Heart Rate Monitor/Calorie Counter?

allisonrozsa

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking into getting a HRM/Calorie Counter, but would like some advice on a good one (that's inexpensive). I want something that can calculate my actual calorie count as I'm exercising (since I know that MFP is a little off). What do you think?

thegoya

I'm curious too. And, if a strapless HRM is only a small percentage off over one with a strap, I'd prefer the strapless. Is there a monitor that continually reads the BPM?

tenunderfour

There are tons of threads on HRM. It seems like Polar is the brand people like the most around here. The ones that have the chest strap are more accurate than the others. I got a Polar FT7 for around $68 on Amazon.

Do a search for Polar or HRM in the search box... and you will find everything you want to know.

dad106

I'm curious too. And, if a strapless HRM is only a small percentage off over one with a strap, I'd prefer the strapless. Is there a monitor that continually reads the BPM?

A strapless on is not just a small percentage off of one with a strap.. it's a large percentage off. Think like sometimes only getting a 90 calorie reading with a strapless one VS a 300 calorie reading with one that has a strap. Ones that have a strap continually read BPM VS strapless that only get get the heart rate when you touch it.

To OP:
Polar is best.. FT4, FT7, FT40 or FT60.

If you want inexpensive, then FT4 or FT7 is your best bet on Amazon.

allisonrozsa

What about the ones that are in 'watch' form? Isn't that considered a "strap" instead of using a chest strap thing (that's just more cumbersome than I want).

dad106

What about the ones that are in 'watch' form? Isn't that considered a "strap" instead of using a chest strap thing (that's just more cumbersome than I want).

I repeat.. Watch only ones are not accurate.

You want accuracy then you need a chest strap.. if you don't want a chest strap, then don't buy an HRM.. that simple.

tenunderfour

the chest strap is what actually monitors your heart beat. It "talks to" the watch. You need to wear both. If you get a HRM without the chest strap your accuracy will be wayyyyy off.

susannahcooks

I have a polar with a chest strap and watch - the chest strap just goes around just under your chest, up under your bra - it's not at all cumbersome or uncomfortable - and the one I bought even fit me at my largest around 360 lbs. And if you work out on a treadmill/elliptical/bike that has the handles to read your heart rate from your hands, it will read it off the chest strap so you can get a constant reading hands-free. Of course the one I have is a bottom tier model - it only calculates HR; it doesn't calculate calories. Have been thinking of upgrading. I wish there was one that did HR, Calories, plus the sleep study that fitbit allows. Let me know which model you settle on!

thegoya

A chest strap is is...thanks for the input

That being said...
what about a HRM with chest strap
vs
the FitBit?

susannahcooks

A chest strap is is...thanks for the input

That being said...
what about a HRM with chest strap
vs
the FitBit?

They do different things. The fitbit tracks calories burned based on steps/movement - and is less accurate than a HRM - which tracks calories based on your actual heart rate. The fitbit is intended to be worn all day; the HRM is mostly during workouts (although no reason why you couldn't wear it all day). The fitbit does have that sleep study doo-dah thing that tells you how well you slept, and that's cool

Lmdaniels

This was just the discussion I was looking for! HRM with chest strap it is.

acransom

Thank you for the information

jaz050465

There is also the bodymediafit which tracks all day. Not cheap though.

aab9493

Just the discussion I was looking for for today! thanks for all the valuable information!

eburrell

Thanks! This is great information.

julisnodgrass

Alright so.....I have a fitbit and I had an HRM with a watch and strap but I wanted a bluetooth HRM and an app that would record my heart rate and calories burned. I got the bluetooth HRM but the apps don't give you calories burned information. Does MFP have the ability to do that within the app?

kar328

I didn't want a HRM with a chest strap but after reading numerous threads here on the subject went with the Polar FT4. It's not expensive and the chest strap is extremely comfortable. It fits right under the girls and I find I sometimes forget to take it off after I'm done.

jasmineconley

I had two different strapless HRM's and they were not very accurate so I literally gave them away. I am however in LOVE with my Polar FT40. It has a chest strap but it's so easy to maintain and use. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

staceyadamz

sooooo glad i found this thread today. I'm new to walking/working out so i'm also willing to read as much as possible on a product for fear of purchasing the wrong thing.

