Heart Rate Monitors?

LindsayT2012

I am considering getting a heart rate monitor because I think the gym machines are off and for when I do dvds. How exactly do you use one and where can you buy them. Also which ones are good to get?

jrich1

Yeah when you get one, you will see how far off the gym machines are.

You can buy them anywhere that sells sports equpt, I see them at Target, walmart, amazon etc.

Get a Polar Ft4/Ft7 with a chest strap.

Nickstery

Everyone I have talked to about them say they are a waste of money and time. I'm told to monitor your heart rate during or after for 6 seconds and then times it by 10.

deniseg31

I have a Polar FT7.

Let me tell you that I was very dissapointed when I first found out how many calories I was actually burning. The elliptical would say that I burned like 700 for 60 minutes going at a very easy pace and come to find out I only burn a little over 300. I think it's a good idea to get one, that way you know exactly how much to push yourself.

Good luck!

MrsFusion

I ordered the Polar FT4 a couple of days ago. It comes with a chest strap. I can't wait to get it...I want to know how many calories I'm burning in zumba class I got mine on ebay.

nellie_88

I use a garmin FR60, it is nice to know how many calories I really am burning. The gym machines are off and the calculations on MFP are really off as well!

ErrataCorrige

Definately get one with a chest strap (more accurate) and one that calculates calories burned (also, more accurate). The Polar FT4 or FT7 are very reliable, and coded, so that you don't get interference from other HRM's at the gym. Maybe a little more pricey, but I have had mine for almost 2 years and use it every day. Works flawlessly, battery is still strong, and I couldn't imagine going without it!

I got mine on Macys.com just because they were having a sale, but Amazon always seems to have good prices.

robinogue

I have the Nike for running and a polar for classes and weight lifting. I love them both and feel I get a better count with using them.

Nic620

Yes yes yes get one! I love mine! Best thing I purchased! For instance yesterday when I did my home elliptical (sole 35), I burned 108 calories more that what the machine said! My treadmill tends to over count what I actully do. They are all so screwy. I really wished I knew about the benefits of them earlier!

I purchased the Polar FT4. Women's model. Only thing is the color-would have liked another option.

I got mine at Best Buy. I just saw it at Target and I know amazon or sports Authority carries them. Just google. Target had it for 119 in store here where as Best Buy I got it for 83

akjmart2002

I also use a Polar FT7. It's a great HRM and invaluable for tracking burn during exercise. I've found that most machines and calorie-burn tables are way off for me...

As for use, you simply wear the strap as directed and push "Start" on the watch when you want it to begin tracking your HRM and caloric output. I have chosen 125 BPM as a semi-arbitrary point at which I determine that my workout is over, so after I'm done and my HR has fallen below that number, I hit "Stop" on the watch and use the results in my MFP daily diary. With some HRMs, like the FT7, you can also pause and restart a workout.

Like everything, HRMs are available at many price points and with widely varying features. For sure, you should get one with a chest strap vs. the strapless variety. They are far more accurate.

Nic620

I have a Polar FT7.

Let me tell you that I was very dissapointed when I first found out how many calories I was actually burning. The elliptical would say that I burned like 700 for 60 minutes going at a very easy pace and come to find out I only burn a little over 300. I think it's a good idea to get one, that way you know exactly how much to push yourself.

Good luck!

I had the same problem! I use to go to the gym and it would say 700-800 burned on the elliptical then I purchased one and I struggled with workouts because I didn't see the numbers burned! I even got rid of that elliptical machine because it sat around and did nothing because I thought it was crap. That was about 4 yes ago. All these years never new about a heart rate monitor until here!

prettyfitchick

I have the polar Ft4 with the chest strap and it really pushes me when doing cardio I tend to slow down near the end of my workout so when i see the numbers falling i know need to push a little harder make sure you decide on the one you get based on your needs The ones with out the chest strap you must put your finger on while working out but I knew I would never rember to do that and some of real high tech ones had features i knew i would never use but for me it was worth it Oh and i was burning more cal doing c25k then mfp projected and less during dvd workouts so Its good to know what you really are buring espically if you eat back excersie cals but I LOVE MY POLAR FT4

freew67

Just use the Search button and read the 100+ post already about them. In the end you will find the Polar ones to be the most popular here.

AmyRhubarb

I recently picked up a New Balance N4 on eBay for $26.00. It has the chest strap and the watch, with the features where you enter your age, gender, height & weight so it can get a better read on your calorie burn. I like it - I used to use a New Balance watch type that didn't have the chest strap, so I had to pause & take my pulse on the watch during my workouts. It wasn't as accurate without all my personal info, and it didn't always read my pulse right away, which left me standing there, falling behind on my workout because I was trying to get my pulse!

I've heard great things about the Polar FTs and the New Balance - I went with the NB because I found it at such a great price. Check them out, shop around in stores and online & figure out what you want in a HRM. I love mine - I think it definitely gives me a better idea of my actual calories burned!

LindsayT2012

Thank you all for your help I am going to check into a few of these and figure out what I want to get.. Thanks again.