We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Why do you use a heart rate monitor?

sbwood888
sbwood888 Posts: 953 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I see lots of posts about HRM's, but I am not sure what they do. Tell me why you use one, please. Thanks. Also, where did you buy yours and approximately how much did it cost? Thanks again. :smile:

Replies

  • jewelzz
    jewelzz Posts: 326 Member
    I USE MINE FOR ACCURATE CALORIE COUNTS:bigsmile:
  • tsimehc2000
    tsimehc2000 Posts: 80 Member
    For my my HRM tells me not only how many calories I burn during a workout, but also where my heart rate is during my workout. If it is too low, it lets me know when I have to give it a little push. When it is too high, it is telling me I should slow down a little bit. For me, it has never been too high, close, but not over.
  • wriglucy
    wriglucy Posts: 1,064 Member
    Can you wear them all day to get a full day of calorie counting? Or is it just for exercize?
  • ErrataCorrige
    ErrataCorrige Posts: 649 Member
    I use mine because I do a lot of classes. It does two things for me. I get an accurate calorie burn amount. (Suprise! Contrary to what the teacher might tell you I have NEVER had Xumba burn off 500 calories per hour). Also, during the class I can glance at my heart rate and know when I have to push harder. If my heart rate drops I step it up and work a little harder.

    Also, I have discovered that what my elliptical machine at home, the one at the gym, and MPF says I burn are all pretty varied. And for me pretty high. I use my HRM to get the most accurate calorie count I can for my body.

    Hope this helps!
  • fuzzymel
    fuzzymel Posts: 400 Member
    I got mine to monitor my heart when exercising. I have a minor heart issue and wanted to start doing some more intense classes at the gym. I was not always the best at listening to myself when I am tired so its handy being monitored.
  • whittrusty
    whittrusty Posts: 533 Member
    Most HRMs are only accurate for use during exercise. I think you are supposed to use the BodyBugg, for instance, all day. That's what the contestants on the Biggest Loser use.

    I use my HRM to get an accurate calorie count, especially when doing plyometrics and because it gives me a guide as to how hard I'm working. If my heart rate is only 120, I'm NOT working hard enough. If I'm in in the 160-170s I'm working hard.

    I think it's an excellent tool and I would thoroughly recommend one.
  • snoopyclarke
    snoopyclarke Posts: 1 Member
    Hi

    Well apart from the obvious, tracking your heartbeat, they help you keep within either a lower range which aids burning fat or higher range for cardiovascular work outs. The ideal beats per minute (bpm) min/max range is dependant upon your age.

    Unfortunately I have high blood pressure and have only just gone back to the gym two weeks ago, so I have to keep my heart beat below 160 bpm until I'm fitter.

    Hope this helps - not that I'm an expect - LOL
    :0)
  • skyski_tige
    skyski_tige Posts: 67 Member
    I wear mine to make sure my heart rate is pumping while I work out. Over an hour period, I try and average 145 bpm. The higher the heart rate, the more calories burned!

    I don't really trust the accuracy of the total calories burned on my HRM(Timex Ironman).
  • JMun
    JMun Posts: 409
    I use a heart rate monitor when I work out. In fact, I won't work out without it anymore.

    It keeps me motivated. I can watch my heart rate the entire time I work out and when the number goes too low I know its time to push myself harder to bring the number back up. My HRM has intensified my work outs to maximize time spent sweating my pudgey butt off.

    I hate exercising. My HRM helps keep me motivated.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories