Wearable, comfortable and subtle heart rate monitor?

GothicaAdore

I am looking for a wearable, comfortable and subtle (nothing bulky or gaudy) heart rate monitor that might do calories burned as well. The Flexbit series looks nice, but I have heard it doesn't do heart rate.

shurleec

I have a Polar FT7 and love it!!! It comes with a chest trap and I barely notice it.

WalkingAlong

There are activity monitors like the Fitbit Flex (not sure if that's what you meant) that are designed to be worn 24/7 and estimate your calories burned without heart rate readings. Another category of tool is heart rate monitors, that are designed to be worn during your workout only, and have a chest strap. There are some activity monitors that do limited heart rate reading (Withings Pulse) but it's not estimating calorie burn based on heart rate.

If your exercise is steps-based, the Fitbits are terrific. Or if you don't mind logging your resistance or cycling exercise. A HRM is terrific for other things, like interval work or making sure you're working hard enough or to estimate your calories burned from a workout (but not the rest of the day).

jaz050465

Also look at the Bodymedia fit. It's supposed to be more accurate than the Fitbit- not as subtle in appearance though.

jaz050465

Also look at the Bodymedia fit. It's supposed to be more accurate than the Fitbit- not as subtle in appearance though.

A question you need to ask yourself is do you want as an accurate a calorie burn estimate as possible or do you just want something to motivate you to move more.

GothicaAdore

I think I would like something to measure calories burned from non-running/elliptical/biking activities. I do weight activities at the gym too but I only know the calories burn from the elliptical. Also, I'm relatively new at this and have little idea what will motivate me to keep with it. I don't really care how I look, I mostly am working out to be able to go back to doing the physical activities I used to enjoy without feeling exhausted as quickly.

VegasFit

I think I would like something to measure calories burned from non-running/elliptical/biking activities. I do weight activities at the gym too but I only know the calories burn from the elliptical. Also, I'm relatively new at this and have little idea what will motivate me to keep with it. I don't really care how I look, I mostly am working out to be able to go back to doing the physical activities I used to enjoy without feeling exhausted as quickly.

I've had an HRM for as long as I can remember. I've been using my Polar F11 since about '05. Because I like gadgets and I find them motivating I purchased the first Bodymedia/Bodybugg. In the beginning I didn't mind wearing it on my arm but once summer hit I didn't like how noticeable it was. That being said I lost 30 pounds losing it by tracking religiously and always meeting my deficit. I bought the Polar Loop about a month ago and it has had some glitches but I, too, wanted to wear something 24/7. To be honest I was on the verge of returning it I was so frustrated but I sent it back and they sent me a new one and so far so good. I think my original was just defective.

I like it because I wear it all day long allowing me to see my progress, steps and calories burned and then when I do an actual workout I add the chest strap and I can see that read out on my Loop too. Now, it doesn't have the same display readout as my HRM but so far I like the convenience of it. I know all these tools are an estimate but I say if it helps keep me on track and push myself harder why not.

TeamDale1

I use a Polar FT7. I would not even think of working out without it.

vwbug86

Bump.

Looking for a good HRM as well.