HRM Hell! Help!

xxloveiswarr

I've spent hours going back and forth between Body Media, the FitBit, and an endless number of watches and gadgets. The Body Bugg isn't really in the running anymore, it just doesn't seem like a good fit. From my understanding the FitBit doesn't have a heart rate monitor so I'm iffy on that one. As far as the watches go, I'm open to them, but I don't want the weird chest thing? Basically I'd just like to know what works for you guys and such. The HRM is the most important function to me, but I'd also love it if it could count calories accurately. Please help me! Thanks!

spersephone

The accurate HRMs need you to wear a chest strap to get the full picture of your heart rate going up and down throughout the course of your exercise session.

I have a Polar FT60 and really find the strap quite comfortable actually!

Cyngen

I have the Polar FT4 and yes, it has the chest strap. To me, that's important as I believe (my own opinion here) that it gives me a more accurate reading. I love that it does what I feel is an accurate job counting my calories and I can monitor my heart rate to be sure I get it up to a good level for working out. No guess work.

I don't have experience with fitbit or others however.

~K

jjteddy1982

Timex IronMan works great, I have it now for over a year and its great

falcon367

You may not like the chest strap, but its the only truly accurate HRM out there. The wrist ones are iffy at best.

RainHoward

I have a mio motion, I got it specifically because it does NOT have a chest strap. I have been quite happy with it so far.

sds76

I know you said you don't want the weird chest strap thingy but i don't think there are many heart rate monitors without a chest strap that will do a continuos heart rate(I might be wrong here, but just in my research there aren't many). Most of the watches by themselves will only give the heart rate when you touch the sensors (which means having to do it during the workout). It's not very accurate. The chest strap will continously monitor your heart rate, so it's more accurate.

Hope that helps some.

I apologize for typos, etc. but I just got done with my workout and don't want to go fix them


edited to add: sorry for the repeat, others are faster than me

GorillaEsq

A clock, my fingers and the pulse in my neck.

mehaffeymk

i have one of the heart rate monitors that doesnt have the chest strap and i hate it beyond belief. it's so hard to get a good reading on my heart rate. it can fluctuate between two back to back readings and sometimes it doesn't pick up my heart rate at all. i would really go with a chest strap. they are SO much better!

CyberEd312

The accurate HRMs need you to wear a chest strap to get the full picture of your heart rate going up and down throughout the course of your exercise session.

I have a Polar FT60 and really find the strap quite comfortable actually!

Agreed! and I too have the Polar FT60 and you really forget your have the chest strap on over time... I put it on head to the gym and don't even give it a second thought. It is comfortable and doesn't cause any issues... Best of Luck!

Skeebee

I've gone through a few. If you want something basic, the Polars are good. However, I personally am a fan of the Garmin's. I have an old Forerunner 305. Most accurate thing I have and lets me program custom zones and workout types.

16eiram

If you are willing to get a chest strap - I love my Sunnto M4, it is the best thing to happen to my workouts. There are also various other Sunntos that are equally good and each specified for different people.

stennieh

I LOVE my polar FT60. The chest strap doesn't bother me. You can buy a bra that the sensor attaches to, I use it once in awhile.

AndreaGrace29

I have the Polar FT4 as well and I'll admit in the beginning, I was not thrilled with the idea of a chest strap. Now, it doesn't really bother me at all and I can hardly feel when I'm wearing it. You wear it right under your bust so it hits where your sports bra is anyways, so you really cant tell that its there. it can be hidden too if you are the type that can get away with just wearing a sports bra as a top.

Its also an added bonus that the HRMs with the chest straps are more accurate since they continuously monitor how hard you are working, as opposed to just the watch that estimates. Since you know that your reading is more accurate, and you can glance down at any second to see how hard you're working.

I think you should just try it!! Its really not that bad at all

californiagirl2012

LOL well all I have is the weird chest thing. Timex. It works for me. I don't have the resources to buy something more fun, especially when this works and the most important thing to me is knowing my HR and time spent. I used to have a polar brand for years but it broke and I hated having to send it away just to have the battery replaced, I got the timex a few years ago because I could replace the battery myself.

jjl0412

My daughter has the FT4 and my wife and I have the FT7. Chest strap is not even noticed when on. We love our Polar's and used them everyday. You will get a thousand pros and cons. I did my own research and made my decision based on users experience and health reviews.

spersephone

I'm still wearing my chest strap even though I worked out three hours ago. I should take it off, but I find it really comfortable. I checked some reviews of that Mio Motion, and wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole!

bikinibeliever

I absolutely love my bodymedia fit...not sure what the difference is from the bodybugg.

