heart rate monitors?

jacinta13011
jacinta13011 Posts: 12
in Fitness and Exercise
Im looking at getting a heart rate monitor but have no idea on whats the best one to get.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanking you all in advance :-)

Replies

  • snickelfritzzz
    snickelfritzzz Posts: 27
    I've been wondering the same thing bump !
  • hughtwalker
    hughtwalker Posts: 2,213 Member
    If you just want to know the heart rate then a basic Polar - I think the chest strap is important. I've never tried another make.
    If you want a calorie use report then I'd recommend the Polar FT40 I had for Christmas.
    If you go to gym it might be worth while asking there which models are compatible with the sensors on the equipment there.

    (editted becaUse my keyboard hates me)
  • jacinta13011
    jacinta13011 Posts: 12
    I'd want to get the calories as well
  • szonjakun
    szonjakun Posts: 94 Member
    I'd recommend getting a Polar HRM, but other than that, maybe you should look for a comparsion chart and decide which are the features you need. :)
  • 1Fizzle
    1Fizzle Posts: 241 Member
    Do you want it more for calories burned or heart rate??
  • hughtwalker
    hughtwalker Posts: 2,213 Member
    Do you want it more for calories burned or heart rate??
    probably both, perchance?
  • lessteel
    lessteel Posts: 2
    I use polar wearlink with bluetooth connected to my razri. I use endomodo to track hr and calories burned. Endomondo automatically adds the exercise to myfitness once you link apps. :D

    If you have an iPhone you would need to check for the right model.
  • xxnellie146xx
    xxnellie146xx Posts: 996 Member
    I have a polar FT4 and I love it. For those of you in the US, sears had them for $40 last week (not sure for how long). Whatever you decide on, make sure to get one with a chest strap.
  • TisheaDH
    TisheaDH Posts: 32 Member
    I would recommend a heart rate monitor by Polar. I have an older model, the F11, and it has been a workhorse. It tracks calories, heart rate, your "Ownzone" and allows you to set up programs. It can sync with equipment at the gym I use and it has a chest strap. I can also upload the info and create reports and charts using my PC's microphone.

    I hope you find what you are looking for.
  • jcoco
    jcoco Posts: 138 Member
    I have a polar FT4 and I love it. For those of you in the US, sears had them for $40 last week (not sure for how long). Whatever you decide on, make sure to get one with a chest strap.



    This!! I have owned my FT4 for over 5 yrs & it hasn't missed a beat. It tracks the basics which is all I wanted. Thanks for the heads up on the great price at Sears, I just ordered myself one as a back up if this one ever finally goes out.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Do you want it more for calories burned or heart rate??
    probably both, perchance?

    He's asking because its only accurate for one of those functions but it's typically bought for the other function.

    Care to guess which function it's good for, perchance?
  • jacinta13011
    jacinta13011 Posts: 12
    My main reason for wanting one was to track calories used but im guessing it would have heart rate on there anyway??

    Thanks all for your input everyone, Polar seems like a popular one, ill take a look :-)
  • pattycake118
    pattycake118 Posts: 44 Member
    I use polar. I love being able to see a number right away, and know if I'm cheating and not working hard enough. I've searched online about taking it in the pool - it did not receive signal from the monitor, so no measurements. It was a salt water pool, so it makes sense. Try amazon for good prices. It was so much more expensive in store (but that's how things go in Canada).
  • jubeixl
    jubeixl Posts: 1
    My main reason for wanting one was to track calories used but im guessing it would have heart rate on there anyway??

    Thanks all for your input everyone, Polar seems like a popular one, ill take a look :-)

    I have used the Polar FT40 for about a year now and my wife recently purchased the FT4.

    FT40 is a little more customizable and gives the type of calorie burned based on your heart rate "zone" (fat burn vs cardio). It can also be adjusted as you get more fit to give a more accurate calorie burn.

    Both will give you your heart rate, "zone" training, calories burned and review-able data logs.

    A cheaper option is to buy Polar's Heartlink chest strap and use it with a smart phone app.

    Finally, all HRM base your calorie burn on your heart rate and for more advanced models, your VO2 max.

    Hope this helps!
  • hughtwalker
    hughtwalker Posts: 2,213 Member
    Do you want it more for calories burned or heart rate??
    probably both, perchance?

    He's asking because its only accurate for one of those functions but it's typically bought for the other function.

