HRM Help

brianchi
brianchi Posts: 71 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have a cheap Sportline HRM that I got at Walmart. And I am guessing you get what you pay for because it seems to be seriously over-estimating my calories burned.

I ran for 45 minutes today - about 5.25 miles --- 823 calories burned.

Grabbed some water and a snack then hit the gym within 30 minutes.

Lifted for 55 minutes with pretty high intensity and low rest time between sets --- 939 calories burned.

These both seem way to high. I think I might have to ante up and get one that is accurate. Anyone have any suggestions?

Replies

  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    Well, no matter which one you get it, it's going to be off for strength training, as HRM's are not made to track strength training. They are made to track cardio workouts only.

    A entry level Polar FT4 will run you about 60 dollars on amazon... and they go up from there. Most popular on here are Polar FT4, FT7, FT40 and FT60.
  • Lyndsgirl
    Lyndsgirl Posts: 26 Member
    Oooo whoa, those do seem pretty high. I've heard they have a lot of good polar ones on Amazon; I don't have one but really gotta get one, too!
  • chattipatty2
    chattipatty2 Posts: 376 Member
    Yeah, that seems quite high. See what MFP says and try to guess as best you can while saving for a Polar.
  • andreamkelly
    andreamkelly Posts: 169
    I just bought a Polar FT7. It records alot less calories burned then MFP or the machines I'm working on give me. I like it because I can also use it in the pool.
  • cbeutler
    cbeutler Posts: 667 Member
    Here is an interesting study on the Polar that I just looked up for a friend.

    http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfje/5700/PolarWatch-study-MSSE.pdf

    You can also take your duration and average heart rate and find the "old school" estimators on the web try a few and see if they agree.

    Also make sure you read your owners manual. On the Polar I have I need to wet the strap with water pre wo to get a decent reading.
  • brianchi
    brianchi Posts: 71 Member
    I did program my height and weight. I think that makes sense that it is for cardio because that number was closer to being accurate during the run.

    I always under-estimate but these numbers are ridiculous. I did not use them in my log as that is out of control.

    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll shop around!
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    Does it have a chest strap?

    I find this site is pretty accurate for running cals burned: http://nutritionfirstfitness.com/tools.php?tool=running

    Unless it has a chest strap, it's not very accurate.
  • lauraniwa
    lauraniwa Posts: 131 Member
    Garmins are great too, plus some of them are GPS and will track km's on run. I've had polar and garmin, both were reliable. I prefer my garmin now as it does speed, distance, HR...AND its was 129 new on Amazon. Shop around, there are good deals online.
  • GrammaBonnie
    GrammaBonnie Posts: 232 Member
    If you live in New England or NY, I would highly recommend a guy named "Polar Bob" or "The Polar Guy." He has worked with Polar to develop new products, and he also sells their equipment. AND he services them.

    We've purchased several computers from him. He makes sure we get the proper machine, and that it is set up properly. He spends time with us to make sure we understand it. And THEN he follows up, to make sure we are using our new tools in the best possible way.

    Yes, you can get them from Amazon for less. But knowing how to use it properly, get accurate results, and not have it end in a drawer unused? Yup, it's worth it.

    Good luck!
  • AsaraFuriosa
    AsaraFuriosa Posts: 293 Member
    I researched HRM for 2 weeks before I made my decision. I'm a virgo so Im meticulous about... everything! I didn't know if I should really even get one let alone what kind and which one. Especially because I loath to waste money! My research lead me to yes, HRM are probably the best big purchase you can make for yourself and your journey. Why, because if your serious about what your putting in your body, then you can be just as serious about how your working it. If you want to know your intake, then you should know your 'output' for complete body awareness! :) So naturally accuracy would pay a huge part in this. Polar is the most accurate with the ability to enter weight, height, age, and sex. The chest strap is a must darlin, as I've said it's all about accuracy. I tend to forget it's even on, compfy! I was afraid it would slip but it's adjustable. Lastly I wanted they're ft7 model because I don't have to ship it for battery replacement and because the features are awesome for me: heart rate, calorie burn, time spent improving fitness vs actual fat burn, weekly summery, stores 99 workouts. I didn't want to start Insanity without it because I know I would've really benefited if I'd had it when I did P90X. It's way more accurate then my treadmill or MFP, who knew!? I want to start swimming laps, water proof up to 50 meters. I'm going to start biking and jogging but not very seriously enough for one with a GPS! Go to Polars website, check mark the features you want and get the best most accurate model for you. Price will range from $50.00 used to $75.00-$110.00 new from ebay to sears to ****'s sporting goods so do your research.
    Ps as if this wasn't long enough.... don't buy used it often doesn't come with a strap, used or no battery and the are not worth buying separately. Not to mention it's used...ewwww! Hope this novel of a post helps somebody out! ;) Good luck!
  • brianchi
    brianchi Posts: 71 Member
    I did program my height and weight. I think that makes sense that it is for cardio because that number was closer to being accurate during the run.

