Question about wearing heart rate monitor

CatBorrie

Hi guys. I've just invested in my first heart rate monitor (Polar FT4) and am excited to start using it. I've tested it out a bit and have no problem with the chest strap as it sits nicely with my usual sports bras.

However my issue is actually the watch - I do a variety of classes and many include kettlebell exercises, including cleans and snatches. Obviously these mean the kettlebell comes into contact with my wrist - and I don't want to smash the watch!

Can anyone offer any tips on how I could wear it?

47Jacqueline

If you're doing kettlebells correctly the hrm shouldn't be hitting your wrist. Why does it do this?

CatBorrie

Sorry it doesn't exactly hit it hard it's just in cleans and snatches it obviously rolls round my hand and when I'm doing a lot and fatiguing I can't be certain it won't occasionally swing onto my wrist harder than it should.

47Jacqueline

If you're using the correct form with a kettle ball it shouldn't be anywhere near your wrist. If you are fatiguing that much use a lighter one. It's dangerous to go for weight over form.

EvgeniZyntx

A HRM is useless for kettle ball work - it is intended to measure HR (and calculated calorie use) during steady state cardio - not weight work. A few watches have a mode for weight training but yours does not.

If you have issues with an exercise possibly striking the watch face, wear a sweatband over it, but your weights should be controlled at all times, otherwise, like Jaqueline stated, move to lower weight.

And you can also go to ebay/amazon and buy a scratch guard surface for a few bucks. I use those on a few of my gps monitors (watch or stand alone) - I don't know if one exists for the FT4 but you can certainly cut off the edges off of another model.

CatBorrie

Great - thank you. I do circuits classes so the HRM should still be useful as much of it is cardio, plenty of swings etc as well as a few weights moves. I also have been told I have great form so I'm probably just being paranoid. Thanks for the help.

MeanderingMammal

angelichobbit wrote: »

Great - thank you. I do circuits classes so the HRM should still be useful as much of it is cardio, plenty of swings etc as well as a few weights moves. I also have been told I have great form so I'm probably just being paranoid. Thanks for the help.

IF you're using an HRM for calorie estimation then treat any figure it gives you for these types of usage with a great deal of scepticism. When it's described as being for steady state CV that means running, cycling, rowing.

CatBorrie

Thanks again everyone. Used it in my circuits class and the burn was sufficiently in the ballpark of what MFP etc suggests - but enough below for me to believe it more. So will continue to treat with scepticism but is a good guide

MinnieInMaine

I loosen the watch strap so that it sits further up on my forearm out of the way of the kettlebell

shmulyeng

You don't have to wear the watch. If it bothers you, just put it down within connection distance of the chest strap.

guacamole17

I sometimes attach it to my sports bra or tank top. As long as its within range, it doesn't matter where the watch is.

Sherriediva1

EvgeniZyntx wrote: »

A HRM is useless for kettle ball work - it is intended to measure HR (and calculated calorie use) during steady state cardio - not weight work. A few watches have a mode for weight training but yours does not.

EvgeniZyntx- What do you suggest to estimate Cal Burned when doing strength training?

Lib_B

I was going to say sometimes I strap mine to my shoe laces or bra. Just depends on what I'm doing.

bwogilvie

shmulyeng wrote: »

You don't have to wear the watch. If it bothers you, just put it down within connection distance of the chest strap.

^ This. HRMs can usually transmit at least six feet, some a lot more. When I'm rowing on an erg I usually put my watch on the rail (in front of where my forward slide ends!) or on the carpet next to the machine.