Do I really need a HRM?

liberty741

So, do I really need a heart rate monitor? As of now, I have been using MFP to track my daily walks or exercise.

If so, does anyone have any suggestions for a good one that isn't too expensive (or big, bulky and ugly LOL)?

Contrary03

~Bump~

McDougal416

I have lost almost 30lbs on this site w/o one...I say no....But I think its all up to the individual...I've heard they do calculate more accurate than MFP.....

ltf304

I would say yes, it is the only accurate way to calculate calories during exercise. I am burning more (almost 100 cals more) then what the machines at the gym are saying. I'm sure you would love to know that!! I have a Garmin forerunner which is kind of bulky but the Polar brand isn't as bulky. Both have excellent reviews. Make sure whatever you get has a chest strap...the others aren't accurate.

talysshade

I have one, because i had the feeling MFP estimates were very off for me.. and i was right. I burn a lot less than what mfp says.. but it's true that it's personal.

Mine is a cresta pm383.. 30 bucks.

rileamoyer

No but it is nice to have, helps you fine tune your workouts.

LyndseyMcKnight7

I've lost 75 without one. But now that I am getting down to the last 20 or so pounds, I think one would be beneficial. Good luck!

whitneysaenz

I honestly found that the HRM was a lot more accurate and there is a big difference. I had a regular wrist watch HRM with no chest strap that I purchased from Walmart about a year ago and it was totally wrong. I finally got a Polar FT7 with a chest strap and I've definitely seen changes in my body from being able to track the correct amount of calories out, so I know how many calories to consume.

I guess not everybody uses them or even wants to use them, but I personally love mine!

SSawney

I decided I need one today I do different challenges each week with my gym and sometimes the website doesn't have the work out and I need accurate information to follow in order for me to get the proper results I need.

I just ordered the Mio Drive Special Edition when I use it I will write a review if it is good or bad

live2smyle

If your eating back your excersise calories on a consistant basis then I would suggest getting one. MFP always put my calories burned higher than what I actually burned.

I have the polar FT7 its ugly It was $109 at Academy but you can find them cheaper on Ebay. I tried the walmart one for $30 and it did not work.

MEMA5

HI MY DAUGHTER AND I BOTH USE HRM, WE HAVE THE POLAR F6, THEY ARE GREAT AND ACCURATE. GOOD LUCK..

hyde1977

I never thought I needed one....now that I have been losing weight I am seeing that the estimates on MFP are getting more and more off....as it is averages!

I love my HRM- I wear it for going to the gym, going for a walk, house cleaning, etc....I love mine

If you decide to get one make sure it has a chest strap!

Do I think you need one to be succesful at losing weight? No....its just really great for understanding your true burn as well as your heart rate. Seeing how long it takes to get it up and how long it takes to come back to normal resting rate!

ANewLucia

I waited a while to get one and wish I did from day one. It inspires me to work harder when I see all the calories being annihilated. I use the Timex HRM w/ chest strap. I got it on Amazon for under $40. Sometimes I think the numbers are too high, but when I workout on the elliptical it is right on point.

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5G971-Unisex-Personal-Monitor/product-reviews/B000P8VWQS/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

eleanoreb

i love my HR monitor. i don't even want to work out if i dont have it. haha i'm obsessed. I use polar RS2000

NoExcuseTina

I got one mostly for when I box or play racquetball...and eventually for when it stops raining enough for me to run outside...but I use it for lifting weights now and running on the treadmill since it is supposed to be more accurate...I love mine and it is comfortable but ugly...got a Polar PT40

Elleinnz

If you eat back your excercise calories yes - it just helps to make you understand how much you actually burn - and can eat back!!

I have a Suunto - and the other day at work this girl was raving about my funky watch - I just laughed that a HRM can be described as funky!!

liberty741

Thanks for the advice everyone! :-)