HRM: what to buy and how to log it in

sparklyglitterbomb

I've been reading a lot of threads on here about exercise, etc. and HRMS keep popping up. I used to have one in a past life, but no idea where it went. I'm considering buying a new one, so I wonder what type would be good to get. Is it possible to get a decent one that doesn't use a chest strap? (I remember my old chest strap rubbed me raw a few times) Any recommendations on brands that aren't crazy expensive?

Is the HRM a better way to go than using the estimates that are in the exercise database?

Then how do you log that information into your exercise record here? (I'm still kind of new here so still finding my way around )

thanks!

sparklyglitterbomb

no one?

LivLovLrn

Garmin has a few options, as well as fitbit, though I believe fitbit is a little more spendy. Each of these has an online dashboard and you can link your information to MFP so you only have to log it once. You could either google each of these, or look at Amazon and their ratings

TavistockToad

The Garmin 225 has a wrist monitor instead of chest strap.

KimLavene

I have the Vivosmart HR, but I notice i get cheated on intensity when it comes to HR. In talking to other fitness tracker owners, regardless of the brand, if you want accuracy, atleast wear the chest strap during workouts

KimLavene

If anyone would like to add me, my handle on garmin is cabuByKim

MeanderingMammal

It depends what you want to use it for in terms of training.

Optical is still pretty limited in reliability but it's being used increasingly as an option in sports performance tools.

What type of training do you want to do?

sparklyglitterbomb

I was thinking of starting a light running program soon. As I lose more weight, I may also get back into cycling (I just don't feel comfortable on a bike right now )

If I do it, I need to figure out what I did wrong with the chest strap, I did one half marathon and it rubbed me raw during training and the event. It didn't feel tight, but maybe it was.

Thanks, everyone.

MeanderingMammal

OK, that helps. I'd personally veer towards a multisport GPS in that case, or just using your phone with an HRM that relates to your app of choice. Strava and Endomondo are my preferences, but there are others. If you go that route the Schoche Rhythm is a good option.

Personally I just use GPS most of the time, I have a similar issue with my HR pod shredding my chest. But in that instance it works out. I use a Forerunner 310XT, which is a pretty old design now, but it's low cost and has a good battery.

I'd generally go towards Garmin devices, but thata's what I have and others would advocate Suunto or TomTom GPS devices.

MeanderingMammal

operator error.

AdrianChr92

It depends on how much you want to invest. If you want just a heart rate monitor and you don't want a chest strap something like the Scosche Rhythm+ can be interesting and pretty reliable. You can wear it on your forearm or as some people do on their biceps. Or you can get one of the hundreds of wrist based ones. But if you want accuracy and consistency nothing beats chest straps. You can then later get a GPS watch if you get more serious about running or hiking and you need the data but a smartphone with GPS and a HRM does exactly the same things as the GPS watch only not as conveniently.

Oh and optical monitors suck for biking if they are wrist based. Too much wrist movement and flexing of the forearm going on

sparklyglitterbomb

great, thanks for the input. I'm going to go research some of the models you all mentioned.

Just for curiosity's sake, if I went on a ride, used the HRM and wanted to log it in, how would I utilize the info from the HRM in evaluating my effort/calorie burn? For instance, in the database here it gives a speed range for effort. I know people who work just as hard to do 11-12 mph as someone who is going 16 mph. Would it then be kind of a judgement call to categorize the workout at a "faster" speed to indicate the effort? (does that make sense?)

MeanderingMammal

sparklyglitterbomb wrote: »

Just for curiosity's sake, if I went on a ride, used the HRM and wanted to log it in, how would I utilize the info from the HRM in evaluating my effort/calorie burn?

Cycling is a bit tricky as calorie consumption is broadly a matter of mass and distance, hence suggesting a GPS as more useful to you than an HRM. Of course that is influenced by use of gears, and the undulation of the route. Climbing consumes more, coasting downhill consumes few, if any. I generally take the view that it nets off in the end as if I do a circular route I've not gained any net elevation, and whilst my descents are fast, they're short in the grand scheme of things.

I'd just use a GPS, or phone app, and let that work it out.

PErsonally I quite liked the Strava app

wayneh73

Wahoo Tickr will pair with most modern smart phones and the Strava App

sparklyglitterbomb

Got it, thank you so much @MeanderingMammal