Do you need the chest strap on the Polar Ft4 HRM?

Jen800
Jen800 Posts: 548 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Or, on any heart rate monitor? Are you able to just wear the watch to get your calories burned? I just don't want to be hindered by a chest strap or buy this product if I can't just use the watch to find out my calories.

Thanks!:smile:

Replies

  • SuMcP
    SuMcP Posts: 244 Member
    You do need the chest strap, but it sits comfortably below your bra line and does not hinder movement in any way. I use one for all my workouts and it has greatly improved the accuracy of my exercise logging - I wouldn't be without it now!
  • Lmezz11
    Lmezz11 Posts: 619 Member
    Chest strap is a must., but it really doesn't bother me. I haven't had any issues with mine hindering my workout and I barely even notice its there.
  • szonjakun
    szonjakun Posts: 94 Member
    You DO need one. But don't worry, it's kinda comfortable and won't bother you during your workout. :)
  • serenalesley
    serenalesley Posts: 58 Member
    The point of the chest strap is that the location of the sensor allows for greater accuracy than a wrist sensor. The Polar watch is the computer, it doesn't do the sensing, it just does the calculation based on signals from the chest-worn sensor..
  • rfsatar
    rfsatar Posts: 599 Member
    Santa (well, my mother) was talked into learning about the magic of Amazon and Rozzie is getting an FT7 for Xmas, so this is one apt thread.
    My biggest worry will be using it in the pool as I tend to sit in the sauna and the steam room either side of flailing around in the water... do they cope ok with the humidity and has anyone had any issues with them in a pool?
  • serenalesley
    serenalesley Posts: 58 Member
    do they cope ok with the humidity and has anyone had any issues with them in a pool?

    The chest strap needs to be really quite tight in a pool or the signal keeps getting lost when you swim, despite working fine when you're simply standing in the water, in my experience. The watch is watertight to 3 metres as long as you don't press the buttons underwater, I can vouch for this. I've not been in a steam room with mine, though.
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    The better HRM need a chest strap. The FT4 without the chest strap becomes just a watch.
    While the FT7 is waterproof, the hr signal transmits poorly during swimming. You can expect to get some error readings. They cope fine with the humidity - do not press the buttons if the watch is wet, that will get water into it.
  • skinny_cigarettes
    skinny_cigarettes Posts: 49
    just wear the chest strap it's really fine and super comfy :) i love mine and my FT4
  • Indygirl_81
    Indygirl_81 Posts: 142 Member
    I just got the Polar Ft4 HRM about a month ago (November 3rd). It has a strap and I was concerned before using it that it would hurt or that it wouldn't be big enough for me. I don't notice it at all though, and works for big people (like me) without any pain/discomfort. It is great because I've noticed that the number of calories burned on the machines are different than what the HRM says. I feel better using it, knowing the amount I actually burn.
  • rfsatar
    rfsatar Posts: 599 Member
    do they cope ok with the humidity and has anyone had any issues with them in a pool?

    The chest strap needs to be really quite tight in a pool or the signal keeps getting lost when you swim, despite working fine when you're simply standing in the water, in my experience. The watch is watertight to 3 metres as long as you don't press the buttons underwater, I can vouch for this. I've not been in a steam room with mine, though.

    So I guess just give it a wipe with the towel before setting it off then? (and stopping it after the swim, of course!)
  • serenalesley
    serenalesley Posts: 58 Member
    So I guess just give it a wipe with the towel before setting it off then? (and stopping it after the swim, of course!)

    Technically yes, though TBH unless you're actually underwater at the time, you're probably OK, it's pressurised water rather than standing drops that will break the seal.
  • rfsatar
    rfsatar Posts: 599 Member
    So I guess just give it a wipe with the towel before setting it off then? (and stopping it after the swim, of course!)

    Technically yes, though TBH unless you're actually underwater at the time, you're probably OK, it's pressurised water rather than standing drops that will break the seal.

    Awww Brill matey - thanks for the advice.
    If Amazon are to be believed - it should arrive before 1 here today and then I have to put it away until Christmas Day - but I can't wait to start using it!
  • serenalesley
    serenalesley Posts: 58 Member
    Jen800, your profile is private so I can't see where you're located, but a voucher site in the UK currently has a wrist-only HRM with calorie counter on sale for £15, plus £3 P&P. I've used the voucher site many times before, it's legit. Hope this helps.


    http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/1569/deals/543304-heart-rate-monitor-watch
  • Jen800
    Jen800 Posts: 548 Member
    Thanks for the link, however I live in north america :sad:

    I don't think the chest strap will be too bad now :smile:

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