Orange Theory HR Monitor Much Higher than Apple Watch

J-Seattle wrote:

Today I did a class at Orange Theory Fitness. There you wear one of their HR Monitors. I burned approximately 835 calories according to them (they know my height and weight). But, my watch (set to "Other Workout") says I burned 676 calories. Not nearly as far off as spin class, but still off.

Hi

The Workout app on Apple Watch estimates Active Energy (active calories / kilojoules).

Some other fitness apps report estimations of total calories (or kilojoules), which is comprised of active calories + resting calories.

When comparing results between trackers or apps, it can therefore be helpful to check that estimated results are being reported on the same basis.

My watch actually tells me that I burn more than the orange theory estimate. I pair my watch to the heart rate monitor during class to get the most accurate heart rate as it can't always read my wrist well. The only thing I can think of for the differences is that I always wear my watch (and have it paired to a strap for fitness) and it knows me better than the orange theory system which only sees me once or twice a week. My watch goes to my regular gym as well for my power lifting sessions. I tend to believe in my watch more.

I had this exact question and just found a possible solution. You can actually pair the OTbeat Heart Rate Monitor with the Apple Watch. Tap "settings" on the watch, go to "Bluetooth" and tap "Health Devices." I just paired mine and I'm about to go see if the calories match up better after my Orange Theory workout. Like you, my watch was only recording about 50-70% of the calories that OT said I burned.

Ann-Marie Deets wrote:

I had this exact question and just found a possible solution. You can actually pair the OTbeat Heart Rate Monitor with the Apple Watch. Tap "settings" on the watch, go to "Bluetooth" and tap "Health Devices." I just paired mine and I'm about to go see if the calories match up better after my Orange Theory workout. Like you, my watch was only recording about 50-70% of the calories that OT said I burned.

Did pairing your OTF monitor help? I am experiencing the same.

Jonathan UK wrote:

J-Seattle wrote:

Today I did a class at Orange Theory Fitness. There you wear one of their HR Monitors. I burned approximately 835 calories according to them (they know my height and weight). But, my watch (set to "Other Workout") says I burned 676 calories. Not nearly as far off as spin class, but still off.

Hi

The Workout app on Apple Watch estimates Active Energy (active calories / kilojoules).

Some other fitness apps report estimations of total calories (or kilojoules), which is comprised of active calories + resting calories.

When comparing results between trackers or apps, it can therefore be helpful to check that estimated results are being reported on the same basis.

That may be part of it but one thing I have noticed is that when I look at my heart rate on the OFT board and look at the reading on my Apple Watch they are at time completely out of sync. The OTF board will report 140 but the Apple Watch reports 59. Not sure if its a problem with my Apple Watch or not - I know 59 is not correct.

Try pairing he watch to your heart rate monitor. Some people have a hard time reading their heart rate because of "skin perfusion" or something like that. I found it on the support pages when I first got my watch and it would tell me that my heart rate was 48 while I was lifting weights. I've always paired it to a HRM strap for the gym since then.

how do you link the OT tracker to the apple watch? I don`t see a on button.

You go into the setting on your phone and it's a Bluetooth connection.