Confused about HRM's

Eve1972

I bought myself a Polar FT40 a couple months ago because I wanted the most accurate number of calories to work with. I have been happily using it for a couple months secure in the knowledge that it is accurate. Lately I have been reading posts on these boards about HRM's and how they are not accurate for lower intensity workouts, for workouts that just use the upper body (boxing), for strength training, for workouts where your arms are above your head, etc. That is a whole lot of not accurate. Now I am rather confused and worried that I am not getting accurate readings. Does anyone have any light to shed on this issue??

GooneyAngel

I have a Polar FT4. You can set the parameters of your heart rate range. While you are in this range, I think this is when your calories are counted. Though any HRM may not be accurate, it is better than not having any tool. I love my Polar! I hope this helps. Sorry about a short answer, I am off to the gym in a few minutes.

epj78

If you're heart rate is up, it should be accurate (unless there isn't something I don't know about!!). But for "strolling," housecleaning, etc. Things that are movement, but don't elevate your heart rate, they aren't accurate. If you are taking huge periods of rest between strength training, it won't be accurate. I can't think of why boxing wouldn't count accurately. I know my HR gets up doing boxing....

littttlelaurra

I have read that also and I asked the trainer at my gym about it and he said that he didnt feel that was true. Only time the heart beat and calories burned would be off is if the chest strap lost contact with your chest and stopped calculating. I had someone else explain that for HRM strength training with weights, they use only a percent of that number as they feel its too high but my trainer said no you do a bit of cardio, then do some weights and go back to cardio you are truly keeping in your target zone and burning thee entire time you are lifting. a cardio machine between every 4 or 5 weight machines and back and forth for a sprint on the cardio alternating with lifting, says it gives a superior burn. shrugs we shall see lol proof will be in the payoff hopefully soon.