Heart Rate Monitor - I have a problem with Chest straps

redheadmommy

I am work my *kitten* off doing P90x with no result so I think I would benefit from an HRM by knowing the exact calories burnt and whether or not I am working hard enough etc.

I had a HRM a zillion years ago, but I never wore it because I hated the chest strap. It was a Polar M52. I have (extremely ) large boobs, and a relatively narrow ribcage. Because of my physical characteristic, I could never place the strap high enough to stay put. It either slided down during exercise and lost contact with my skin and the data was garbage. Or I had to tighten so strong that it was so uncomfortable that I felt I can not even breathe properly. I know there are sports-bras that design to overcome this problem , but they do not come in my size.

I was very happy to discover that nowadays there are other types of HRM , but they seem to be not accurate and you constantly have to touch them to work?

Can anybody enlighten me on these gadget or suggest some solution?

dad106

The watch only HRM's are not nearly as accurate for calories burned as ones with a chest strap. Reason being the watch only HRM's base the reading off when you touch it.. so if you touch it once and it reads 90, it will base the calorie burn off of that. If you don't touch again until 20 or 30 minutes later and it reads 120, then it will base it off of that until you touch it again.

Polar now makes a wearlink strap which is fabric and pretty comfortable. I find that it doesn't slip at all and even at it's tightest setting, doesn't feel like I can't breathe or anything.

You do realize that you want it to go right under the sports bra right and no higher? I suggest you try it again, make sure the strap is really wet and see what happens because wrist only HRM's just won't cut it.

redheadmommy

Hmm. it sounds totally useless to have a "monitor" which doesn't actually constantly monitor you.

I would love to try on different chest staps to see if all of them uncomfortable or nit. However i haven't see a fitness store which allows such thing.

I have seen some monitor gadgets with arm band. Do they have a constant monitoring system? Are they accurate?

Kirkajuice

The watch only HRM's are not nearly as accurate for calories burned as ones with a chest strap. Reason being the watch only HRM's base the reading off when you touch it.. so if you touch it once and it reads 90, it will base the calorie burn off of that. If you don't touch again until 20 or 30 minutes later and it reads 120, then it will base it off of that until you touch it again.

I was considering getting a wriststrap one because I also have a really narrow ribcage, it's not just narrow, it tapers sharply to my waist (about 10" difference between waist and chest or waist and hips). The wriststrap ones I've seen have a sensor on the back and you need conductive gel to get them to work. Are these also unreliable? If so I need to work out how to get straps to stay up!

dad106

Hmm. it sounds totally useless to have a "monitor" which doesn't actually constantly monitor you.

I would love to try on different chest staps to see if all of them uncomfortable or nit. However i haven't see a fitness store which allows such thing.

I have seen some monitor gadgets with arm band. Do they have a constant monitoring system? Are they accurate?

I would assume you are talking about bodybugg/bodymedia fit? Those are a whole different ball park then HRM's. What they do is take a sensor reading from your arm(don't ask me how), and determine how many calories you burn a day. They allow you to wear them all day and during exercise.. but since they don't take heart rate into consideration, I'm not sure how accurate they actually are for exercise. I've heard that for all day monitoring, they are pretty accurate.

I know that from Amazon, you can buy a Polar wear link strap for like 15 dollars.. Not sure if your's has a transmitter that detaches or not, but if it does then you could just stick the transmitter on there and if it doesn't work, then you're only out 15 dollars.

Most fitness stores have a 30 day return policy or w/e on HRM"s... I know that I was able to return my Timex one after wearing it only once to Best Buy because the calorie count was super inflated.

dad106

The watch only HRM's are not nearly as accurate for calories burned as ones with a chest strap. Reason being the watch only HRM's base the reading off when you touch it.. so if you touch it once and it reads 90, it will base the calorie burn off of that. If you don't touch again until 20 or 30 minutes later and it reads 120, then it will base it off of that until you touch it again.

I was considering getting a wriststrap one because I also have a really narrow ribcage, it's not just narrow, it tapers sharply to my waist (about 10" difference between waist and chest or waist and hips). The wriststrap ones I've seen have a sensor on the back and you need conductive gel to get them to work. Are these also unreliable? If so I need to work out how to get straps to stay up!

Anything that does not have a chest strap is unreliable.. Period.

The strap actually isn't that bad.. I mean my waist is significantly smaller then my ribcage and I don't have an issue. Polar makes their straps in two sizes M-XXL and XS/S. I have a M-XXL, which is the default size and I don't find that it slips at all. It's adjustable and can go as small or as big as you need.

