**Denver Devices: Altitude Air Lies About Calorie Burn?**
By Franklin Everett ShawEver felt like your fitness tracker is lying to you, especially after that intense hike up Red Rocks? You’re not alone. Denver’s mile-high altitude throws a wrench into the accuracy of many fitness trackers, particularly when it comes to calorie burn estimations. Denver Devices’ Altitude Air, while promising altitude-aware tracking, might still be overestimating your efforts. Let’s dive into why, and how you can get a more realistic picture of your energy expenditure in the Mile High City.
The problem stems from how altitude affects your metabolism. At 5,280 feet (and higher in surrounding areas like Boulder and Colorado Springs), your body works harder to get the oxygen it needs. This increased effort does burn more calories, but the question is: how much more? Most fitness trackers rely on algorithms developed at sea level, failing to fully account for the increased metabolic rate at altitude.
Here’s the harsh truth: Denver Devices, like many others, likely uses a generalized altitude adjustment in their Altitude Air. This adjustment might be a simple percentage increase applied to the sea-level calorie burn estimate. This is a flawed approach. The actual increase in calorie burn varies significantly based on individual factors like age, fitness level, acclimatization, and the intensity of your activity. A seasoned marathon runner from Boulder will experience a different metabolic response to altitude than a tourist visiting from Florida.
So, how do you validate if your Altitude Air is accurate? The gold standard is a metabolic test performed in a lab. Several facilities in Denver, such as the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, offer these tests. They measure your oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production to determine your resting metabolic rate (RMR) and calorie burn during exercise. This provides a baseline to compare against your Altitude Air’s readings.
However, lab tests can be expensive. A more accessible, though less precise, method is to compare your Altitude Air with other wearables. Consider using a chest strap heart rate monitor like a Polar H10 or a Garmin HRM-Pro alongside your Altitude Air during a workout. These chest straps are generally more accurate in measuring heart rate, a key factor in calorie estimation. If you consistently see significant discrepancies between the calorie burn reported by the chest strap (paired with a compatible app) and the Altitude Air, it’s a red flag.
Another approach is to track your weight and body composition changes over time. If you’re consistently eating according to the calorie burn estimates provided by your Altitude Air and not seeing the expected weight loss (or gain), it’s a sign that the device is inaccurate. Remember to factor in other variables like stress, sleep, and hormonal changes.
Let’s say you’re a 35-year-old woman in Denver, aiming to lose weight. Your Altitude Air tells you that you burned 500 calories during a 45-minute run in City Park. Based on your weight and activity level, a more realistic estimate, considering Denver’s altitude, might be closer to 400-450 calories. This seemingly small difference can add up over time, hindering your weight loss progress.
What can you do to optimize your workouts at altitude and get a more accurate calorie estimate? First, focus on perceived exertion. Pay attention to how hard you feel you’re working. Altitude makes even moderate activities feel more challenging. Use the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale (1-10) to gauge your effort.
Second, prioritize hydration. Altitude increases fluid loss, which can negatively impact performance and calorie burn. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after workouts. Consider adding electrolytes to your water, particularly during longer or more intense activities.
Third, adjust your training intensity. Don’t try to maintain the same pace or intensity as you would at sea level. Start slower and gradually increase the intensity as your body adapts to the altitude. Listen to your body and take rest days when needed.
Fourth, consider interval training. Interval training, with short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise, can be an effective way to improve your fitness at altitude without overstressing your body.
Fifth, be patient with acclimatization. It takes time for your body to adapt to the lower oxygen levels at altitude. If you’re new to Denver, give yourself several weeks to adjust before pushing yourself too hard. Even long-time residents can experience altitude sickness when returning from lower elevations.
A common pitfall is overestimating your calorie needs based on inaccurate fitness tracker data. This can lead to overeating and hinder your fitness goals. Another mistake is ignoring the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms can significantly impact your performance and calorie burn.
To overcome these challenges, be proactive in validating your fitness tracker’s accuracy. Use a combination of lab tests, comparison with other wearables, and tracking your weight and body composition changes. Adjust your training intensity and nutrition based on your individual needs and responses to altitude.
Ultimately, the goal is to use your fitness tracker as a tool to inform your decisions, not to dictate them. Don’t blindly trust the calorie burn estimates provided by your Altitude Air. Instead, use it as a starting point and adjust based on your own experiences and observations. By understanding the impact of altitude on your metabolism and taking steps to validate your fitness tracker’s accuracy, you can achieve your fitness goals in Denver and beyond. Remember, consistency and mindful adjustments are key to success at any altitude.