRM:150 cals Machine: 287 cals MFP: 190
    Elliptical: HRM: 96 cals Machine: 95 MFP:95

    Total for 41 min of walking arc and elliptical totaled 302 cals on my HRM

    I did rowing machine, bicep machine and triceps machine and stretching for 15 min
    92 cals burned MFP:50ish

    Walking home, stopping at the store on the way 14 min
    HRM:84 cals MFP: 44

    I am 30 now and I weigh 140 and I am 4'11"

    My opinion? If you set your FT4 up correctly you should go by what it says.

    EDIT: if you are using another HRM other than Polar FT4 make sure you check reviews on it. I had another model that did not have a chest strap and it was usually over by about 100-150 cals burned.
  • runningfromzombies
    runningfromzombies Posts: 386 Member
    It's all about the heart rate, the level of effort you're putting into your activity. If your HRM is set up correctly with your stats, then it's the most accurate thing. Mine definitely tells me I burn much more than what MFP tells me I burn, and I figure it's because MFP usually puts you in the "fat-burning" zone for heart rate for any given activity, while in reality, when I'm running nine miles, I'm usually in the "fitness zone", and therefore torching a lot more calories.
  • SanyamKaushik
    SanyamKaushik Posts: 215 Member
    Hmm. Thanks People.
    I will try to find if there are more setting in my HRM, other than weight. height and sex.
  • lambertj
    lambertj Posts: 675 Member
    I have the same HRM and I always go by the calories burned on it as the machines and MFP are always wrong. Keep an eye on your heart rate as you are working out. The days my heart rate is higher I burn more calories than on my easy work out day even during the same period of time. As I've become more fit, i've found that I have to work even harder to get my heart rate up to burn more calories.
  • androde
    androde Posts: 96 Member
    My Polar F7 is always under MFP
  • NateDad
    NateDad Posts: 55
    Your HRM is the most accurate calculation of calories burnt. MFP can't know your specific fitness level. The treadmills etc aren't taking your heartrate constantly, and for them, the HRM is just a feature. For your HRM, that's its only function, and it does it very well.

    The HRM measures the rate your heart beats, which is dependent on the amount of oxygen your body is calling for, and your body calls for more oxygen when it needs to burn calories for energy. When you're in really good shape, your muscles are more efficient, and so use fewer calories. When you're out of shape, your muscles are inefficient and use more calories.

    Go with the calories from your HRM. It's the best approximation you can get outside of a laboratory.
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