Exercise Equipment vs. Calorie Burning Calculators

jyuubi
jyuubi Posts: 109
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Typically when I use exercise equipment, I just go with what the equipment tells me. Like when I use my treadmill, and I burn about 150 calories in a half hour, that's what I put in. I completely ignore calculators (though they're pretty close together in numbers anyhow). But I used a stationary bike, and it told me that in 7.5 miles, 38 minutes, 12-15mph average, I burned 150. I don't mind if this is accurate, just means you gotta work a little harder (and I was intending to use it more than once), but calculators are telling me an average of 635 calories burned, the lowest was about 510 from a calculator.

I like to accurately determine the calories I'm burning. It helps when it comes to meals, and helps me figure out how well I've done. 150 and 635 is a really huge number difference. I don't use an HMR, while I looked them up. Unfortunately, someone who's currently jobless can't afford one when money needs to be saved, so suggesting getting one won't really help me.

Is there no way at at all to figure this out without having to spend money on an accurate HMR? My only concern is the fact that these numbers are so far apart, otherwise I'd just go with the smaller number.

Replies

  • FrugalMomsRock75
    FrugalMomsRock75 Posts: 698 Member
    In 38 minutes of 17-22 MPH riding, I burn around 350.

    I'm 5'2'' and 157.
  • NBabi91
    NBabi91 Posts: 270 Member
    A HRM is your best bet. I bought my polar FT7 3 years ago and it still works like brand new
  • jyuubi
    jyuubi Posts: 109
    In 38 minutes of 17-22 MPH riding, I burn around 350.

    I'm 5'2'' and 157.

    That sounds like a better number, but I'm 120 pounds heavier than you.
  • Bumdrahp
    Bumdrahp Posts: 1,314 Member
    In 20 minutes between 12-17 mph I burn 100... I think 150 sounds about right.

    BTW.. i'm 5'2 and 220
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    I've never used an HRM myself, but my friend said she just got one from Bowflex for $20, don't know if that's in your budget or not...
  • jyuubi
    jyuubi Posts: 109
    A HRM is your best bet. I bought my polar FT7 3 years ago and it still works like brand new

    I'd love to have a Polar HMR, but like I said, I can't afford it. It's disappointing if the only way I can determine anything is by getting one. They're just too expensive for someone with no money to waste.
  • gecho
    gecho Posts: 426 Member
    A HRM is your best bet. I bought my polar FT7 3 years ago and it still works like brand new

    doesn't help when she said she can't get one.

    I'm not jobless but i can't afford a decent HRM either...
  • morkiemama
    morkiemama Posts: 894 Member
    I don't cycle so I can't help you out on the burn stats from my HRM :(

    However, I did want to suggest Ebay or Craigslist as a source for a HRM. I hear you can find some deals if you are patient and look. Also, they are cheaper on certain websites.

    I personally like Polar. You can find some of the older models for cheaper! :) I'd look into it and see if it fits in your budget.

    Good luck! I hope some other people have calorie estimates for you. <3
  • jyuubi
    jyuubi Posts: 109
    Thanks for the replies. If 150 sounds about right, 150 it is. I'll look into a cheaper HMR.
  • navygunner
    navygunner Posts: 36 Member
    I use a Polar FT4. You can get that and it is less expensive than the FT7. It is a very capable unit. A friend of mine who is an exercise physiologist and personal trainer highly recommends Polar. You know the saying "you get what you pay for", I had bought a less expensive unit, a Sportsline Duo, and had to return it because it did not give me accurate readings. Frankly get a Polar, FT4 or FT7. You will not regret doing this. You can get an FT4 in pink for ladies from http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/heart-weight.html, for 65 dollars. I think that is a great buy. I purchased mine at Academy Sports, don't know if you may have one in your area, and I paid 70 dollars. I would recommend the Polars without question. PS. Get one with a strap, the ones that take your pulse from your fingertip are not as accurate.
  • navygunner
    navygunner Posts: 36 Member
    Also forgot to mention, that the exercise calorie count on MFP is rather accurate. I found that somewhat surprising. Remember all the calculation is based on your age, weight, heart rate, and what your maximum HR is for aerobic exercise. There are some decent calculators on the internet.
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