Heart Rate Monitor (Polar RT4)

pmsherlock

I've just purchased the Polar RT4.

I wanted a starter product to measure my heart rate and I'm impressed.

I have a couple of questions though that hopefully someone can help with.

1) When weight training and measuring your heartbeat should you try and keep your heart beat in the fat burning zone or does that not matter?

2) Is there any compatible software applications for the RT4?

My stats are I'm 5ft 9' and 13 stone 4 lbs.

Resting Heartbeat is 52 and I was trying to get into a zone of 125 to 135 BPM.

For warm up and cool down this is simple but when using the weights I was either in the 150 (max recorded was 162) or dropping down to 100 to 110.

Appreciate any assistance.

Thanks,


Paul (UK).

albayin

I am no expert but I have read so many times that heart rate monitors are not designed to measure while doing weight traning...

as for software, I think you can find it on the website or where you purchase yours...

MelodyandBarbells

If you meant the Polar FT4, no, it doesn't interface with any software. Like you said, it's a "starter" HRM. You do not have to stay in the fat burning zone. Whether you're using fat, glycogen, or blood sugar doesn't matter, just get your workout in. I played with the settings so it wouldn't bug me with the beeping during training. But no, in general the tool will not accurately measure calories burned during exercises that do not consistently keep your heart rate over all at a fixed level (steady state). There's typically too many periods of rest during weight or circuit training. Your actual heart rate is still great feedback to see if you'd like, though!

pmsherlock

Thanks gals!