Heart Rate Monitor on a Budget

MeredithLee11

So I'm looking to get a heart rate monitor so I can get an accurate calorie count when I do Zumba. The only thing is I'm not sure if I can afford a good one. Ideally, I'm on a budget of $60, but I'd spend more if it was a perfect monitor (comfortable, not too bulky). I don't need a tons of bells a whistles, just one that tells me heart rate and calories burned. Thanks!

mallorybriann

I have seen them on Ebay for around $60 or so. Try Craigslist too. I hear Polars are a really good brand. That is the one I am looking to get and would like to spend less than $80.

LittleD311

I bought mine from Wal-Mart, it was only $27.00. It's great! Regular watch, has a stop watch, timer, calorie counter, and of course heart monitor, its from SPORTLINE.

Its real easy to use, and works great during my p90x work outs, and at the gym!

tigerblue

Polar has some good ones. I got the FT7 for $100 on sale, and it is great--easy to use and comfortable (after the initial shock of the cold strap (that you have to wet) when you first put it on! There was a less expensive model when I bought it for around $70. The salesman said the main difference between them was being to directly upload to the internet on the FT7, and I think the lower priced model did not tell you what heart rate zone you were in, just the number of beats per minute. Both told calories. I would check these two out. Wish I could remember the model # for you, but a good salesman should be able to help. The main thing the salesman said was to be sure and get one with a chest strap.

lisapisa1

I love my Polar FT4. It tells me my heart rate zone, what my heart rate is, how many calories I'm burning, duration of my workout and how long I was in my HR zone during my workout. It retails for around $85 but you could try to find it on ebay or on sale. I'd say making the investment in a reliable HRM will save you more money in the long run than having to replace one later. I did a lot of research beforehand and found that investing in one that has a chest strap is going to give you a more accurate reading.

MeredithLee11

I was looking at this one: http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Heart-Rate-Monitor-Watch/dp/B000ASDGU8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Has anyone heard anything about this model? It's really hard to get a consensus from the reviews.

mallorybriann

http://cgi.ebay.com/Polar-FS2-Heart-Rate-Monitor-/280625605219?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415696ea63#ht_510wt_1139

This one ends in 3 mins lol

mlally1014

I have a Timex HRM that I got on Amazon for about $40. It got great reviews and I also love it. I have had it almost a year and I still love it.

MeredithLee11

@ xoxmalsxox Ugh! I got to the auction with a minute and a half left then my internet was being slow and dumb while I signed in so I missed it. I put a message out to the seller to make an offer though, since there were no bids on it.
(I guess what I really wanted to do there was quote rather than reply. Newb :P )

mallorybriann

UGH! Hate that! Hopefully you can get it! I am scoping Ebay out now for one

@ xoxmalsxox Ugh! I got to the auction with a minute and a half left then my internet was being slow and dumb while I signed in so I missed it. I put a message out to the seller to make an offer though, since there were no bids on it.
(I guess what I really wanted to do there was quote rather than reply. Newb :P )

thedestar

I was checking ebay for one a few weeks back, but wondered if that was something okay to buy used???

jmwolffyy

The $40 Timex on Amazon is rated one of Consumer Reports' Best Buys. I picked it up and it works great. Maybe a little high on the calories burned; I am not sure yet.

Missevanston

I bought a New Balance (as in the shoes) watch that tracks it all! It is called HRT FIT. I love it! tracks work outs, calories, steps taken, heart rate. $40.00. Right on budget!

bbb84

I love my Polar FT4. It tells me my heart rate zone, what my heart rate is, how many calories I'm burning, duration of my workout and how long I was in my HR zone during my workout. It retails for around $85 but you could try to find it on ebay or on sale. I'd say making the investment in a reliable HRM will save you more money in the long run than having to replace one later. I did a lot of research beforehand and found that investing in one that has a chest strap is going to give you a more accurate reading.

I just bought the same one at sports authority it was 80 with a one year replacement plan from sports authority. It was marked 89.99 plus 11 for the warranty then SA gave 25 off for spending 100.