Tracking calories burned

KChristie976
KChristie976 Posts: 150 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I just signed up for a boot camp circuit class at my local collage. I am looking for something I can use to track calories burned while doing the class. I am hoping to get something so super expensive and wondering if anyone have some recommendations.

Replies

  • savlov30
    savlov30 Posts: 233 Member
    You just want a heart rate monitor.
  • andreae13
    andreae13 Posts: 239 Member
    If you want something that's super simple and on the cheap end, I'd recommend the Polar ft4...it's what I use. I've been using it for almost 2 years and have never had a problem.
  • KChristie976
    KChristie976 Posts: 150 Member
    Where could I buy one? We have a target, small walmart, big 5 and kmart.
  • andreae13
    andreae13 Posts: 239 Member
    Where could I buy one? We have a target, small walmart, big 5 and kmart.

    I got mine off Ebay. If you have the patience you can get a great deal. Got one for both my husband and I, both brand new for about $25 each (regular price $89). Big 5 and Target should have them. Not sure about Walmart and Kmart.
  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
    Big 5 sells them.. I bought my polar online.. I did a google and found one on sale.. you should probably get a good deal.. Fitness stuff is usually on sale in January.
  • jesindc
    jesindc Posts: 724 Member
    I have a polar H7 heart rate monitor and then I have the free polar beat iphone app on my phone -- I LOVE it because it not only keeps track of calories burned, but it helps me keep track of my real progress (as it surveys you after you complete a workout, so you can look back and see that a few months ago you said a certain work out was really hard, but now it's easier).

    I bought mine from Amazon and I spent about $100. You can also get simpler heart-rate monitors that you wear like a wrist watch. They are not quite as accurate as the chest strap ones, but they will still give you a pretty good idea of calories burned and they are cheaper. Good luck!
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    I have a polar H7 heart rate monitor and then I have the free polar beat iphone app on my phone -- I LOVE it because it not only keeps track of calories burned, but it helps me keep track of my real progress (as it surveys you after you complete a workout, so you can look back and see that a few months ago you said a certain work out was really hard, but now it's easier).

    I bought mine from Amazon and I spent about $100. You can also get simpler heart-rate monitors that you wear like a wrist watch. They are not quite as accurate as the chest strap ones, but they will still give you a pretty good idea of calories burned and they are cheaper. Good luck!

    Not sure about the last bit bike heard they are not very accurate unless they have a chest strap.
  • KChristie976
    KChristie976 Posts: 150 Member
    Well I ended up buying a Reebok one I have a question though. When I touch this certain part of the watch it checks my heart rate. When working out do I need to be doing this throughout my workout to get an accurate read of the calories burned?
  • stonel94
    stonel94 Posts: 550 Member
    the polar ft4 is good, I just ordered the ft7 on amazon, super excited to get it
  • stonel94
    stonel94 Posts: 550 Member
    to get accurate calories burned it does need to be tracking your heart rate the whole time. is there no way to strap it on so it's touching your skin and measuring it the whole time?
  • faceoff4
    faceoff4 Posts: 1,599 Member
    Well I ended up buying a Reebok one I have a question though. When I touch this certain part of the watch it checks my heart rate. When working out do I need to be doing this throughout my workout to get an accurate read of the calories burned?

    You need to get one with a chest strap that continuously monitors your heart rate. The touch ones will only give your HR reading at that moment and won't properly reflect your calories burned. I would take it back and get a Polar. The ft4 or ft7 are great entry models and you will love them.
  • KChristie976
    KChristie976 Posts: 150 Member
    It goes on your wrist but it can a feature that you touch and it shows ur heart rate I wonder if its checking it when I am not touching it.
  • KChristie976
    KChristie976 Posts: 150 Member
    Do those have chest straps? Where could I get a good deal on one?
  • andreae13
    andreae13 Posts: 239 Member
    Do those have chest straps? Where could I get a good deal on one?

    The Polar's come with chest straps. I second or third the comments regarding the necessity of getting one with the chest strap. The wrist ones won't be nearly as accurate.
  • faceoff4
    faceoff4 Posts: 1,599 Member
    Do those have chest straps? Where could I get a good deal on one?

    Yes the Polars have a chest strap. Just go to any sporting goods store or buy it online at Amazon or places like that. For starters dont focus on getting anything with too many bells and whistles. Just get a good entry level model like the FT4 or FT7 by Polar and they come at a good price point.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Hate to say it but you asked for advice- and ignored it and bought something different and not as good. Can you take it back?

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