Kirkajuice

Dammit. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case. I'll look into them and see if there are any reviews from people with narrow rib cages. Could I possibly put it under the sports bra so that the band holds it in place or would that be too high? I suppose I could duct tape it to myself

Di3012

Dammit. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case. I'll look into them and see if there are any reviews from people with narrow rib cages. Could I possibly put it under the sports bra so that the band holds it in place or would that be too high? I suppose I could duct tape it to myself

Yes, you can put it under the sports bra (under the bottom band of the sports bra that is), even with the wearlink on it, it does not rub nor hurt to have it there. The strap can be adjusted to fit your ribcage under your bust. I know all this because that is exactly how I wear mine.

I have the Polar FT4f with the cheststrap and I too, wondered how I would fare wearing it, but I can honestly say, that I never feel it there during my 60 minutes running on the treadmill - never! I actually have to consciously remember to remove it before I shower.

I bought the Polar FT4f which comes complete with cheststrap, wearlink and watch on Amazon. It is fantastic!

jody664

Dammit. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case. I'll look into them and see if there are any reviews from people with narrow rib cages. Could I possibly put it under the sports bra so that the band holds it in place or would that be too high? I suppose I could duct tape it to myself

Yes, you can put it under the sports bra (under the bottom band of the sports bra that is), even with the wearlink on it, it does not rub nor hurt to have it there. The strap can be adjusted to fit your ribcage under your bust. I know all this because that is exactly how I wear mine.

I have the Polar FT4f with the cheststrap and I too, wondered how I would fare wearing it, but I can honestly say, that I never feel it there during my 60 minutes running on the treadmill - never! I actually have to consciously remember to remove it before I shower.

I bought the Polar FT4f which comes complete with cheststrap, wearlink and watch on Amazon. It is fantastic!

Thanks, December! I had just looked at this model at Best Buy's website. I found out today I have a fairly large refund check from the cable company coming in a week or so, and I think I'm going to treat myself to one of these!

Kirkajuice

Yes, you can put it under the sports bra (under the bottom band of the sports bra that is), even with the wearlink on it, it does not rub nor hurt to have it there. The strap can be adjusted to fit your ribcage under your bust. I know all this because that is exactly how I wear mine.

I have the Polar FT4f with the cheststrap and I too, wondered how I would fare wearing it, but I can honestly say, that I never feel it there during my 60 minutes running on the treadmill - never! I actually have to consciously remember to remove it before I shower.

I bought the Polar FT4f which comes complete with cheststrap, wearlink and watch on Amazon. It is fantastic!

Thanks! I've found it for £51 so I'll probably get it after I get paid next week :flowerforyou:

redheadmommy

I would assume you are talking about bodybugg/bodymedia fit? Those are a whole different ball park then HRM's. What they do is take a sensor reading from your arm(don't ask me how), and determine how many calories you burn a day. They allow you to wear them all day and during exercise.. but since they don't take heart rate into consideration, I'm not sure how accurate they actually are for exercise. I've heard that for all day monitoring, they are pretty accurate.

Honestly, I have no idea. I just saw those armband monitors and I liked the idea of not having a chest strap. I havn't realized they are a totally different gadgets

I know that from Amazon, you can buy a Polar wear link strap for like 15 dollars.. Not sure if your's has a transmitter that detaches or not, but if it does then you could just stick the transmitter on there and if it doesn't work, then you're only out 15 dollars.

I am from Canada, and amazon ships only a limited selection of its merchandise here, but there is always ebay. How do I know if my old HRM transmitter detaches or not.? It has a strap that is plastic at the entire front and soft at the back.

Most fitness stores have a 30 day return policy or w/e on HRM"s... I know that I was able to return my Timex one after wearing it only once to Best Buy because the calorie count was super inflated.

Here fitness stores usually have very limited return policy, but we do have Bestbuy. Maybe I should look around in there. Thanksyou!

Di3012

Dammit. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case. I'll look into them and see if there are any reviews from people with narrow rib cages. Could I possibly put it under the sports bra so that the band holds it in place or would that be too high? I suppose I could duct tape it to myself

Yes, you can put it under the sports bra (under the bottom band of the sports bra that is), even with the wearlink on it, it does not rub nor hurt to have it there. The strap can be adjusted to fit your ribcage under your bust. I know all this because that is exactly how I wear mine.

I have the Polar FT4f with the cheststrap and I too, wondered how I would fare wearing it, but I can honestly say, that I never feel it there during my 60 minutes running on the treadmill - never! I actually have to consciously remember to remove it before I shower.