Tropical_Turtle

I have a Polar FT7 and I love it, the chest strap I wear while swimming, and I don't even notice it is there. Really rather comfortable, and much more reliable than the Boflex one I have.

ChristyRunStarr

Timex IronMan works great, I have it now for over a year and its great

I second this, I love mine!

I'm curious though-why don't you want the chest strap? you really don't notice it at all.

You're right-the Fitbit won't tell you what you want to know (it's mainly for steps). Amazon usually has Polar HRMs on sale and sometimes Timex. I actually got mine at EMS for cheaper than I found it anywhere online, plus I got it right then and there

xxloveiswarr

I guess I'm mostly hesitant because I don't really know how it works? I'm clueless about everything as far as these sorts of things and I find it intimidating, don't know how it would stay in place.

xxloveiswarr

Also thanks for all the responses!!! Sooo much to think about.

DianeG213

I love my Polar FT7. The chest strap has never bothered me.

jjl0412

rrr

I guess I'm mostly hesitant because I don't really know how it works? I'm clueless about everything as far as these sorts of things and I find it intimidating, don't know how it would stay in place.

Like anything else we learn, we must be exposed or curious. So research. If you go to Polarusa.com, there are detailed explanations about every product. In depth comparisons, detailed menus. On and on. Everything you want to know is there. research and compare the FT4 & FT7. Review the step by step video of each that explains each setting and step. All will be answered.

They both use an adjustible, elastic band that simply hooks together. The receiver is a small 2 inch piece of plastic housing that attaches or detaches very quickly. You seat the band under you breast and center the reciever. The watch communicates with the reciever and displays/stores your heart rate. Those are the basics. Very easy. Very simple.

Amazon charges about $65 for the FT4 and $75 fir the FT7.

AmyRhubarb

I started with a watch-only type - quickly got frustrated with it and having to pause workouts to touch the face of the watch for a reading, and it didn't always track the first time, so have to do it again, and now I'm standing still during my workout instead of staying in motion... :explode:

Got myself a New Balance N4 with a chest strap - SO much better! Put it on, press start on the watch, and off I go through my workout. I thought the strap would bug me, but I don't even know it's there - it sits right under the elastic band of my sports bra.

When I was shopping for mine, I narrowed my choices down to either a Polar or the NB, based on feedback from people here at MFP, and by the customer reviews on Amazon. I'm on a tight budget, so I looked for new items of both models on eBay - within a week I had the New Balance for $26 - brand new, in the box -works great!

jjl0412

rrr

I guess I'm mostly hesitant because I don't really know how it works? I'm clueless about everything as far as these sorts of things and I find it intimidating, don't know how it would stay in place.

Like anything else we learn, we must be exposed or curious. So research. If you go to Polarusa.com, there are detailed explanations about every product. In depth comparisons, detailed menus. On and on. Everything you want to know is there. research and compare the FT4 & FT7. Review the step by step video of each that explains each setting and step. All will be answered.

They both use an adjustible, elastic band that simply hooks together. The receiver is a small 2 inch piece of plastic housing that attaches or detaches very quickly. You seat the band under you breast and center the reciever. The watch communicates with the reciever and displays/stores your heart rate. Those are the basics. Very easy. Very simple.

Amazon charges about $65 for the FT4 and $75 fir the FT7.

You can also go to You Tube and get fairly good examples of devices in use.

jjl0412

Let us know what you decide!

dalehall64

I have an older Polar F5 with the chest strap. It's still kicking along and doing fine.. After you wear the chest strap for a time or two, you don't even notice it, especially if you are really gettin' your sweat on and working out..

SunshineGRL76

Agreed!! I have the Polar FT7 and LOVE it! My husband just picked it up a few days ago, as an early birthday present. I don't know how I ever counted calories before this!!! And it even tracks my fat burning zone & fitness zone...The chest strap is not at all uncomfortable...Good luck!

The accurate HRMs need you to wear a chest strap to get the full picture of your heart rate going up and down throughout the course of your exercise session.

I have a Polar FT60 and really find the strap quite comfortable actually!

Agreed! and I too have the Polar FT60 and you really forget your have the chest strap on over time... I put it on head to the gym and don't even give it a second thought. It is comfortable and doesn't cause any issues... Best of Luck!

wanda601

Wow Ed! 311 pounds lost! That's amazing! congratulations!

xxloveiswarr

Well I've certainly changed my opinion on the whole chest strap thing. I'm REALLY leaning towards the Polar FT60 right now although I've got to spend a little more time researching before being willing to spend that kind of money! I really am intrigued by the BodyMedia products, however I just don't like the idea that I'd have to log on online and trust the results to upload. Also looking at the reviews, the Polars had MUCH better reviews. Should be making a purchase within the next week or so!