HRM Help!

Mallory0418 · October 2011

So I'm looking into getting an HRM soon. I actually got one but I can't figure out how to set it up for the life of me. I consider myself a pretty tech-savvy person, but these instructions are impossible!!! So I'm going to take this one back and research some more on finding a better one.

My question is though...how do I calculate how many calories I've burned with an HRM? One reason I got this one is because it has a "calories burned" tracker so I thought that would be pretty easy. I would still like to find one with that feature (just so I don't have to think so much!) but if that's not in the cards, how am supposed to get as accurate of number in calories I burn as I can?? Arg...I'm so frustrated!

P.S. Does anyone have any suggestions on simple and accurate HRMs to suggest? This one was $50, and I am willing to invest a little more if I have to but I can't do anything crazy. I would like to avoid one with a chest strap if I can, as well. Thanks!

yeabby · October 2011

There are thousands of forums on HRMs. Search it and you'll find all you need and more.

mrandolph69 · October 2011

I bought a Polar FT7 a little over a month ago and love it. It was easy to set up and use. It has a chest strap which is really not a big deal because once I start exercising I forget it is even there. Everything I read about HRMs before I bought this one said that the ones without chest straps are not necessarily less accurate but they do not provide constant feedback. Apparently, on those models you can only get the heart rate when you press a button on the monitor. Without the ability to constantly monitor the heart rate I am not sure how it could accurately predict the calories burned. Also, have to repeatedly touch a button while working out would be a pain in the behind.