I bought the Polar FT4f which comes complete with cheststrap, wearlink and watch on Amazon. It is fantastic!

Thanks, December! I had just looked at this model at Best Buy's website. I found out today I have a fairly large refund check from the cable company coming in a week or so, and I think I'm going to treat myself to one of these!

Mine was a birthday present with money I received, I went onto Amazon and got it. Love it, truly. One of the best buys with regards to fitness I have bought (wish I had done it years ago lol).

I don't think you'll regret it!

Di3012

Yes, you can put it under the sports bra (under the bottom band of the sports bra that is), even with the wearlink on it, it does not rub nor hurt to have it there. The strap can be adjusted to fit your ribcage under your bust. I know all this because that is exactly how I wear mine.

I have the Polar FT4f with the cheststrap and I too, wondered how I would fare wearing it, but I can honestly say, that I never feel it there during my 60 minutes running on the treadmill - never! I actually have to consciously remember to remove it before I shower.

I bought the Polar FT4f which comes complete with cheststrap, wearlink and watch on Amazon. It is fantastic!

Thanks! I've found it for £51 so I'll probably get it after I get paid next week :flowerforyou:

Let us know how you get on, it's a great piece of kit.

Kirkajuice

So, FT4 came today while I was having a lie in. Immediately got up to exercise. I'm so happy it can stay under the sports bra because while it initially stayed in place without it, I think any vigorous movement would have resulted in it slipping down.

I do have a question, for my exercise (circuit training) MFP says I burn 189 calories per 30 minutes but my HRM said I burnt 435. With such a large discrepency I'm not sure which is accurate. I was working REALLY hard during the workout, to the point where I had to briefly stop because I needed a rest break. Very intense workout which I hadn't done before.

Which would you say is accurate?

snookumss

My Polar Wearlink is amazing. It never slips, I just adjust it and it stays there Only once did I even have to wet the front to help it keep my heart rate. My polar is my workout buddy

lambertj

I'm getting so anxious, just ordered my Polar FT4 yesterday and can't wait for it to get here. I got it from newegg for $79.99 with free shipping. Can't wait to see what I really burn compared to what the machines tell me I burn

Terasome

Go off your HRM not MFP.



I have a question are you supposed to wet the straps of your HRM before using it? My ifo brochure has a picture of a tap on it but doesnt really give any instruction on it.

icemaiden17_uk

Bump

Kirkajuice

The manual says wet the contact bits on the band, attach band and then button the computer onto the band. I guess you shouldn't wet the little computer thing.

Tara4boys

Polar also sells a sports bra with monitor built in. Since you are large busted, you might want to wear that and another sports bra on top???

Di3012

So, FT4 came today while I was having a lie in. Immediately got up to exercise. I'm so happy it can stay under the sports bra because while it initially stayed in place without it, I think any vigorous movement would have resulted in it slipping down.

I do have a question, for my exercise (circuit training) MFP says I burn 189 calories per 30 minutes but my HRM said I burnt 435. With such a large discrepency I'm not sure which is accurate. I was working REALLY hard during the workout, to the point where I had to briefly stop because I needed a rest break. Very intense workout which I hadn't done before.

Which would you say is accurate?

Providing you have inputted all your info (age, gender, weight etc) in correctly. Go by your HRM, as that will be tailored to you personally, whereas the calories on MFP are general.

Di3012

Go off your HRM not MFP.



I have a question are you supposed to wet the straps of your HRM before using it? My ifo brochure has a picture of a tap on it but doesnt really give any instruction on it.

Yes, wet the strap and then click the wearlink thingy onto the press-studs, then stick it around your rib-cage.

When you have finished, it is important that you unclick the wearlink thing and then rinse the strap, this gets rid of any sweat on it which will, of course, contain salt. If you don't rinse it off after each session, the salt can interfere with future readings.

It is also advised that the strap (NOT THE WEARLINK THINGY) be stuck in the washing machine every sixth or seventh time you use it, this gives it a thorough rinse. I have done this and it does not affect the future workings of the HRM at all.

Just do NOT forget to take the wearlink bit off the strap before rinsing the strap or especially when sticking it in the washing machine.

versuga

look up the ePulse2....goes on your forearm

andrejjorje

Hey, sexy description of the rib cage and the rest...
Let's get back to work.
1. For accuracy you need a chest strap. Period.
2. All the HRM manufacturers have several chest straps products. Some of them are called luxury or premium. When you decide on the model look for a chest trap that sounds like that and it is compatible with the watch.
3. Buy yourself if you don't have already sports bras with a large elastic band at the bottom. For this purpose they should'n be very very tight. That would keep the sensor in place. I asked my gf to test and it works like a charm. It is possible (already mentioned by the previous posters) that in time you could feel pressure or discomfort. Trial an error.

