HRM -Counting calories VS. measuring heart rate?

opaquewhite
opaquewhite Posts: 58 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone! I recently purchased a HRM (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P8VWQS/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00)

But I was disappointed when I realized that it doesn't count calories burned. I do read a lot about how most don't really count calories burned very accurately, but I was considering exchanging this one for a different one that does count calories. But I wanted to get thoughts and opinions from HRM users, what do you use yours to measure? Should I keep this one, or get a different one that counts calories?

My main activities are running and Zumba mostly!

Replies

  • T_Marie4
    T_Marie4 Posts: 104 Member
    I have a polar FT4 that I just purchased last week - love it! :) it cost me $70 from amazon - but it keeps track of HR, calories burned, how long you were in your HR target zone, and gives beeps to notify you when you are 'in the zone'. Its the first one I've owned, so don't have an opinion of any other HRM's, but I do love this one. Personally, I would exchange it for one that does count calories - for me it was one of the main reasons for getting one. I'd have been disappointed if it didn't!
  • trail_rnr
    trail_rnr Posts: 337 Member
    Actually, if you get a HRM that you can program with some accuracy, the calories burned will be more accurate than what shows up on a machine or that is calculated through MFP. Ones like the Garmin 310 take into consideration whether you are a lifetime athlete, how often you work out, etc. While no HRM will ever be completely accurate, I think many of them do a really good job. Beware ones that just ask for your age, sex, and weight.

    Unfortunately, the fitter you are, the more efficient you are, so you burn fewer calories. I guess that can be a good problem to have. :happy:
  • opaquewhite
    opaquewhite Posts: 58 Member
    I have a polar FT4 that I just purchased last week - love it! :) it cost me $70 from amazon - but it keeps track of HR, calories burned, how long you were in your HR target zone, and gives beeps to notify you when you are 'in the zone'. Its the first one I've owned, so don't have an opinion of any other HRM's, but I do love this one. Personally, I would exchange it for one that does count calories - for me it was one of the main reasons for getting one. I'd have been disappointed if it didn't!

    My friend also has the Polar FT4 and loves it too! I was hoping to get something for under $100 so maybe I'll check that out, thanks!! :-)
  • amuhlou
    amuhlou Posts: 693 Member
    I use my polar FT4 for measuring calorie burns and have come to trust it.

    The first few times I used it I made sure to compare its calorie count with what MFP suggested for the exercise I was doing. It seemed pretty accurate - usually a little lower than MFP - so now I rely on it. I prefer it over the machines at the gym because it seems more realistic. I've found ellipticals to significantly overestimate calories burned when compared to my monitor.

    As I've lost weight (and updated my info on the HRM watch), my calories burned for the same exercise have gone down, so I guess that's a testament to its accuracy.

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