Heart Rate Monitors and Chest Straps??

ajh2011
ajh2011 Posts: 89 Member
edited September 24 in Health and Weight Loss
I am thinking of getting a Heart Rate Monitor and wanted to find out what everyone was using. I don't have a lot of confidence in the accuracy of the exercise log in MFP and know there can be quite a bit of variation. I am hesitant to eat ALL of my exercise calories because I sometimes think the number seems way to high.

So, what are you using? Do you have a chest strap? What is a chest strap- is it wireless or will it be obvious that I have one on while working out at the gym or in one of my group fitness classes. I know they can be expensive and I just want something that really works and therefore will be worth the money. I am serious this time about wanting to do it the right way.

Thanks in advance for your feedback :smile:

Replies

  • tdonlin
    tdonlin Posts: 934 Member
    I am also interested in these answers. I've been researching some and have it narrowed down to the Polar Ft7 or a Timex. Losts of folks on here swear by the Polar but I've been reading some negative reviews on it and am now confused.
  • frogget4
    frogget4 Posts: 2
    I recommend a heart rate monitor with a chest strap. They are wireless so people at the gym can't tell you are wearing one and they give you a continuous heart rate reading. They can be a little expensive. I recommend the new balance brand. I got mine at Target for $60.
  • Aitenev
    Aitenev Posts: 62
    I have a Polar FT7. It was about $90.00. It does have a chest strap and I don't think anyone would notice that you have it on unless you are wearing a tight shirt. I always wear a t-shirt and I don't think it's visible at all. I've heard a lot of people say that the calories burned that they get on MFP are higher then their HRM but in my case, they are REALLY close (like within 10-20 calories.)
  • mexiana
    mexiana Posts: 77 Member
    The one I have straps right below the boobs under your clothes lol.... if I were a man you've be able to see it ;)

    I'd get one that has a strap, this one also has a watch that shows calories burned, duration of work out etc... I got it from ****'s Sporting Goods and it was a little over $100. The name on the stuff is "Polar" Works very well! Those that are only a watch do not work as well.

    Hope this helps :)

    PS. they have them for men or for women and some are unisex, watch for that as well.
  • ajh2011
    ajh2011 Posts: 89 Member
    I have a Polar FT7. It was about $90.00. It does have a chest strap and I don't think anyone would notice that you have it on unless you are wearing a tight shirt. I always wear a t-shirt and I don't think it's visible at all. I've heard a lot of people say that the calories burned that they get on MFP are higher then their HRM but in my case, they are REALLY close (like within 10-20 calories.)

    Thanks for the information. Do you like your Polar FT7? Have you had it long? The chest strap comes with it, right?
  • PhotographerOfNature
    PhotographerOfNature Posts: 452 Member
    I have a Polar F4 (i think). It does have a chest strap and I love it!
  • glasielady
    glasielady Posts: 34 Member
    Hi

    I use Sportline which I purchased at Walmart for $47. There are cheaper ones and more expensive ones out there but I find this one works for me quite well. It comes with a strap which goes around the chest and it can't been seen under clothing (no wires attached). You can also use it without the strap and just use the touch; however, when you use the touch it uses the last heart rate it recorded the last time you touched it no matter how high your heart rate goes while you're exercising, unless you touch it often the calories burned will be off.

    Since using the HRM I tend to push myself more. I'll set a certain number of calories I want to burn and I'll push myself to burn them. I take a spinning class and my goal in that class is to burn 500 calories in a 45 minute time frame.
  • ajh2011
    ajh2011 Posts: 89 Member
    Thanks for the advice, everyone!
  • Aitenev
    Aitenev Posts: 62
    I have a Polar FT7. It was about $90.00. It does have a chest strap and I don't think anyone would notice that you have it on unless you are wearing a tight shirt. I always wear a t-shirt and I don't think it's visible at all. I've heard a lot of people say that the calories burned that they get on MFP are higher then their HRM but in my case, they are REALLY close (like within 10-20 calories.)

    Thanks for the information. Do you like your Polar FT7? Have you had it long? The chest strap comes with it, right?

    I've had it about 3 months. Yes, I love it and yes the strap comes with it. It was definitely worth the money for me.
  • saeverman
    saeverman Posts: 88
    Are there any that are water proof or water resistant to a certain meter?
  • jlorenzo31
    jlorenzo31 Posts: 36 Member
    I had a Bowflex and it crapped out on me after about 5 months of use. I got it on clearance so the price wasn't to bad.

    I've heard nothing but great things about Polar. I bought a Polar FT7 a few days ago and I love it. IMO the chest strap is less noticeable than my Bowflex chest strap and more comfortable. A little pricey, but definitely worth it.
  • jgkimo
    jgkimo Posts: 61
    Timex Ironman w/Chest strap; absolutely love it.
  • Mads1997
    Mads1997 Posts: 1,494 Member
    Another Polar FT7 user here. Love it. Chest strap is so comfortable.
  • outersoul
    outersoul Posts: 711
    I have a Polar FT7 and the strap isn't visible at all. I wear two tshirts so that may be why. I love mine. From what I've read, it can survive in the sauna if that's any indication of how well it's built. I haven't tried it in the sauna myself though.

