Heart Rate Monitor? Should I Get One?

joannadalina
joannadalina Posts: 112 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi All --

So I've been thinking about purchasing a HRM to get a more accurate idea of how many calories I'm actually burning while I work out. I've been seeing a lot of posts saying that MFP tends to over-estimate on the calories.

Just curious if anyone has a HRM and if it's worth the purchase? What kind do you have / cost / model / benefits, etc. Just looking for general information.

Also, can you sync the HRM to MFP and update the number of calories?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Joanna
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Replies

  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Most popular seems to be Polar, the FT4 is a good basic model. You definitely want to get one with a chest strap and realize a HRM is good only for steady state cardio exercise. It's not accurate to wear all day or for lifting, yoga, etc where you aren't constantly in motion with an elevated heart rate.
  • kdubby22
    kdubby22 Posts: 13 Member
    Joanna,

    I purchased a Polar FT4 HRM and I love it! Polar has put out an entire line of fitness watches so you'll have to research which one will work best for you. I chose this model because it calculates calories burned as well. I find it to be accurate when I plug in my exercise to MFP, the same totals come up. Also, when initially using the watch you have to plug in you gender, weight, height and age. So overall, the results you see are very accurate.

    The FT4 is about $60 new and I got mine off Amazon. It comes with a chest strap which was weird to get used to at first but now I don't even notice it! The only annoying part is that is beeps constantly when you go above or below your targeted heart rate zones, so it's definitely not for all day use. And as far as I know, it currently doesn't have the capability of syncing with MFP.

    Hope this helps! :)

    Kelsey
  • joannadalina
    joannadalina Posts: 112 Member
    Thanks for the information Kelsey! I will do some research on the Polar brand! So far I've seen a lot of threads mentioning that model so it must work very well :)
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    As mokey said... HRMs should only be used for steady state cardio, and even then it will still just be an estimate. There is no good way to know if an HRM's estimate will be any more accurate than any other method of estimating calorie burns.

    IMO, they are fun gadgets that can help in certain ways, but I wouldn't rely on them as a "more accurate way to measure calories burned".

    .
  • joannadalina
    joannadalina Posts: 112 Member
    Thanks Jack and Mokey.

    I plan on only wearing it during my workouts, running mainly. I run about 30-45mins 3x a week, so I would be wearing it during that time.

    I appreciate the input :)
  • arabianhorselover
    arabianhorselover Posts: 1,488 Member
    I just bought a Polar FT4 on ebay yesterday. Waiting for it to come.
  • madtownjeremy
    madtownjeremy Posts: 249
    Personally I think MFP should be a pay site and with every registration they send you out an HRM. That way the universal answer to this question (yes) is simply a given. :)

    You can never be without too much data when you're exercising for results, and an HRM is just the tip of the iceberg. But as Jack said above, the HRM really shines during steady-state. Many people when starting out go for a run and simply push themselves too hard, mostly because they have no basis for comparison...they just step out the front door and go like hell and start wheezing halfway down the block...but if they had an HRM they'd see that they were spiking their HR way too high too early. Do the math and find that perfect LISS cardio zone, then use the HRM to make sure you stay in it. For me anyway it's been the best way to build up my mileage.

    Works great when you're swimming too if you buy one that's water resistant.

