Picking a semi water-friendly HRM

wallio
wallio Posts: 2
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm relatively new to the world of fitness. I've started and stopped using MFP a few times to track diet, but got discouraged when I couldn't accurately weigh diet against exercise. Well, I'm trying again, but I'm running into the same issue: every exercise input feels like a guess! I know HRMs don't necessarily yield perfect reads, but right now I have no idea how my workouts are measuring up.

For that reason, I'm considering investing in a HRM, but am having trouble finding one that fits my needs. I really like the sound of the Polar FT4, but I'm concerned about its ability to continue to perform in water-bound sports. I don't do anything where I'm in the water consistently, but I do row casually, and I'm learning to sail, so capsizes can (and more than likely, will) eventually happen. I wouldn't plan to wear it on capsize drill days, but I can't guarantee I won't fall in by accident.

So, with that in mind, does anyone have experience using an FT4 (or similarly priced model) in the water? And does anyone know if it would be OK to be immersed in salt water for at least a minute or two?

Replies

  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    I would friend this guy: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/davpul

    He seriously knows his stuff when it comes to HRMs and loves to help people out by giving them recs on which one to buy.
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
    Yes the Polar brands work in the water just fine.... I swim laps and use my Polar FT60 all the time and have little problem... One thing I learned early one was to keep the chest strap tighter in the water as opposed to land based exercise... but it works just fine.... Can't comment on other brands for I have only used Polar FT7 and now FT60....... Best of Luck
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    Forget the HRM for swimming, just use this.

    http://www.swimmingcalculator.com/swim_calories_calculator.php

    Because net power in swimming is so dependent on technique, no calculator will ever be perfect, but the one above takes into account the two most important factors - distance swum, and swimmer weight.
  • wallio
    wallio Posts: 2
    Thanks for all your suggestions, guys! :)
  • PollyWolly98
    PollyWolly98 Posts: 112
    I have the FT4 and it works great in the pool and also in lakes. I have not tried it in salt water, so don't know about that. I read somewhere not to push the buttons while it is submerged, but that is the only thing I have taken care to avoid. Good luck!

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