Is a heart rate monitor only for cardio?

Kimblesnbits

I just bought my first hrm (polar ft4 mens version because I hate the color of the women's) and was wondering if it only works during cardio or does it work for strength training as well? Also can I wear it when I'm just walking around or hiking? Hope I'm not disappointed!

TourThePast

It will really only give reasonable results if the workout you're doing results in an elevated heart rate. So if you're hiking at a fairish pace or working hard at weights it will give satisfactory results, if you're ambling around or lifting weights that don't take any real effort, less so.

But the brief answer is that no, it's not just for cardio.

Elleinnz

I use mine for my strength training - It is a pretty intense workout - and definitely measures my HR fluctuations.......I agree with the previous poster - what you will see is some excercises - even though I am pushing quite heavy loads, does not actually increase my HR all that much - but I do build some muscle doing those - so still good....

We do incorporate some cardio - and also the moment you start moving your arms it seems HR goes up - so I still get an average HR of about 132 - and max 167.....oh and burn around 500 calories in an hour :-)

beccarockslife

I wear mine (Polar F7) when I'm doing anything remotely exercise related, from going out for a potter with my kid to running a 10k and everything in between. Strength training is exercise