    Best of luck in your training!
  • RacerX_14
    RacerX_14 Posts: 578 Member
    Its according to how accurate you want to get with your exercising/workouts. HRM's don't lie. I don't use the data that's stored here on MFP for exercising because everyone is different. Good luck and have a great day!! I use one for mountain biking and it helps me stay in the right burn zone I like to be in to get the most out of my ride.
  • steve2kay
    steve2kay Posts: 194 Member
    I think a HRM will be of benefit to your running above just measuring calories burnt.
    I've said this in a few posts but I recommend reading "Heart Monitor Training for the Compleat Idiot" which explains how to use a HRM rather than just wear one.
    I found I was running in a heart rate wasteland - not running hard enough on my interval and sprint days - and not running slowly enough on my recovery long run days.
    I think training with this book was the thing that got me into good enough shape to run a half marathon (despite still being fat).
    If you spent $50 on a HRM I think the extra $10 for this book is worth while.
  • jenjen828
    jenjen828 Posts: 58 Member
    I have the polar FT4, and love it. I have found that my calorie burn is really elevated with the mfp database. I did not eat back exercise calories and just logged them as 1 calorie--and eventually, my weightloss came to a halt for a couple of weeks because I was not eating enough due to exercise. The HRM keps me honest and lets me see realistically what I am doing. it also makes me think twice about eating certain foods, because I now know how much hard work goes into burning up those empty calories.

    Like others have said, get one with a chest strap and use it when you do cardio. I use mine everytime I do a cardio workout and I honestly think it motivates me so much!
  • joannadalina
    joannadalina Posts: 112 Member
    Personally I think MFP should be a pay site and with every registration they send you out an HRM. That way the universal answer to this question (yes) is simply a given. :)

    You can never be without too much data when you're exercising for results, and an HRM is just the tip of the iceberg. But as Jack said above, the HRM really shines during steady-state. Many people when starting out go for a run and simply push themselves too hard, mostly because they have no basis for comparison...they just step out the front door and go like hell and start wheezing halfway down the block...but if they had an HRM they'd see that they were spiking their HR way too high too early. Do the math and find that perfect LISS cardio zone, then use the HRM to make sure you stay in it. For me anyway it's been the best way to build up my mileage.

    Works great when you're swimming too if you buy one that's water resistant.

    Best of luck in your training!

    This is exactly what I want one for. When I first started running I burned out after about 5 mins of running. I've learned how to steady my pace and now I can run for about 40 mins steady non-stop. However, I don't really know if my steady pace is in my target heart zone or not, like should I speed it up or slow it down, etc.

    I really wanna run longer but I want to make sure I am running at an optimal pace. Thanks for the input :)
  • joannadalina
    joannadalina Posts: 112 Member
    I think a HRM will be of benefit to your running above just measuring calories burnt.
    I've said this in a few posts but I recommend reading "Heart Monitor Training for the Compleat Idiot" which explains how to use a HRM rather than just wear one.
    I found I was running in a heart rate wasteland - not running hard enough on my interval and sprint days - and not running slowly enough on my recovery long run days.
    I think training with this book was the thing that got me into good enough shape to run a half marathon (despite still being fat).
    If you spent $50 on a HRM I think the extra $10 for this book is worth while.

    Thanks! I will def check out that book as well!

    That is my main concern, I want to make sure I am running at an optimal pace. I can sorta judge it by my breathing and how I feel, but I want to make sure I am getting the most out of my workouts! Thanks for the input :)
  • joannadalina
    joannadalina Posts: 112 Member
    I have the polar FT4, and love it. I have found that my calorie burn is really elevated with the mfp database. I did not eat back exercise calories and just logged them as 1 calorie--and eventually, my weightloss came to a halt for a couple of weeks because I was not eating enough due to exercise. The HRM keps me honest and lets me see realistically what I am doing. it also makes me think twice about eating certain foods, because I now know how much hard work goes into burning up those empty calories.

    Like others have said, get one with a chest strap and use it when you do cardio. I use mine everytime I do a cardio workout and I honestly think it motivates me so much!

    My thoughts exactly. Thanks for the input. I've heard several good things about the Polar, I think that will be the one I purchase. Thank you!
  • dobfankris
    dobfankris Posts: 18
    I use "Runtastic" apps for my iPhone for running and biking. They offer a chest strap HRM that syncs via bluetooth to the phone. Runtastic also syncs to MFP.

    I love it, but I do think the Polar HRM with Watch may be useful in certain situations, as I find it cumbersome to fuss with an app while running, etc, to find my HR in real time, which would be easier with a watch.

