Heart Rate monitor, I Phone & MFP

cctc21np
cctc21np Posts: 25 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am in the market for a HRM and finding myself overwhelmed! I would like something inexpensive (under $100). I'd like to use it to track calories burned while doing exercise videos and while running outside. It would also be nice to know my speed and distance while running outside also. I know there are ways to sync with aps on an I phone and with MFP. If I can utilize GPS features from my I phone and not have to pay for those features in an HRM it would be helpful in keeping the cost down.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you!

Replies

  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    Get a Polar FT4 and download the RunKeeper app for your phone.


    / End Thread
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    The Polar H7 would work for you quite well. I have the Polar FT60 (includes a watch) and then got the H7 too - so I can use my watch and my iPhone with that sensor. The Polar Beat app seems OK, but I've only used it a few times. It tracks mileage via GPS, estimates calorie burn, and tracks your heart rate and effort.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Yes, you could also download Runkeeper, Endomondo, Jog Log, or Map My Run too. I frequently have multiple GPS apps running on my phone when I run. I personally use Jog Log which links to my Runkeeper account.
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    Yes, you could also download Runkeeper, Endomondo, Jog Log, or Map My Run too.

    Some of the other applications are prettier than RunKeeper. I've tried Endomondo and it looks much nicer. At the end of the day however I felt that RunKeeper gives you the most features and the best accuracy for no cost at all.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Yes, you could also download Runkeeper, Endomondo, Jog Log, or Map My Run too.

    Some of the other applications are prettier than RunKeeper. I've tried Endomondo and it looks much nicer. At the end of the day however I felt that RunKeeper gives you the most features and the best accuracy for no cost at all.

    I liked Runkeeper (Map my run was inaccurate in my area and I never used endomondo) but Jog Log was far more useful for customizing my workouts. I could also customize what variables it calls out at what intervals during my run which was HUGE thing for me. But it wasn't free - $1.99 I believe.
  • cctc21np
    cctc21np Posts: 25 Member
    Do these sync to MFP by chance?
  • cctc21np
    cctc21np Posts: 25 Member
    So you run with a chest strap, watch and Iphone?
  • Samantha44145
    Samantha44145 Posts: 66 Member
    I just started using the Timex Ironman GPS with HRM. It's big but It works good and I really like it. I was able to get it pretty cheap.

    If you're in the market for a good GPS watch, I'd suggest Google-ing "DC Rainmaker". His website has a lot of very detailed information and reviews on these kind of products.
  • Mindochka
    Mindochka Posts: 61 Member
    Get a Polar FT4 and download the RunKeeper app for your phone.

    I second this statement completely. I use both on a daily basis!
  • Mindochka
    Mindochka Posts: 61 Member
    So you run with a chest strap, watch and Iphone?

    Yup. Feels techy but fun still the same. I like knowing my exact distance, exact burn during my cardio, and then I put the burn into MFP.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    So you run with a chest strap, watch and Iphone?

    And a FitBit. I'm a freak LOL. None of these sync directly with MFP (except the FitBit) but they are really easy to just enter the data yourself.
  • cctc21np
    cctc21np Posts: 25 Member
    Thanks all for your input!

    So it doesn't seem like any of the cheeper models of HRMs that come with a watch sync with the phone....
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    Thanks all for your input!

    So it doesn't seem like any of the cheeper models of HRMs that come with a watch sync with the phone....

    No. You can get a bluetooth HRM that syncs with your phone if you're actually wanting to track your heart rate and keep a log of it. They run around $70.

    Personally I run with a Polar FT7 and my phone.
  • Philllbis
    Philllbis Posts: 801 Member
    I'm a nike fan. I use the Nike GPS watch and use a Polar Nike + enabled chest strap. Also if you have Nike + compatible shoes you can use the Pod that comes with the watch in your shoe.

    The Pod works well for running on the treadmill but isn't needed for outside running.
  • susanp57
    susanp57 Posts: 409 Member
    I have a Zephyr bluetooth strap and use endomondo

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