    Care to guess which function it's good for, perchance?
    I am under the impression that is it accurate, full stop. Which one is it not accurate for?
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    it's called a HEART rate monitor for a reason. If it was actually accurate for counting calories, wouldn't the marketing dept call them CALORIES burned monitors? there's a reason the legal dept won't let them be sold as CBMs. Check the owners manual. the calorie counting feature isn't even prominently featured in the literature. it's listed like an afterthought.

    Here's a terrific thread by a very smart MFP member who does use a HRM. But he understands it's limitations.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/459580-polar-hrm-calorie-burn-estimate-accuracy-study
  • Rehobobound
    Rehobobound Posts: 143 Member
    When I was researching HRMs , I found that Polar and Suunto were at the top of the list. My eyes aren't so great anymore so I ended up going with the Suunto M4 because of it's huge display. The chest strap is very comfortable, the instructions easy and the buttons uncomplicated. I've had it for about a week; so far so good.
    Good Luck!
  • hughtwalker
    hughtwalker Posts: 2,213 Member
    it's called a HEART rate monitor for a reason. If it was actually accurate for counting calories, wouldn't the marketing dept call them CALORIES burned monitors? there's a reason the legal dept won't let them be sold as CBMs. Check the owners manual. the calorie counting feature isn't even prominently featured in the literature. it's listed like an afterthought.

    Here's a terrific thread by a very smart MFP member who does use a HRM. But he understands it's limitations.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/459580-polar-hrm-calorie-burn-estimate-accuracy-study
    I understand the limitations but "ifizzle"'s question and your response could be interpreted as implying that there is a device available that IS more accurate on Calories than heart rate - if there is then please tell what it is called and how much it retails for?
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    there isn't a device that available at the consumer level. that's why i saved my money and didn't buy one. it's why i pop into the 23,323,643 of the threads created on this site promoting HRMs as the be all end of of fitness and try to shine a little light on the subject.

    Hyper accurate calorie counting doesn't exist, and even if it did, it isn't needed.
  • forest0spirit555
    forest0spirit555 Posts: 164 Member
    I have a polar HRM that counts calories. Its AMAZING! Next to my Fitbit One it is my absoulte favorite gadget. It is extremely accurate and easy to use. As I recall it was pricey but well worth it. I love using it and wouldn't trade it for the world. Great part about the one I purchased was that it is waterproof so watch never needs to be taken off. I have also heard rumors you can measure swimming calories with my model. I believe my model is a FT7. Here is a link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-POLAR-HEART-RATE-MONITOR-WATCH-TRAINING-COMPUTER-WITH-CHEST-TRANSMITTER-FT7-/281058198793?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41705fc509
  • ambervaldez79
    ambervaldez79 Posts: 210 Member
    Polar FT4 is the lowest priced model that does a damn good job. Love it! It calculates your calories burned and it is very easy to use.
  • hughtwalker
    hughtwalker Posts: 2,213 Member
    there isn't a device that available at the consumer level. that's why i saved my money and didn't buy one. it's why i pop into the 23,323,643 of the threads created on this site promoting HRMs as the be all end of of fitness and try to shine a little light on the subject.

    Hyper accurate calorie counting doesn't exist, and even if it did, it isn't needed.
    THAT isn't shining any light on the subject. That is merely casting a gloom. IIf we all bear in mind it is an approximation and as such what you ARE demonstrating is the fallacy of using such a guide as an excuse to pig out on the extra Calories - so KEEP UP THE MISSIONARY ZEAL.

    The one that does seem a complete waste of money is this fitbitwotsitthingummy
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    You already get an approximation. For Free. Right here in mfp. No reason to pay $100 for additional approximations.

    Doesn't matter is someone enters 1 or 1000 for their calories burned. They still just monitor the scale and make adjustments to caloric intake.
  • hughtwalker
    hughtwalker Posts: 2,213 Member
    ah! but my phone only does phone calls - I log on via wifi
  • TAsunder
    TAsunder Posts: 423 Member
    If you use ios/android you could consider getting one that will integrate with mfp via another app. Digifit iCardio, for example. I believe most bluetooth HRMs will work with that app.
  • bellaa_x0
    bellaa_x0 Posts: 1,062 Member
    i just got the polar ft40 and i love it! it goes off of your height, weight, gender, age and provides you with calories burned and your heart rate throughout your training session.
  • bpn80
    bpn80 Posts: 43
    I have a Polar...the basic model that tells you calories. The next model up gave mileage as well, but I decided the calories was the most important part for me. I LOVE it. I work out so much harder now that I know where my heart rate needs to me, and its fun to challenge yourself to burn more calories today than yesterday. You won't regret getting one.

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