    I always under-estimate but these numbers are ridiculous. I did not use them in my log as that is out of control.

    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll shop around!

    how much you weigh and how tall?

    5'9 155 lbs - 31 years old
  • brianchi
    brianchi Posts: 71 Member
    I researched HRM for 2 weeks before I made my decision. I'm a virgo so Im meticulous about... everything! I didn't know if I should really even get one let alone what kind and which one. Especially because I loath to waste money! My research lead me to yes, HRM are probably the best big purchase you can make for yourself and your journey. Why, because if your serious about what your putting in your body, then you can be just as serious about how your working it. If you want to know your intake, then you should know your 'output' for complete body awareness! :) So naturally accuracy would pay a huge part in this. Polar is the most accurate with the ability to enter weight, height, age, and sex. The chest strap is a must darlin, as I've said it's all about accuracy. I tend to forget it's even on, compfy! I was afraid it would slip but it's adjustable. Lastly I wanted they're ft7 model because I don't have to ship it for battery replacement and because the features are awesome for me: heart rate, calorie burn, time spent improving fitness vs actual fat burn, weekly summery, stores 99 workouts. I didn't want to start Insanity without it because I know I would've really benefited if I'd had it when I did P90X. It's way more accurate then my treadmill or MFP, who knew!? I want to start swimming laps, water proof up to 50 meters. I'm going to start biking and jogging but not very seriously enough for one with a GPS! Go to Polars website, check mark the features you want and get the best most accurate model for you. Price will range from $50.00 used to $75.00-$110.00 new from ebay to sears to ****'s sporting goods so do your research.
    Ps as if this wasn't long enough.... don't buy used it often doesn't come with a strap, used or no battery and the are not worth buying separately. Not to mention it's used...ewwww! Hope this novel of a post helps somebody out! ;) Good luck!

    Thanks! Great info!
  • Jkc9059
    Jkc9059 Posts: 151 Member
    I recently bought the polar FT4 and love it. I think that a chest strap gives you the most accurate measurement. I don't even know I have it on it is so comfortable. With mine I can change batteries without sending it in.
  • anwilson_83
    anwilson_83 Posts: 66
    i bought one of those from walmart too and it was awful. it tells me i only burn 39 calories doing 40 minmutes of insanity. it would also say my hr was 90 when i was so out of breath during insanity that i couldnt talk. im returning it tomorow. i ordered a timex zone trainer from amazon,havent got it yet but it had really good reviews.
  • gr8pillock
    gr8pillock Posts: 374 Member
    I literally SWEAR by my Polar. So worth the money.
  • natspoiledbrat
    natspoiledbrat Posts: 133
    I have a Polar FT7 and love it. It seems to be very accurate. Anytime I change the minutes when adding cardio, MFP overestimates calories burned (by a lot). I purchased it at The Sports Authority and was able to find a coupon online at mommysavesbig.com. The regular price (about 2 or 3 years ago) was $110, it was on sale for $100 and the coupon was for $25 off of $100 purchase. So I got it for $75. This seems like a lot, but its been well worth the money. The battery went out after about 2 years, but the replacement was only $5.
  • photojunkie28
    photojunkie28 Posts: 292
    I have the Polar Ft4. I'm not sure on your stats and everybody will burn differently, but on a high intensity cardio day at my fitness bootcamp I burned close to 700 calories in an hour, so maybe yours isn't too far off as far as for your running goes. I haven't tested with the weights, but it does say they are not very accurate for calories burned at rest or weight training. Hope this helps a little bit.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    i bought one of those from walmart too and it was awful. it tells me i only burn 39 calories doing 40 minmutes of insanity. it would also say my hr was 90 when i was so out of breath during insanity that i couldnt talk. im returning it tomorow. i ordered a timex zone trainer from amazon,havent got it yet but it had really good reviews.

    I'm sorry, but you just ordered another crap HRM. Timex is absolutely awful at estimating calories burned.. no better then the Walmart HRM.

    If you want a quality HRM, then you need to buy a Polar. There really is no other option.
  • anwilson_83
    anwilson_83 Posts: 66
    ohhh i hope not,i will definately send it back if it dont work

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