    I haven't had any issues with mine at all.
  • Punktorian
    Punktorian Posts: 224 Member
    Polar seems to be solid, I've had an FT7 for a couple of months now (5 maybe?). I love the flowlink and syncing it with the polar website. It is water proof as well, I've used it swimming laps before.
  • bsexton3
    bsexton3 Posts: 472 Member
    I've had a Nike for about 4 years. It is waterproof for swimming, but I haven't used it that way. Found that MFP is very close to what my HRM gives me. I liked the look of the watch and that is why I got this one. I wear the watch every day and it still lasts. I have replaced the battery in both the strap and the watch once. Nobody notices the strap when I am wearing it.
  • chazspk
    chazspk Posts: 159 Member
    Had a Sportline crap... Now have a Polar FT7... Love it and the chest strap is light and comfy like u dont even have it on ..My cal difference just checked today actully and on my HRM was 405 and on MFP was like 628 crazy difference.. Strap comes with...Have fun
  • chazspk
    chazspk Posts: 159 Member
    Polar seems to be solid, I've had an FT7 for a couple of months now (5 maybe?). I love the flowlink and syncing it with the polar website. It is water proof as well, I've used it swimming laps before.

    Where can u buy the flowlink?:ohwell:
  • bsoxluvr
    bsoxluvr Posts: 183 Member
    I have a PT4 and I love it! You can't see it at all since I have a chest, and most of the time I forget I'm even wearing it. If I HAD to say something negative it would just be that you have to wet the strap before putting it on, but it's really not that big of a deal. It really motivates me to see where my heart rate is and how many calories I have really burned. I got it brand new on Amazon for $65 and it was worth every penny.
  • Ashykins
    Ashykins Posts: 233
    I have a Polar FT4 and I love it. Easiest thing to use and set up. The chest strap is unnoticeable and it really helps when I walk at work, MFP underestimated what I did for walking and overestimated what I did for Turbo Jam.
  • tlp8rb
    tlp8rb Posts: 556 Member
    I also have a Polar FT4. I liked the looks of it better than the more expensive FT7 and entering my workout manually isn't that big a deal. I use a cotton ball to wet the sensor on the strap and it stays wet (body moisture) until I take it off. The transmitter is less bulky than the Sportline model I used to have and is more comfortable to wear. I like that it keeps track of my last 10 workouts. Means I don't have to rush to enter the data.

    I also like that the transmitter sends my heart rate information right to the PreCor machines at my gym. I usually double check the computer's data against the machine and they've been pretty dead on.

    The thing I like the best is the range monitor. I can see exactly where on the scale I am at any point in my routine. Very Cool. Cost about $70, shipping free at Amazon.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    I have a Sportline with a chest strap, and it has worked for almost a year. However, after reading this, http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472 I am thinking of changing to something else as my Sportline, and the really cheap Polars for that matter, don't allow for the settings needed to properly calculate calories based on my heart-rate. Basically, in the Polar HRTs you need an F6 or above, and you have to have a chest strap to calculate calories from heart rate.
  • Eidajan
    Eidajan Posts: 36
    I just noticed HRM reviews on the Feb issue of Consumer Reports. The Timex Personal Trainer and Timex Zone Trainer are rated the best -(both come with chest straps) followed by New Balance N5 and Sportline Duo 1010. All of these are cheaper than the Polar FT7 which ranks lower. Does anyone have any experience with these?
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    The question I have is what were they rating them on? The link I posted above is a good reminder that the accuracy of the calorie calculations is very dependent on the information the HRM will allow you to input. In fact, if it does not allow you to input certain information, the calories calculated a not going to accurate at all (or calculate those things with something like a built in fitness test) If they were looking at other things without considering that, then their ratings may not be very useful for those who primarily want to know the calories they burn. I have not read the article, so I don't know.
  • Eidajan
    Eidajan Posts: 36
    They claim that the ratings are based on accuracy ( they compared the heart rate on the HRM to an ECG) and ease of use ( features, clarity of instructions and convenience as judged by the panelists who used the devices). They do state that they did not test the calorie counter feature. They tested 13 models ( 8 with chest straps, 3 wrist models, 1 to be used either way (Polar FT1) and a model worn on the finger). The Bowflex Fit Trainer was their top in the wrist models. I think their focus was on the accuracy of the heart rate.
    So.....not sure. I do own a Schwinn wrist model which is very accurate on the heart rate but not so much on the calories - despite the input about gender and age. I am looking to buy one with a chest strap but really want one that is accurate on the calories. Any thoughts?
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    Pretty much all of them will be accurate as far as heart rate goes, but the calories they count depend on a mathamatical equation that requires knowing not only your age and weight, but things like your V02 Max. The Polars FT6 and above let you input that or have a "fit test" to calibrate it. There is another way to do it as well that the really high end Polars and the newer Garmins use as well. Maybe the more expensive models from the other makers have this as well, I don't know. I know my Wal-mart cheapy Sportline doesn't, so even if it is accurate on measuring my heart-rate, I am not sure how true the calorie counts are.

    People like a calorie count, so having the number there sells HRM, but the number might not in any way be a reflection of reality. I use mine because the number is almost always the lower of the HRM or MFP's estimate based on time. I would like something better, and will get one someday.

    Having said that, if you happen to fit with the profile they use for calibrating the HRM's calorie count, then it would be accurate for you, and it is better than nothing.

    I am just starting to research this, but read the article I linked, he knows more than me. I can say it will cost more than $50 for one.
  • Eidajan
    Eidajan Posts: 36
    I agree with everything you said. I don't think the calorie count on mine is accurate by any means for me. I did read the link you posted - very informative. I have been reading reviews on HRMs for weeks and would like to buy one with a strap. It looks like most people seem to like the Polar FT7, at least on this site! Might end up going with that - about $100 depending on where you buy it. Really do not want to get the ones that run in the $300-400 range.
  • bluespring
    bluespring Posts: 201 Member
    Polar FT60 for me.
    Love it.
    It has training sessions...which helps me track how I'm doing...and how close to goal I am.
    Awesome.
    The chest strap is comfortable....hardly even notice it when it's on.
    Blue
  • crystal_sapphire
    crystal_sapphire Posts: 1,205 Member
    i got a sportline one and i find it accurate. i manually palpated my resting pulse to test if it counted properly and it did.
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