Which is more reliable: a pedometer or a HRM?
If I'm going out for a walk/jog/run, should I use the pedometer or the HRM? I've heard they give different amounts of calories burnt :o I'm buying both, but I'm still not sure whether the HRM is actually more reliable than the pedometer.
During my cardio and interval workouts, I'll be using the HRM not the pedometer, though.
Thanks x
Nothing you can buy and wear will actually measure the number of calories you are burning. Devices like the HRM or pedometer will measure some aspect of exercise (heart rate/steps) and then use a formula to estimate calories burned. The device that's most accurate for you may not be most accurate for someone else.
Unfortunately estimating calories burned is not an exact science.
As trh said, neither will be very accurate. However, the one that lets you input your age/height/weight/activity level/HR max will give you the best estimate.
what pedometer does calorie burns? Does it have a heart rate monitor with it? How does it calculate cal burn from just walking?
FYI, I know my iPod pedometer overestimates my distance (~.25-1 miles) as calculated by Google maps. I just use it for its timer.
Original Post by dbackerfan:
what pedometer does calorie burns? Does it have a heart rate monitor with it? How does it calculate cal burn from just walking?
A lot of pedometers have this function. You enter your weight and age. It knows how far you walked. It is pretty simple to calculate a persons calorie burn from that, if they are walking on flat ground.
On the other hand, a pedometer doesn't know if you are walking up a hill (which would have a much higher calorie per mile value), but if you do a loop of some sort, the downhills (partially) average out with the uphills.
OP: The two devices has different strengths and weaknesses. HRM's work best in steady state, at moderate intensities. If you aren't walking vigorously, and continuously, using the miles that you walked is a better predictor of calories than the heart rate monitor. If your pedometer takes your weight into account, it might be pretty good. Or, you can use any of several online calculators that give calories per mile walked. If you stop to talk to neighbors, take in the views etc., use your mileage rather than trying to guess your average speed etc.
When running, your stride length changes too much for a pedometer to be much use (unless it is flat, and you always run the same speed). And, your heart rate is higher, where the HRM's work better. So, I'd go with an HRM for that, especially if you don't know exactly how far you went, and if it wasn't flat.
When I bike, I determine duration, then I determine distance with google maps. Finally, I compute the average speed and find the right category to log. usually I fall in the 12.5-15 mph category. I would use the same method for running.
I bought a Garmin GPS watch. It's totally accurate on the distance for running/walking and allows me to track my progress online with specific fitness goals. When I put the time in Calorie Count's activity, the calories burned are very close to what the Garmin watch calculates. I have found this watch to be the best motivater for met to get outside and move.
I've heard the Body Bugs are good for determining calories burned during exercise but the last time I checked, they were about $450. I saw a Dr. Oz (or was it the Doctors) show where he talked about them and gave one to everyone in the audience. I have never wanted to see one of those shows live but I would have went gone for the free Body Bug!
