Polar HRM

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Does Polar make a good HRM (with calorie count) that comes with a chest strap but is NOT a watch? I want to wear it all day, not just when I exercise and I'm not feeling the look of the watch for an all day thing. I am open to other brands too if you have one you'd love to recommend.

kgeyser

Does Polar make a good HRM (with calorie count) that comes with a chest strap but is NOT a watch? I want to wear it all day, not just when I exercise and I'm not feeling the look of the watch for an all day thing. I am open to other brands too if you have one you'd love to recommend.

HRM aren't designed to be worn all day and would not give you an accurate count of calories burned throughout the day. They are most effective for steady-state cardio workouts.

I think you are looking more for something like a FitBit that keeps track of your activity during the day.

VegasFit

Polar makes the Loop. I wear it all day and only put on the chest strap when I'm exercising. I've had it since November and was not happy with it when it first came out. They have definitely made improvements with the website since November. I still think they could use a few more but overall I am happy with it now and I no longer even use my regular Polar HRM anymore.

morkiemama

Does Polar make a good HRM (with calorie count) that comes with a chest strap but is NOT a watch? I want to wear it all day, not just when I exercise and I'm not feeling the look of the watch for an all day thing. I am open to other brands too if you have one you'd love to recommend.

HRM aren't designed to be worn all day and would not give you an accurate count of calories burned throughout the day. They are most effective for steady-state cardio workouts.

I think you are looking more for something like a FitBit that keeps track of your activity during the day.

^This.

HRMs are for tracking steady state cardio only. It is important to note that HRMs are not accurate for weight lifting and will not give you an accurate burn. They are also not meant for HIIT. Temperature extremes and daily burn tracking (e.g. I wear it all day to find out what I should be taking in) are also inaccurate. HRMs are for steady state aerobic exercise only!

This is a helpful blog post for understanding HRMs:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472

HRMs are not 100% accurate even when they are used for their intended purpose (steady state cardio). They still have a margin of error. That being said, when HRMs are used for purposes they are not intended for they can become grossly inaccurate. It really isn't much better than pulling a number out of nowhere if the device is being used for things it was never designed to handle.

I personally have both a Bodymedia Fit (for daily activity tracking) and a HRM (for my steady state cardio). I love them both! However, it is important to know what these devices are actually designed to track. They are very helpful when they are used correctly!