    Kris
  • SJCon
    SJCon Posts: 224
    I think they are great and can provide a lot more information but the choices are tremendous so do some reading at polar. Don't just go with what others use, I use an HT 7.

    The field is getting crowded, if you have a smart phone the choices increase even more. I think the newest entry by polar called the "Loop" (out in a couple of weeks) ups the ante even more. It will give you activity tracking like the fitbit, jawbone up etc. but also link in and take info from your HRM when that is appropriate and it is waterproof so I think it will give you HRM capture while swimming. If you go that route you can use the Smart phone apps that Polar has or others to map and track runs etc. The Game is really picking up on what is available, it is exciting to see the changes.
  • KeepGoingKylene
    KeepGoingKylene Posts: 432 Member
    I have the Wahoo Blue HRM and love it! You have to have an iphone or ipod for it. I like it because I don't have to wear a watch, all the data goes wirelessly through blue tooth to an app on your phone. It cost me $69. Best money I ever spent!
  • NJL13500
    NJL13500 Posts: 433 Member
    I just bought a Polar FT4 and love it. I am down to losing the last 10 pounds and found that I really need an accurate count of what I burn. MFP was slightly off with my calories (over on some exercises and under on others). The chest strap doesn't bother me. It just sits right where my sports bra band ends. I bought it from Amazon for $60. Very happy that I did.
  • arabianhorselover
    arabianhorselover Posts: 1,488 Member
    This book is really only good for runners, right? At least so far, I'm just a walker.

    I think a HRM will be of benefit to your running above just measuring calories burnt.
    I've said this in a few posts but I recommend reading "Heart Monitor Training for the Compleat Idiot" which explains how to use a HRM rather than just wear one.
    I found I was running in a heart rate wasteland - not running hard enough on my interval and sprint days - and not running slowly enough on my recovery long run days.
    I think training with this book was the thing that got me into good enough shape to run a half marathon (despite still being fat).
    If you spent $50 on a HRM I think the extra $10 for this book is worth while.
  • joannadalina
    joannadalina Posts: 112 Member
    I have the Wahoo Blue HRM and love it! You have to have an iphone or ipod for it. I like it because I don't have to wear a watch, all the data goes wirelessly through blue tooth to an app on your phone. It cost me $69. Best money I ever spent!

    I havent heard of that, I will def check it out. I have an iPhone so anything that makes it easier to transfer I am all for! Thanks!
  • joannadalina
    joannadalina Posts: 112 Member
    I just bought a Polar FT4 and love it. I am down to losing the last 10 pounds and found that I really need an accurate count of what I burn. MFP was slightly off with my calories (over on some exercises and under on others). The chest strap doesn't bother me. It just sits right where my sports bra band ends. I bought it from Amazon for $60. Very happy that I did.


    Thanks for the input! I keep hearing get things about Polar, only gives me more incentive to buy it! Thanks!
  • dylisla
    dylisla Posts: 8 Member
    I just bought a polar h7 which syncs with my iphone. I have downloaded a digifit app although I think polar does their own which shows your heart rate and the zones you are in whilst working out. Digifit syncs with myfitnesspal too so you don't need to add your exercise calories. This also works with the polar machines left at the gym apparently.
  • RacerX_14
    RacerX_14 Posts: 578 Member
    I have a Polar FT 7. Works like a charm.
  • Melo1966
    Melo1966 Posts: 881 Member
    Thanks Jack and Mokey.

    I plan on only wearing it during my workouts, running mainly. I run about 30-45mins 3x a week, so I would be wearing it during that time.

    I appreciate the input :)

    If you want to use it maily for running I would suggest getting a Garmin with GPS so then you can have distance and maps of your runs as well as the calorie burns with one device. I Love my Garmin Forerunner.
  • SJCon
    SJCon Posts: 224
    The Polar H7 chest strap is low energy Bluetooth and the battery will last about a year. It sells for about $65 at Hearrate monitors USA.

