questions about HRM's

emcdonie

#1 Is there a model out there that can be both a HRM and a pedometer? Such as something you can use it to get a good idea of your burn during a workout but also wear it all day to get a good idea of your overall activity?

#2 Also, with HRM's, do they figure your burn accurately? i.e. Do you input your weight, height, sex, and age for it to get a better picture. Or are they just basing it on an average burn for an average person?

#3 Do they calculate a total burn for the full duration of a workout? Initially I thought so, but then when looking at Target the other day....I was less certain from reading the packages. Some looked like they more of a quick pulse check.


I am just curious if one of these gadgets would truly be helpful or not. Thank you in advance for any one taking the time to reply or link to applicable information.

Runs4Wine

#1 Is there a model out there that can be both a HRM and a pedometer? Such as something you can use it to get a good idea of your burn during a workout but also wear it all day to get a good idea of your overall activity?

Can't speak to this question.

#2 Also, with HRM's, do they figure your burn accurately? i.e. Do you input your weight, height, sex, and age for it to get a better picture. Or are they just basing it on an average burn for an average person?

I have the Polar FT4 and I configure it to my personal settings, but I've also updated it to my low/high HR to get an even more accurate reading.

Speaking from experience, use a HRM that has a chest strap. My first one didn't have one and it was wildly inaccurate.

#3 Do they calculate a total burn for the full duration of a workout? Initially I thought so, but then when looking at Target the other day....I was less certain from reading the packages. Some looked like they more of a quick pulse check.

Yes, the FT4 calculates for the full duration of the WO

jesindc

The ones with the chest strap are more accurate than the wrist ones. I have a Polar H7 and I like it a lot. I downloaded the free polar beat app on my phone and it gives me a calorie burn and uses GPS to give me distance/speed for outdoor exercises like walking, jogging, cycling etc.

fresh_start59

#1 Is there a model out there that can be both a HRM and a pedometer? Such as something you can use it to get a good idea of your burn during a workout but also wear it all day to get a good idea of your overall activity?

I also looked for a combination HRM & Pedometer, but did not find anything with decent reviews. The heart rate / pedometer watches I saw do not use a chest strap, which I've read is important for accuracy.

In August, the Bodymedia Core 2 is supposed to be released with an optional chest strap for monitoring your heart rate through your cell phone. If you do a Google search for the Core 2, you read about it in a .pdf press release from Bodymedia.

I settled on the Polar FT4 heart rate monitor and a Fitbit One, for several reasons:
1) I did not want to wait until August.
2) I wanted an accurate heart rate monitor, not for the calorie burn, but to actually monitor my heart rate.
3) After thinking about it, I decided that an arm band just wasn't for me. I wanted something smaller, less noticeable.

JeNn45nFiT

#1 Is there a model out there that can be both a HRM and a pedometer? Such as something you can use it to get a good idea of your burn during a workout but also wear it all day to get a good idea of your overall activity?

Can't speak to this question.

#2 Also, with HRM's, do they figure your burn accurately? i.e. Do you input your weight, height, sex, and age for it to get a better picture. Or are they just basing it on an average burn for an average person?

I have the Polar FT4 and I configure it to my personal settings, but I've also updated it to my low/high HR to get an even more accurate reading.

Speaking from experience, use a HRM that has a chest strap. My first one didn't have one and it was wildly inaccurate.

#3 Do they calculate a total burn for the full duration of a workout? Initially I thought so, but then when looking at Target the other day....I was less certain from reading the packages. Some looked like they more of a quick pulse check.

Yes, the FT4 calculates for the full duration of the WO

^^^^^^THIS! I have one too and love it!

emcdonie

another question...sorry

If the chest strap is important.....then I have another concern.

How big is the chest strap? I assume under bust? I don't normally tell this online..LOL...but bra wise I need about a 42, (down from a 44). But my actual under bust measurement is different of course, but it is about 39 or so.

Basically are they made to fit bigger people? I'd hate to buy one and then have it not fit. I am still 271.8 so I am not a small girl unfortunately.

angieleighbyrd

another question...sorry

If the chest strap is important.....then I have another concern.

How big is the chest strap? I assume under bust? I don't normally tell this online..LOL...but bra wise I need about a 42, (down from a 44). But my actual under bust measurement is different of course, but it is about 39 or so.

Basically are they made to fit bigger people? I'd hate to buy one and then have it not fit. I am still 271.8 so I am not a small girl unfortunately.

the chest straps are adjustable

Runs4Wine

How big is the chest strap? I assume under bust?

Yes, it's adjustable. I wear mine just a little off center under my running bra. I find it loosens up over time, and I"m constantly tightening it up.

3dogsrunning

Really great post for those lookin to buy a HRM
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472