Can you recommend a HRM?

janemem

I have finally come to the conclusion that I should get a HRM because I don't trust the amount of calories MFP calculates I earn through exercise.
I would like something that's not too complicated to use, doesn't have too many functions (I'm only really interested in cals/fat burnt, heart rate, stopwatch and anything else you think I should include for basic monitoring), doesn't interfere with broadband speed (I've read that some do), is waterproof, available in the UK and doesn't cost more than £40.
Any ideas?

p0kers0ph

I have a Polar FT4, does the job perfectly and simply. This is my second Polar HRM, defo recommend the brand!

freckledrats

I like my Polar FT60, but I think that'd be out of your listed budget by a bit. My friend has an FT4 that she likes pretty well and I think she got it for a good price.

It's not really waterPROOF though. And I don't swim with it. It claims to be water resistant but I've heard of people complaining that it doesn't track so well in water.

BronnersHarris

If you're not fussed on getting a flash one - Lidl has just advertised that from tomorrow they are selling some for only £12.99.

I'm going to get one tomorrow - would love a polarF7 but can't justify it atm and from what I read no HRM is 100 accurate anyway so thought I'd give this a go.

Think they have a link on their website if you want to check it out - a few others UK users were posting the link earlier on my homepage.

amyram

I also use a Polar, mine is an F7. When I was looking it seems the most popular brand on MFP, if you go to their web site you can check out the different models and see what features you need or want to pay for, good luck.

geordiegirl27

The first HRM I had was a Polar, this one is a bit more but looks like it covers what you need
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polar-FT4-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B0037V01SK/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

this one is cheaper but I cant find anything that says if it works out your calorie burn on not
http://www.amazon.co.uk/POLAR-FT1-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B007JWO7A6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

good luck

MamaBear57

I love my Polar HRM!!!! Has made a world of difference in my workouts plus it is super easy to use.

pastryari

I have a Polar FT4. Never workout without it now.

cordianet

How about recommendations for one that's NOT worn on the wrist? I'm not a watch person and really don't want to wear one in that manner. Anyone have any personal experience with ones like that? Or alternately, one's that are just the monitor part and use a smartphone? There are lots of those out there from what I've seen, but I'd love to hear about some personal experiences with them!

KelseyDawn84

Polar FT4

janemem

If you're not fussed on getting a flash one - Lidl has just advertised that from tomorrow they are selling some for only £12.99.

I'm going to get one tomorrow - would love a polarF7 but can't justify it atm and from what I read no HRM is 100 accurate anyway so thought I'd give this a go.

Think they have a link on their website if you want to check it out - a few others UK users were posting the link earlier on my homepage.

Thanks for that. I've just looked on their website and it looks like just what I'm after and the price is definitely better than I thought I'd need to pay.
I can't get to my local branch until Friday so I'm going to keep fingers and toes crossed that they'll still have some in stock.
Thank you once again. :flowerforyou:

jsilky

I am glad you said that!! I just ordered the same one last night... I go to Piloxing and the instructor recommended this one to me. :-)

janemem

Thanks guys, if I can't get the Lidl one on Friday then it would seem that I need to be looking for a polar FT4. :flowerforyou:

janemem

I am glad you said that!! I just ordered the same one last night... I go to Piloxing and the instructor recommended this one to me. :-)

Which one, the Lidl one? How did you order it?

nikkiprickett

I have a sportline one with a chest strap....it was 50$ at walmart
you'll def want the chest strap tho! it's more accurate because it has a constant reading!

kmac524

Thanks for the suggestions! I just ordered a Polar FT4. Can't wait!

janemem

The first HRM I had was a Polar, this one is a bit more but looks like it covers what you need
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polar-FT4-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B0037V01SK/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

this one is cheaper but I cant find anything that says if it works out your calorie burn on not
http://www.amazon.co.uk/POLAR-FT1-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B007JWO7A6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

good luck

Thanks for that. The FT1 would be perfect but for the fact it doesn't show calorie/fat burn.
The FT4 is pricier than I can afford but fi I don't get the cheap one from Lidl then I'll just have to start saving harder. :happy:

janemem

Thanks for the suggestions! I just ordered a Polar FT4. Can't wait!

Do you mind me asking how much you have paid? I can't find any in my price range unfortunately.

janemem

I have a sportline one with a chest strap....it was 50$ at walmart
you'll def want the chest strap tho! it's more accurate because it has a constant reading!

I'm looking this one up now, what model have you got and does it include calorie/fat burn?.
Thanks for the suggestion. :flowerforyou:

Cervantest

:laugh: i messed up. Sorry

MrsSorenson

I have a Polar FT4, does the job perfectly and simply. This is my second Polar HRM, defo recommend the brand!

I agree! I just got one and I love it!!

lmeslie

I have a Polar FT4F and I love it! I bought it on Amazon for around $70. It was definitely worth it to me to get a more accurate reading of how many calories I am burning during workouts. Just make sure you read the instructions on any HRM and rinse the electrodes after each workout. Mine stays very accurate and I never lose a signal.

Mommagoose4

Polar FT4

senyosmom

How about recommendations for one that's NOT worn on the wrist? I'm not a watch person and really don't want to wear one in that manner. Anyone have any personal experience with ones like that? Or alternately, one's that are just the monitor part and use a smartphone? There are lots of those out there from what I've seen, but I'd love to hear about some personal experiences with them!

I think the Polar models all come with a chest strap as well as the watch band

senyosmom

Thanks for the suggestions! I just ordered a Polar FT4. Can't wait!

Do you mind me asking how much you have paid? I can't find any in my price range unfortunately.

Amazon has used ones if you want cheaper....

Jess0

How about recommendations for one that's NOT worn on the wrist? I'm not a watch person and really don't want to wear one in that manner. Anyone have any personal experience with ones like that? Or alternately, one's that are just the monitor part and use a smartphone? There are lots of those out there from what I've seen, but I'd love to hear about some personal experiences with them!

I use the Zephyr HxM Bluetooth one, paired with my phone. You wear the strap around your chest, and there's a little bit that snaps on that is the transmitter of the thing. It unsnaps so you can detach it and charge it. I've had it for a few weeks now, and it's great. I use it with the SportsTracker Pro app on my Android phone. It was simple to set up, and it works perfectly. The first time I used it, I didn't have the strap big enough so the thing snapped off the strap, but that was total user error. Ever since then, I've had zero problems.

I thought I read somewhere that it's safe for swimming, too, but of course I can't find that info on the Amazon page right now.

janemem

:laugh: i messed up. Sorry
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janemem

Thanks for the suggestions! I just ordered a Polar FT4. Can't wait!

Do you mind me asking how much you have paid? I can't find any in my price range unfortunately.

Amazon has used ones if you want cheaper....

I can't find any used, only new for £49.99

nickyrobinson

For those in the US, I found this site to be helpful: http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com

At least for the Polars, they have feature comparisons between the various models.

And their pricing seems to be excellent.

nickyrobinson

By the way, if you don't like to wear a wrist model, the Fitbit is tiny and can be stuck in your pocket.

ChristyRunStarr

By the way, if you don't like to wear a wrist model, the Fitbit is tiny and can be stuck in your pocket.

Does that do your HR? I thought I read somewhere it didn't...