    Will sync with all apps I think but Polar also released their own app called "Polar Beat" which does what most apps do as far as GPS mapping runs, Heart rate and calories, etc but also will (with a few dollars in upgrades) measure your fitness, offer a benefit trainer, Zone indicator etc. You may want to check it out. I like it a lot but it doesn't sync to MFP only their own Personal Trainer zone.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    Unless it's used right, HRM isn't going to be any more accurate than MFP for estimating calorie burn. What is is useful for is monitoring your heart rate while exercising, so you can be more exact about the cardio you are doing.
  • Owligator
    Owligator Posts: 14 Member
    I have that same model and you can turn off that beeping noise. One of the first things I did after I started using it.
  • AlyssamR6712
    AlyssamR6712 Posts: 114 Member
    Hi All --

    So I've been thinking about purchasing a HRM to get a more accurate idea of how many calories I'm actually burning while I work out. I've been seeing a lot of posts saying that MFP tends to over-estimate on the calories.

    Just curious if anyone has a HRM and if it's worth the purchase? What kind do you have / cost / model / benefits, etc. Just looking for general information.

    Also, can you sync the HRM to MFP and update the number of calories?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Joanna

    I have a HRM and i LOVE it! it was the best investment i have ever put towards my fitness. i have a garmin it was around $100.

    i dont think u can auto sync the HRM with MFP i just creat my own workouts put the times and calories i burned myself. Hope this helps!

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  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    I'd suggest that if you have any interest in the calorie estimate it gives, which you do, skip the cheaper Polar's where they hide the most important value and assume it based on BMI.

    VO2max. On all the cheaper models recommended so far, they assume that a bad BMI for your gender, age means bad VO2max, which is the biggest impact on estimating calorie burn, right above HRmax.

    Polar RS300X is about the cheapest one with that stat you can see and change, and actually with a self-test to get a decent estimate of it.

    Because as fitness increases, as indicated by VO2max, your HR doesn't have to beat as hard for you to burn the exact same amount of calories. But those cheaper polars will assume a lower HR means less calories burned. Very incorrect assumption.

    Also, the cheaper polars have no HR zone setup, they have 1 line, between fat-burning and fitness - and you can't set it.

    You can set a max zone alarm, but no lower zone alarm.

    And to someone that asked if that book is valuable for walking - no, you aren't able to get your HR up high enough unless you do incline on treadmill or hills - in which case yes it would be.

    For those that think the HRM is by default much more accurate than MFP or other calculators, the machine, or database, by the mere fact the calories reported is different (how is different more accurate?), just test yourself.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/773451-is-my-hrm-giving-me-incorrect-calorie-burn

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/774337-how-to-test-hrm-for-how-accurate-calorie-burn-is
  • steve2kay
    steve2kay Posts: 194 Member
    Mr Garmin FR60 has a footpod like the nike thing that goes on your shoe (or in it if you have the right nike shoe), so it can measure my speed, distance etc. It's not a GPS but as I run on a treadmill too the GPS would be a waste of time.

    I've been really pleased with it.
  • SJCon
    SJCon Posts: 224
    I'd suggest that if you have any interest in the calorie estimate it gives, which you do, skip the cheaper Polar's where they hide the most important value and assume it based on BMI.

    VO2max. On all the cheaper models recommended so far, they assume that a bad BMI for your gender, age means bad VO2max, which is the biggest impact on estimating calorie burn, right above HRmax.

    Polar RS300X is about the cheapest one with that stat you can see and change, and actually with a self-test to get a decent estimate of it.

    Hey Kansas Boy, all good stuff, I may be wrong but I think the FT60 is less than the RS300x and estimates a VO2 as well. The Polar Beat App also does it "Fitness Test" and the App with upgrades is only $8 (App is free but full upgrades are $8). Again you can use the App for mapping your run, fitness levels, etc. for the price of an H7 chest strap. You can also Buy a Foot pad as Steve2kay talks about for it and sync that as well. Total cost of the package is much less.

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