I am work my *kitten* off doing P90x with no result so I think I would benefit from an HRM by knowing the exact calories burnt and whether or not I am working hard enough etc.

I had a HRM a zillion years ago, but I never wore it because I hated the chest strap. It was a Polar M52. I have (extremely ) large boobs, and a relatively narrow ribcage. Because of my physical characteristic, I could never place the strap high enough to stay put. It either slided down during exercise and lost contact with my skin and the data was garbage. Or I had to tighten so strong that it was so uncomfortable that I felt I can not even breathe properly. I know there are sports-bras that design to overcome this problem , but they do not come in my size.

I was very happy to discover that nowadays there are other types of HRM , but they seem to be not accurate and you constantly have to touch them to work?

Can anybody enlighten me on these gadget or suggest some solution?

Kirkajuice

Providing you have inputted all your info (age, gender, weight etc) in correctly. Go by your HRM, as that will be tailored to you personally, whereas the calories on MFP are general.

Ok, thank you I just wanted to check so I don't then begin to overeat and negate any exercise. I input everything it asked me to, and it said I got up to 179bpm with average of 134bpm. Possibly because I didn't look at calories until after cooldown and I was quite relaxed by then as I had to lay on the floor with my eyes closed.

ncates00

The only way you would not be getting results from using P90x is if you are not eating right. Using a HRM is a good tool. I use one for P90x and Insanity. However, P90x is a very good workout. To not get results even without a HRM tells me you are not eating well or perhaps you aren't working as hard as you say you are. If the first one is the case, it's simple. Eat better! Eat food that is more natural and whole. Grilled, lean meats, more green veggies, fish, Greek yogurt, natural peanut butter, no fried stuff, no nasty burgers, etc.

The bottom line is you need to evaluate yourself. Having or not having a HRM is not an excuse for a great program to not work for you. I've done it. I weighed 225 with high bf percentage and lost over 30lbs of P90x without a HRM because I committed to the workouts AND healthy eating. I am still committed and i am close to my fitness goal. You cannot do it with just working out. Sure, you can lose weight. But in the end, it's about body composition not body weight. The way to get the body you want and live a healthy and effective life is eating. Besides, as you age, you want to get better at your workouts. But there will be a time when you cannot workout as hard or as long due to age, schedule, family, holidays, etc. However, food intake is one thing that you can control absolutely. If you buy your own groceries then you have no excuse. That is a hard reality that I had to face.

I know P90x works. I'm proof. You need to "check yourself before you wreck yourself!" LOL. Evaluate how you are eating, if you are really doing your best and forgetting the rest/bringing it, and see if maybe the workouts are so hard that maybe you take too many rests for it to be effective for you. Perhaps you are not ready for it if that is the case. Maybe try Power 90, a Chalean video, ten minute trainer, etc. Good luck and God bless!

ncates00

Also I use a Polar watch and chest strap. It works great. The chest strap can slide around a bit but I try to tighten it really tight and works.

linkegains

I hate the watches and the chest straps, watches get in the way of my arm workout and chest straps are plain annoying. I would check out the Spree SmartCap from spreesports(dot)com - it actually ended up being more accurate than my across the chest monitor in lab, as well as extensively long workouts as i am a physique competitor and in the gym every day. The best part is it does calories, heart rate, body temp, steps, and maps out your runs via GPS

BrianSharpe

So, FT4 came today while I was having a lie in. Immediately got up to exercise. I'm so happy it can stay under the sports bra because while it initially stayed in place without it, I think any vigorous movement would have resulted in it slipping down.

I do have a question, for my exercise (circuit training) MFP says I burn 189 calories per 30 minutes but my HRM said I burnt 435. With such a large discrepency I'm not sure which is accurate. I was working REALLY hard during the workout, to the point where I had to briefly stop because I needed a rest break. Very intense workout which I hadn't done before.

Which would you say is accurate?

Providing you have inputted all your info (age, gender, weight etc) in correctly. Go by your HRM, as that will be tailored to you personally, whereas the calories on MFP are general.

You should also note that the estimated caloric expenditure for HRMs is only reasonably accurate for steady state cardio (and even then some are suspect as many algorithms are based on a linear correlation between heart rate an calories burned......a relationship that does not exist)