Heart Rate Monitor

gust1247
gust1247 Posts: 23
in Fitness and Exercise
I don't know much about heart rate monitors, but I would really like to buy one. I want one that has a chest strap for the most accuracy. I run, walk, bike, strength train, etc, so I need a really good one. Does anyone have suggestions of a high quality heart rate monitor? Also, I would like one that tells me my which zone I am in, so I can stay in my fat burning zone while working out. Thank you!

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Before getting into HRMs I'd suggest that you forget about the existence of the "fat burning zone". The so-called fat burning zone is low intensity cardio that does burn a higher proportion of calories from fat but overall burns a lot fewer calories and does not give your cardiovascular system the same benefit as working out at a higher intensity does. (Having said that, if your current level of fitness does not permit the higher intensity cardio yet then work at the appropriate perceived effort) The "fat burning zone" is really only of significance to endurance athletes in that you have a finite supply of stored glycogen but even the skinniest marathon runner will have 35,000 calories or more of stored fat available.

    Now that I'm off my soapbox........what features are you looking for? You mentioned that you're running and biking - did you also want to be able to track distances and pace? If yes then you may want to consider something like a Garmin Forerunner 305 (one of their more affordable GSP/HRM units that's set up for a multi-sport user). If you're looking for time/heart rate & calories burned something along the lines of a Polar FT4 or FT7 would probably suit your need perfectly.
  • bartleby9
    bartleby9 Posts: 30
    I was looking for one as well. I did some research on Amazon.com and looked at the higher rated HRMs. Read the user reviews. There is a lot of info that individuals will give you that can help you figure out what features are important, what works and what doesn't. Personally, I decided that as I'm on a very strict budget, I can enter my exercise into MyFitnessPal for free. So I didn't get a HRM. MFP is far less accurate than a personal HRM, but it gives me a range and a base of what I'm burning so I can at least be consistent.
  • gust1247
    gust1247 Posts: 23
    Thank you, I will look into those. I guess I won't know what features I really need/want until I go and look at them in person.

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