Heart rate monitor

MysticMaiden22

I need to find a really good heart rate monitor. I'm currently doing 30-Day Shred and want to know how many calories I'm really burning during the workout, rather than the rough estimates I'm getting while doing research on the internet. Also, I want to get back into hiking, however am just curious about the actual calorie amounts on that.

I would really like to find a good one with a chest strap so I can get the best count on calorie burn. Any ideas?

stevemcknight

I've gone through a few - the Polar seem to be the best and most accurate. The higher models even sync to your computer and I believe will even post to Facebook lol.

I just use mine on cardio days to make sure that I'm in my zone and not dogging it. Years later, still estimating my total calories burned - but then again, aren't we often just estimating our calories in too? Unless you weigh every ounce of food - it's not exactly accurate anyway.
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Chest strap is totally the way to go though - I went through two different wrist ones! I've heard good things about the bodybug they plug on the Biggest Loser.

balfonso

I've got a Polar F11. Only just got it a few days ago and it's been great. Comes with a chest strap. My only problem is uploading the data on my computer. I'm a Mac user so apparently I've got to get this USB datalink stick for it to connect to my computer. If I had known this, I would've got a Garmin one as they're more Mac friendly. My other half has just ordered a Garmin FR60. But regardless of that, I find my Polar very handy especially when doing my interval workouts at the gym or even going for walks. I'm burning a little bit more than what the MFP databases/ gym machines say.

Oh and did a hike over the weekend through a nature trail for an hour and a half, and I managed to burn over 650 calories. Whilst hiking my partner and I brought our RunKeeper Elite app (on the iphone) along with us to monitor the km and elevation, and also to compare the calories burnt with that. As he had already entered his age and weight on the app, he burnt around 780 calories.

FireRox21

Polar F6 all the way!! I wear mine for every swim workout and when I do the Shred. The chest strap is comfortable and the functions are easy to use. Just make sure to wet the electrodes on the chest strap when you first put it on for the Shred. Check out www.heartratemonitorsusa.com

MysticMaiden22

Thanks for the tips, everyone! I'm gonna start looking around and see which one I'll buy!

chyloet

I have a Polar as well, not sure what model. I hate the chest strap though ... I get sweaty and the strap gets itchy. I had considered getting a strapless one but had heard that they are not as accurate. So, I guess I'll just deal with it. I actually think that I have an extra one that just needs new batteries. If I can find it do you want me to bring it in for you. You can have it or use it to try out if you like.

MysticMaiden22

Really?! That would be awesome Chyloe! Thanks!

chyloet

Ha! I didn't get your message until today and it's my Friday ... I'm back on Saturday so, I'll look for it and if I find it will place it in your box then.

MysticMaiden22

Thanks, Chyloe! You're awesome!