Suggestions for a good HRM???

dwallace27
dwallace27 Posts: 33
edited September 29 in Fitness and Exercise
I have never used one and I'm tired of guestimating my calories burned. Are the watch style ones any good?? There are so many different kinds I would love some feedback...Thanks:)

Replies

  • fairfieldbeach
    fairfieldbeach Posts: 261 Member
    I'm interested in this topic, too--thanks for starting it. Also, what is a BodyBugg and how much does it cost? Is it the same as a HRM? I hate the HRMs with chest straps--are there any good ones without the strap? Thanks!:smile:
  • nlsalvatore
    nlsalvatore Posts: 519 Member
    I am also interested. I just posted a question to my MFP friends yesterday about this topic, and the brand most suggested is Polar. Haven't investigated any further though.
  • Contrary03
    Contrary03 Posts: 289 Member
    Bump:)
  • KLo924
    KLo924 Posts: 379 Member
    There are tons of threads on this if you search, although that can make it pretty confusing.

    I have a Polar FT4 and love it. I was able to get a good deal on it at REI a little while back, too, but I would pay full price. The watch is ugly, but it's easy to set up and you forget about the chest strap being on after a couple minutes. You can keep track of your heart rate, calories burned, how long you're in your optimal heart rate zone, time elapsed, actual time, etc. (and toggle between these while you're working out). It keeps a log for you of these things, as well, and it's waterproof (I've worn mine in a pool).

    Good luck w/your decision and then have fun - it's so motivating to see actual time calories burned! :)
  • astroub
    astroub Posts: 289 Member
    I posted this a few days ago as well..., a lot of people said the polar ones are the best! However I am also interested to see what others have to say! :)
  • forever28
    forever28 Posts: 374 Member
    A Polar model with a chest strap!

    I have a "older" model - the Polar F6 with chest strap. It is awesome & accurate!
  • mkingraham
    mkingraham Posts: 445 Member
    I have a polar FT60 which has a lot more usable features than most of us need/want but mine was a gift so I didn't mind getting the extra stuff!

    A polar F4 or F7 is most recommended by those wanting to see calories burned and monitor their heart rate. The key is to have a HRM with a chest strap, which the Polars do. They may be pricey-er than what you were planning on spending but it is totally worth it. And check amazon before you buy it directly from the Polar website since it is normally a lot cheaper there.

    Oh and you will become addicted to having it!
  • lnadeau66
    lnadeau66 Posts: 135 Member
    I love my polar FT7, I tried two of the timex ones, but found that they were too complicated to set up. A little pricey, but well worth it.

    Good Luck, Lynn
  • DEgal99
    DEgal99 Posts: 100 Member
    There are tons of threads on this if you search, although that can make it pretty confusing.

    I have a Polar FT4 and love it. I was able to get a good deal on it at REI a little while back, too, but I would pay full price. The watch is ugly, but it's easy to set up and you forget about the chest strap being on after a couple minutes. You can keep track of your heart rate, calories burned, how long you're in your optimal heart rate zone, time elapsed, actual time, etc. (and toggle between these while you're working out). It keeps a log for you of these things, as well, and it's waterproof (I've worn mine in a pool).

    Good luck w/your decision and then have fun - it's so motivating to see actual time calories burned! :)

    Second to all of this. I've had my Polar FT4 for about 2 or 3 weeks and really love it!
  • healthysew
    healthysew Posts: 105 Member
    Yeah Polar definitely seems to be the most reccomended. My target has one call New Balance, I've been thinking about that one since I hate ordering stuff online. Definitely watching the thread to see what everyone says!
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    Read this.. It will answer all that you need to know about buying and using an HRM:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472

    For the record, I have Polar FT7 and love it!
  • mrsbrown2k1
    mrsbrown2k1 Posts: 139
    I have the GAIAM HRM and I LOVE IT!!!! It's purple, white and silver. Looks more like a fashion watch then a workout watch. I wear it 24/7 for that reason! Retails for $99.99
  • pregmeg119
    pregmeg119 Posts: 151 Member
    I have the GAIAM HRM and I LOVE IT!!!! It's purple, white and silver. Looks more like a fashion watch then a workout watch. I wear it 24/7 for that reason! Retails for $99.99

    Where can I find this GAIAM?

    Thanks
  • cherubcrnp
    cherubcrnp Posts: 717 Member
    I have a Polar FT7 and really like it...very accurate
  • Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet
    Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet Posts: 486
    Forget HRMs. You should get one you can wear all day like the BodyBugg or BodyMedia (better).

    I did some reviews..

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/rebeccabarter/view/weekly-bodymedia-fit-report-117377
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/rebeccabarter/view/im-in-love-with-someone-else-s-bodymedia-fit-a-full-review-113347
  • DrewD2011
    DrewD2011 Posts: 66 Member
    Hi,

    I have posted this message in the past, but I am a big fan of Polar (one of their Ambassadors) and they have a wonderful line of HRM's. I have been using their products for about a year and a half.

    I started with (and most recommend) the FT7 - about $90 to $105, but after 8 months, I graduated to the FT80, which gave me GPS, Fitness Tests (VO2max), a visual display of my HR, Strength Training detail (add you entire lifting routine into the watch) and a great online community that supports me through challenges (uploading through a Flow Link accessory). I use it for the elliptical, tennis and weight lifting.

    Online the FT80 lists at $349. I have seen it as low as $250 (with a Flow Link) at heartratemonitorusa.com.

    See the results:

    http://www.polar.fi/en/polar_community/polar_people/Andrew

    Polar also has a really great line of basic HR monitors. The FT4 (about $70 online) will count your calories and store the info. When you step up to the FT 7, FT40 FT60 & FT80 they can all upload results to polarpersonaltrainer.com...each adds a feature up the line and you should select a monitor that matches your lifestyle/budget.

    See their website:

    http://www.polar.fi/en/
  • diamondsnthesky
    diamondsnthesky Posts: 34 Member
    Yeah Polar definitely seems to be the most reccomended. My target has one call New Balance, I've been thinking about that one since I hate ordering stuff online. Definitely watching the thread to see what everyone says!

    I bought a New Balanace one at Target several weeks back. I love it. I think it was the "Pearl" model -- it is white. I don't evern notice the chest strap after a minute or so. The strap is also adjustable, so you can size it to your body.

    I had purchased one which did not have a chest strap prior to buying this one. And I immediately returned it. yes, it doesn't have a chest strap, but the only time it is reading your heart rate is when your fingers were pressed on the two probes on the watch face. Therefore, ti does not give you a constant reading and does not track calories or time in zone.
  • sewolfe1117
    sewolfe1117 Posts: 1
    I am not a fan of the chest strap and just wanted an easy one that would track my heart rate and had a timer. I got the Sportline 915 (I think) from Bestbuy for about $50. I really like it.

    Personally, I don't really have $100+ to spend on a HRM. Previously, (for 5 years) I had a MIO HRM. I liked that one also.
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