Heart rate monitor?

UcallMeJay

I'm seeking some recommendations from my fellow MFPals.

I'm considering purchasing a heart rate monitor for when I work out. The workout plan I am following includes weight training, cardio and calisthenics and it isn't included in the MFP database. And from what I hear, a heart rate monitor is the best way to find out how many calories you are burning during a workout.

Any help would be great.
I don't really know what to look for in one of these devices or what brands are reputable.

What do you guys/gals think?

Nigel99

It seems like a lot of folks favor the Polar HRMs around here. That is what I went with - I picked up the FT4 based on many recommendations here, and I've been using it for five weeks now. I really wanted to get more accurate calorie counts for some of the exercises, as well as other activities I was doing (like snow shoveling). I've been very pleased with the results, so I highly recommend it (or an upgraded Polar if you have more needs).

The FT4 comes with a chest strap (you'll want one for better accuracy), and tracks cals burned, heart rate, you can see when you are in the zone, etc. I picked mine up for around $70 at Amazon, and it is definitely well worth the money spent.

Mads1997

Hi Just do a search of the forum for HRM you will find many many threads and what people recommend

aflane

My trainer recommended the Polar FT7, but it was an inaccurate piece of junk. I'd do 40 mins of cardio and another 45-60 mins of weight lifting, and it would say that I had only burned 350 cals. However, it did keep an accurate heart rate. But if I can't tell what I'm burning, what good is it? I did some testing on it, and my sitting in front of the couch cal burn was the same as doing 40 mins on the elliptical with an avg heart rate of 118.

I did some further research and found that the reviews on the Polar FT60 were pretty good, so that's what I'm using now (after returning the FT7). Did the same work out, similar intensity -- now reading 868 cal burn. It has a lot of functions and a workout log. I'm still playing with it a bit, but am finding it a LOT of fun. Chest strap is comfortable too.

pyroxian

Seems I'm perpetually saying the same thing in HRM threads - I'm on my 2nd Polar HRM - first a no-longer-produced F55, now an FT60 and they've both been extremely useful in my journey toward health, as well as reporting numbers that mesh very well with my observed weight loss when compared to calorie deficits (71lbs down in 20 months of very consistent logging of all calories consumed v. those burned as reported on my HRM).
I would say that the title for "best money I've ever spent on fitness" is a toss-up between my Polar FT60 and my Power Blocks adjustable dumbbells...