HRM without a chest strap?

snailrunner
snailrunner Posts: 215 Member
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
Is there one...or, more importantly, is there an effective one? I have a bony ribcage and can't bear to wear an underwired bra so there is no way I'd tolerate a chest strap for longer than a few minutes. Also, I like the idea of wearing it when I'm being active eg when I walk to work, not just for the gym. Any suggestions?

Replies

  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    Unfortunately no.. If you want an accurate calorie burn then you need a chest strap.

    Honestly, they are not like underwire bras.. they are cloth and stretch to fit. I forget mine is there and have worn it home from the gym a few times.

    I also warn that wearing while walking to work is fine, but wearing while at work isn't because they are not made for that. They are made to be worn when your heart rate is elevated.

    My suggestions on one with a strap is Polar.. FT4 or FT7. If your really considering going strapless, then the only one I would suggest is bodybugg/bodymedia fit/fit bit. Those are devices that you can strap on your arm and wear all day... but they do cost a bit more and have a monthly fee to run.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    To use it for calorie counting you must have a chest strap. That is the long and short of it. Without one, even though it gives a calorie number, it is not really any better than guessing how many calories you have burned, and likely that MFP's numbers would be more accurate. My suggestion is save your money. If you want to calculate calories without a chest strap look into a Body Media Fit or BodyBugg.
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