HRM Chest straps and fat girls!

fancyladymeek

One of the many "joys" of being a chubby chica is have to worry about what will fit! So my question is simple. For those of you who have a HRM that utilizes a chest strap...how big does the strap go? Do they usually come with (or can you order) a strap lengthener?

I'd hate to buy a HRM just to find out I can't get it round!!

Also, for the non-chest HRMs, do they just measure your heart rate from your wrist or do you have to hold something in your hand or place your fingers on it?

Sarean

I've been wondering the same things, thanks for bringing it up.

xxquzme

They get pretty big. I am a big guy and they fit me with plenty of room. I have the polar f4. I personally woudnt buy one without the strap. Cant be very accurate.

bubbaduts

don't buy a hrm without a chest strap they don't work nearly that well I weighed 252 pounds when i started and the band is made out of elastic and it was not tight at all it could go another 8 inches at least without even stretching the elastic. I love my hrm monitor! Hope i helped

amysj303

I don't even wear the strap, I tuck the band under my sports bra-so long as the contact points are on skin, and it stays pretty snug there. I don't know about the wrist ones, but I know the chest strap is more accurate.

AdamATGATT

You can purchase HRM's with various size chest straps. Be sure to make the selection (bought online) or check the box (bought in person).

If the size ends up being too small, you may be able to exchange it, or buy a larger/smaller one online.

cracky

The polar ones come in sizes too... XL/ L /M etc... or similar to that. I'm a pretty average size and can get the strap to wrap around me twice... it is very forgiving and elastic and adjustable. I thought it would be very uncomfortable under sports bras but it isn't...

liscar

One of the many "joys" of being a chubby chica is have to worry about what will fit! So my question is simple. For those of you who have a HRM that utilizes a chest strap...how big does the strap go? Do they usually come with (or can you order) a strap lengthener?

I'd hate to buy a HRM just to find out I can't get it round!!

Also, for the non-chest HRMs, do they just measure your heart rate from your wrist or do you have to hold something in your hand or place your fingers on it?

The one on wrist just goes off of your pulse from what I can see. As far as going around you on the chest strap, I've seen some pretty big dudes with them on I don't think you would have to worry ---- you can always email Polar or Garmin. That Bowflex wrist HRM I think it's guaranteed to work.

Magenta15

I also have a polar f4 it's adjustable and elasticy someone much larger then me could wear it for sure and I'm not tiny lol

schpanks

At a 40 inch chest measurement (under the breasts) I was about halfway extended on my chest belt, but I wear mine fairly loosely. Looking at your picture, I wouldn't expect it to be a problem at all. Mine is elastic, so even if it was a little uncomfortable, I would expect it to fit almost everyone.

KAK68

I have the polar f4 also and it fits great- plenty of room left-

peggybrant

i just got a hrm and the strap will reach 37". However,don't forget you can use velcro and lengthen it yourself. Ihave a polar FT4 and love it. Highly suggest everyone use one

yacker678

I got one for Christmas and I was worried it wouldn't fit me then, but I was wrong. It fit me fine and was comfortable. They are very stretchy and so worth having.

fancyladymeek

Thanks! Thats the other thing I was wondering about was accuracy, which is the entire reason I wanted to get one!

CarterGrt

While clearly not an expert in the area of sports bras, while shopping for my Polar, I did notice that there is a sports bra that has the HRM sensors built in. I think it is made by polar as an accessory.

I really like my polar and the chest strap really isn't noticable after I put it on. I definitely think you should try it. When I ordered my HRM online, one of the choices that I had was the size of the strap. I think there were three choices so I don't think you should have any trouble.

Best of luck!!!

--Carter

MissTomGettingThin

I've talked myself out of it a number of times but having had a stressful day that is helped by eating and/or shopping - I've reserved an FT4 and am going to go and get it in a minute.
Thanks for the posts about them.
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dhutt2011

I have one and it has a stretchy band (Polar FT7). Like someone else stated if you wear a sports bra you can just tuck the sensors under that and forget the strap if you want. I wear a 2X in shirts and the strap works just fine for me.

Iceprincessk25

I don't even wear the strap, I tuck the band under my sports bra-so long as the contact points are on skin, and it stays pretty snug there. I don't know about the wrist ones, but I know the chest strap is more accurate.

Totally didn't even think about this! Such a good idea. I wear an Enell bra that is snug so for sure it will stay in place and I don't have to deal with the strap. Clever girl! :happy:

MissTomGettingThin

I've got one!
Will let you all know how I get on.
The strap looks very comfortable. Much better than the old type that were ridgid.
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