Heart Rate Monitors?

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hubie316
hubie316 Posts: 24 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm looking at buying a HRM so that I can assure my calorie burns are correct - any suggestions? I'm worried that the chest strap won't fit or work on my size F chest! And I don't want to spend more than $150.00.

Thanks!

Replies

  • Tracey_Tee
    Tracey_Tee Posts: 128 Member
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    I have a large chest as well but I wear my chest strap under the ladies so it is held in place by them and my bra lol !
  • RubyDarling
    RubyDarling Posts: 171 Member
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    You should be easily able to find one in your price range. I have the Polar F4 and that now retails for under AU$100. Look online for the best deals.

    Also, the strap is worn under the bust, so you shouldn't have any problems there!
  • shauna121211
    shauna121211 Posts: 575 Member
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    I'm not too sure, but I'd recommend just going into a sporting store and asking them for advice. I just bought a Polar FT4 from a friend's recommendation ($93 with shipping). I have no idea about the chest strap, but figure I'm okay with any at a measly A cup lol.
  • Rinny_D
    Rinny_D Posts: 80 Member
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    Garmin are a great brand. They can be costly though. Shop around to find a great price. I bought mine for $400 down from $500 (Forerunner 305CX) but when you get previous models or deleted/clearance stock they can be far far cheaper! The strap should fit, Mine was too big and I had to resew it, but that was no issue.

    Polar are a well know brand, not as goos as Garmin though, but will still do the job. Don't get a cheap one from a dept store, fo to a specialised running store like 2XU or something.

    If you want one for swimming make sure you tell that to the sales person, Garmin only have 1 'water pfroof' one that I know of and its not the prettiest looking one, around the 500$ mark. Tri ones go up in price after that. Good luck :)

    Forerunner 305CX was the greatest investment in my fitness journey!
  • McKayMachina
    McKayMachina Posts: 2,670 Member
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    Take your HR manually a couple times, average it and enter it here:

    http://www.braydenwm.com/calburn.htm

    Save $150.

    A friend said it was accurate to within 15 calories of her HRM readout. :) It's all that I use.
  • healthieramanda
    healthieramanda Posts: 95 Member
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    You wear it under your chest, I have a Suunto M2 - does it's job nicely. No fancy bells or whistles and works really well. With Suunto in general you don't have to worry about people picking up your HR on other machines nearby, I found this problem with Polar
  • Ladybugsjoy
    Ladybugsjoy Posts: 1
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    I have a Polar heart rate monitor with the chest strap and LOVE it! It fits under your breasts so size shouldn't be a problem, the band is elastic but if it's still not bit enough you can take just the front part and put it under the band of your sports bra and it should stay still. I've done that before when I've had the band in the washer and forgot to put it in my job bag Lol! I can't remember how much I spent on my heart rate monitor, it was the polar F5 in pink, but knowing me it wasn't more than $120. Check out http://www.amazon.com for a good deal. Do make sure you get a ladies model instead of a mens because the face is a lot smaller so it's more comfortable to wear.
  • MiaMcBetty
    MiaMcBetty Posts: 45
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    I love my Polar FT7 ( the upgrade from a Polar FT4). You should be able to pick one up for under $150 no problems. I find the chest strap very comfortable, It's worn unerneath the breast so it shouldn't be a problem no matter what size cup you are.
    Every now and then I get some abnormal readings but this is usually just a matter of adjusting the position of the transmitter and making sure the device is looked after properly.
  • unlockthebox
    unlockthebox Posts: 31 Member
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    I just got the polar Nike + compatible one with the Nike sports band and ended up being $150 total
  • hubie316
    hubie316 Posts: 24 Member
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    Thanks for all the advice everyone! I really appreciate the community on this site!
  • pa_jorg
    pa_jorg Posts: 4,404 Member
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    I got the Polar FT4 from Amazon.com for around $60 recently and love it!
  • reese1206
    reese1206 Posts: 229
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    I have the Polar F6 and LOVE it!!!!! It's awesome. Try ebay....they are a lot cheaper on there!
  • techymum
    techymum Posts: 168
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    I have been using my Garmin for approximately 3 months now, and find the chest strap very comfortable.

    The information from it I find so beneficial. My average heart rate on runs has dropped considerably since starting - a true indicator of getting more fit. It also gave me the added confidence that I'm "ok" when running - even if I feel like its too much! I haven't reached it yet, but as time goes on, I know I will have to increase things when my heart rate goes below a good aerobic workout level during my workouts.

    So its not just about the calories being burned, it really is about how your heart is working.

    Granted they are pricey, but I found the splurge worth it.
  • mandypizzle
    mandypizzle Posts: 633 Member
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    You shouldn't have to worry about being bigger chested. It goes under anyways and they are VERY adjustable!

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