The battle of the calories burned

Fit 1 Minute

I have tested my Polar FT7 heart rate monitor yesterday at the gym and was shocked at the difference in calories burned.

Warmup: 10 minutes 2 km distance elliptical trainer

  • Polar FT7: 79 calories
  • Endomondo: 45 calories
  • Machine: 134 calories

Weight training: 30 minutes

  • Polar FT7: 197 calories
  • Endomondo: 193 calories
  • Machine: –

Cardio: 20 minutes 2 km distance 5% incline 6km/h walk on the treadmill

  • Polar FT7: 194 calories
  • Endomondo: 112 calories
  • Machine: 190 calories

Total

  • Polar FT7: 470 calories
  • Endomondo: 350 calories
  • Machine: –

The data is not consistent for the elliptical training at all. While for weight training the Polar and Endomondo come pretty close, there is a big difference for cardio, this is where the Polar and the machine show actually similar values.

So which is more accurate?

Update:

1 hour Pilates

  • Polar FT7: 205 calories
  • Endomondo: 190 calories

Published by FitGeekGirl

👩🏼‍💻 Software engineer 🎮 Gamer 📷 Hobby photographer 🌎 Globetrotter 🍔 Foodie 🏋🏼‍♀️🏊‍♀️🚴🏼‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Fitness enthusiast

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4 thoughts on “The battle of the calories burned”

  1. I’ve been researching different Polar heart monitors/calorie counters. Do you like yours? I never know whether or not to trust the cardio machines.

  2. I don’t trust cardio machines either, especially when the calories are calculated without any personal information like my height and weight.

    I just bought my Polar FT7 and tried it only a couple of times but I really love it so far, it might seem pretty basic compared to other high-end gadgets but it is very user-friendly and it has all the features that I need when working out. I think the data is definitely more reliable than any machines or websites. The data can be also synced with the polarpersonaltrainer.com website using FlowLink, which can be purchased separately. I am planning to get a FlowLink too, the site shows lots of cool reports and charts based on my training.

    I was also looking into the RCX3 because I do a lot of sports outdoors too so GPS and other accessories which work with the RCX3 could be useful but the hear rate sensor is not compatible with the cardio machines at the gym and that’s a deal breaker for me. I really love seeing the data directly on the machine while working out.

  3. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply with all of that useful information! After reading your post and reading your review, I’ve begun looking at that model and hope to order it soon! I think it will make a big difference in my workouts since it introduces a different kind of goal. Thank you again! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog!

  4. You’re very welcome and I hope you will enjoy the Polar FT7 as much as I do. 😉

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