Apparently, Polar is the best brand. But some people are saying the FT4 and others the FT40. I originally thought this was a typo but upon further research, those are two different watches. So....which one is better? Or is it just a matter of preference?

I'm looking for something that will count my calories and monitor my heart rate. I understand a chest strap is the best option, i just want to make sure i'm picking the right watch.

LehsyaR

I was searching for a watch-like device myself to monitor my heart rate and count calories, without having some annoying band or strap across my chest; isn't a bra enough?! lol! Here's what I found (in no particular order):

The "Basis" health and hear trate monitor for wellness and fitness http://www.mybasis.com, "[The] Basis band contains the most advanced sensors on the market, continuously capturing heart rate patterns, motion, perspiration and skin temperature throughout the day and night." All this is withOUT the need of a chest-strap, which I would prefer NOT to wear. At $199 it may not fit the "inexpensive" criteria that you asked for, but given all it does, I think it is worth it... WHEN you are able to purchase it, seems they are out of stock, for now.

A similar device is the MIO Alpha http://www.alphaheartrate.com, which also offers strapless (no chest strap needed), continuous monitoring of your heart rate, which you can link to one of the many compatible apps to review detailed info of your activity. Also $199 and currently in stock.

There is also a similar device that is soon to be released, Amiigo http://amiigo.co, but it does not have a digital read out on the face, it is simply a band.

jaz050465

I've read about people sending the Basis back as HR monitoring isn't continuos. You will need to check that out though.

LehsyaR

It states on the website that it is continuous, but I don't have one myself so I can't say for sure. The few reviews I've read didn't state that, but that would be a rip off if so.

LehsyaR

Upon further research, I did find a few reviews that said both the Basis and the MIO Alpha have issues with counting heart rates during vigorous exercise, some stated the Basis stopped at anything over 150. Not cool. Seems like there are still kinks that need to be worked out. Which is unfortunate because I really want a device to track my calories burned when I'm NOT walking, hiking, jogging, etc.; I need more than a pedometer. And I do not want a strap around my chest... seems when it comes to accuracy I have no choice... for now.

Byrdsong1920

Polar ft4!! Polar stands behind their product! After nearly two years they replaced my chest strap and watch! Love them
Gives accurate burn and fat burn zones!love it! It will Sync with the cardio machines! Great for exercises without a machine,like Zumba, salsa, kickboxing etc.this watch is waterproof too !

Check www.amazon.com for best prices

Best investment ever!

Good luck, Shan

iheartmy1dog

I just got an ft4 the other day and love it! The chest strap osn't bad at all, I keep forgetting I even have it on.

kadins_momma07

the chest strap is what actually monitors your heart beat. It "talks to" the watch. You need to wear both. If you get a HRM without the chest strap your accuracy will be wayyyyy off.

I'm looking for a HRM/calorie tracker too. Thanks for clarifying that...I wasn't sure if you had to wear both at the same time, or if they were just two different kinds of trackers to choose from.

elbowjax

I noticed that some HRM are water resistant (up to a certain number of meters), but does that mean the chest strap is too? Does anyone swim with a HRM chest strap on?

helpfit101

I have a Suunto M1 (with a chest strap) and I'm pretty satisfied with it. It's simple and gets the job done.

I think Polar is more famous though.

MeGaga

so concluding it,polar ft4 and ft7 are the cheapest and yet are accurate and good enough, i got it right?
do they come together the watch and the chest strap? coz i'll be getting them online, i'm not in US or europe.

susanpullan98

Has anyone tried the Polar FT7? There are some additional things it does in comparison of the FT4, but I didn't know if it still worked as well as everyone seems to think the FT4 does.

Mads242

I have a pink Suunto m4 and definitely no complaints, I love it. I have set it up with my height and age so it calculates by calorie burn over a work out. It is also water proof and I have worn it swimmng with the strap. However the water interferes with the signal between the watch and the strap so it shows the instantaneous heart rate when the band and strap are both out of the water but it doesn't apply that to the whole time you swim. So after a 45 min swim it said I burnt 15 calories even though my instantaneous heart rate was 150 when I stopped.