Heart Rate Monitor Question

[Derf]

I use my Polar HR monitor (the 720 model) while working out at the gym and use the IR feature to upload the information onto my computer. I've recently started using the elliptical machines and have noticed a large discrepancy between the number of calories my watch says I am burning versus what the machine says. The machine seems to pick up readings from my HR monitor strap. For example, on Saturday, I spent 30 min on the machine (which also tracks watts, strides, etc) and the machine said I burned 323 calories. My watch said I burned 197 calories. What gives? That seems like a huge discrepancy to me. I'd like to have some reasonable estimate of how much I'm actually burning. Thanks!

[caligurl]

the machine is set up for an average of the masses... your 720 is set up to your age... weight... fitness level... etc....

[chickwhorips]

from my understanding, i asked once what the accuracy is from those machines, and i was informed that they aren't very accurate. unless you can change the settings for weight and age and all that jazz.

using my polar hr with the stair stepper maching at my "gym" i got a slight discrepency (about 20 cals) but i could also change the age and weight.

is your watch set up for you? i'm assuming it is, i would personally go with that number rather then the one on the machine.

[SadieKate]

Every company and doodad uses a different set of algorithms, but I'm guessing the Polar has far more input into your personal metabolism since it is reading your HR. Plus, read this thread. The Polar is too high for women but at least you can consistently reduce the Polar calories to get a more accurate number.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...polar+calories

[Eden]

Does the elliptical machine ask for your weight? - if it does not it may be giving you an estimate of the calories burned by a typical 160 lb man....

Just remember anyway you do it, unless you are willing to undergo and pay for some pretty extensive testing all you'll ever get is an estimate. I think some of the women here may know some sources of calorie counters they consider to be more accurate than others.

[Derf]

Does the elliptical machine ask for your weight? - if it does not it may be giving you an estimate of the calories burned by a typical 160 lb man....

Just remember anyway you do it, unless you are willing to undergo and pay for some pretty extensive testing all you'll ever get is an estimate. I think some of the women here may know some sources of calorie counters they consider to be more accurate than others.

Thank everyone! Yep, the machine asks for your weight. Obviously, the idea of burning 300 calories is so much more appealing that 197 (heck that's an extra glass of wine!).

[SadieKate]

Thank everyone! Yep, the machine asks for your weight. Obviously, the idea of burning 300 calories is so much more appealing that 197 (heck that's an extra glass of wine!).

Unfortunately, you probably burned only 130. Read that thread on the Polar.

[Derf]

Unfortunately, you probably burned only 130. Read that thread on the Polar.

LOL. Yeah, I checked it out.

[SadieKate]

It's so sad, isn't it? When I think of what I could do the 67 calories per day. 67x5=335. How much B&J Super Fudge Chunk is that?

[Derf]

It's so sad, isn't it? When I think of what I could do the 67 calories per day. 67x5=335. How much B&J Super Fudge Chunk is that?

Not much.