Heart Rate Monitor

SquishyChef

Can anyone recommend a HRM? Do most people use a watch or one with a chest strap?

3dogsrunning

What do you want it for exactly?

SquishyChef

I only need something basic enough. Just want to be able to track heart rate and calories burned. Something i can take running with me. Thanks

scottgobuck

I have a Garmin 310 watch, it is one of the cheaper Garmins but it does the job. This watch comes with a strap which I think makes it more accurate

kristy6ward

I have a polar FT60 and love it. You'll want to go with one with a chest strap. It will keep constant tabs on your heart rate for a more accurate calculation of calorie burn. The ones that are only watches require you to stop and measure your heart rate every so often, so can only use a heart rate average in its calculations.

I noticed you said you want to take it running. I bought my hrm more than a year ago before I was even into running. But now that I am, I found I really wanted a gps watch that would accurately track my mileage and pace. I wish now that I would have gotten something that does it all. So now I wear a hrm on one wrist and forerunner 10 on the other.

Consider where you might be in your fitness a year from now and save up for something nice. I hate when upgraditis strikes.

MsStang02

I have a Polar FT4. With chest strap. It is amazing. Super simple to set up, and very simple to operate. Tells me HR and calories burned.

3dogsrunning

I only need something basic enough. Just want to be able to track heart rate and calories burned. Something i can take running with me. Thanks

Are you looking for something to track distance/pace as well or just HR and calories?

If you want GPS capabilities I am a fan of the Garmin. Be aware that not all models that have a HRM feature use that for calorie esitmates. Some models do, but there are a few that don't.

marcoscu

Although I now use a Garmin 910TX before then I had a Polar FT7, inexpensive, reliable and easy to use. It's a watch and chest strap that shows your current heart rate, calories burned, maximum heart rate etc and can be uploaded (via an add on) to the Polar website.

rtjenny

I use a polar FT40 - ( women's version) - its very good. Easy to use and accurately tracks calories burned. I worked out a rough ratio using my husband's calorie burned from his Garmin GPS and it works out pretty well.

Check out amazon - that's where I got mine.

Ianharrison9988

There are some basic ones out there and some that wlill also link to you smartphone but be aware that not all chest straps work with all phones. I have been struggling to find something that will work with my Sony Xperia U as it does not have ANT+ This means I am restricted to a watch but the app technology means you can download and monitor progress throughout the workout.

Aello11

I have a basis watch ( constant heart rate, calories and steps) - I love it, but there is a waiting list to get one

gowrirao81

I recently got a Polar FT7 .. very basic and very easy to use. Doesn't sync unless you buy accessories but if all you want is a number then this does the job perfectly.

SquishyChef

Thanks everyone! I've plenty to research now!

clew77

Polar FT4