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Calories burned based on HRM/Activity Level - seem low?

Former Member
Former Member
Hello,

Recently picked up a forerunner 220 and have entered my details into connect and have gone for a few runs/long walks.

Based on entering Activity level 7, I appear to be getting about 100cals lower on the watch compared to MFP and most online calculators during both runs and walks.

This is also the case if I manually enter the same activity in Garmin Connect. Manually entering puts the calorie in line with what I'm seeing on most calculators.

I believe the HRM is working well and have entered my resting HR which is in high 40's. So I'm wondering the following:

1. Based on running around 5-5.5 mi usually 5-6 days a week & pace usually 6:30 - 6:45 min/mi (avg HR mid 150's), would the activity level 7be accurate for me? Also throw in some Insanity episodes instead of running some times. I have searched around and can't find a more elaborate chart other than the firstbeat one that lists days/hours of activity to align level.

2. Is it possible based on the above fitness level that MFP/most online calculators are generously overestimating my calorie burn?

3. Does the reading on the watch/connect sound a bit low?

4. Does the watch/connect calculate "net calories burned"? Or is it calculating "gross calories burned" during the workout; basically including BMR + current exercise.

Thanks in advance for your input.