Heart Rate Monitor: What to get and how to use

A decent HRM is going to cost you at least $100. I have a Fitbit Flex but use a Polar FT4 during exercise so I can get the most accurate calorie burn. I highly recommend looking into it. It's worth it!

dkeener_81 wrote: »

The only thing is when I am working out (p90x3) I would like to know my HR so I can accurately record my calories burned. I don't really care about anything else than that

An HRM won't give you that, particularly at the price point you're talking about.

sm1zzle wrote: »

FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »

A decent HRM is going to cost you at least $100. it!

That's not true.

The Polar FT7 was my first HRM and I think it was like $75.00. It worked great. the Polar FT4 is even cheaper I believe.

*Edit: FT7 - $69.87 to be exact. http://www.amazon.com/Polar-FT7-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B00NOLTQ2U

FT4 - $50.75 http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Heart-Rate-Monitor-Purple/dp/B005M1P85O/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1419975605&sr=1-1&keywords=polar+ft4

The reviews speak for themselves.

Well, excuse me. All the Polars I've seen are at least $100, which is why I said that. I purchased mine for $100 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

I have a $30 Polar watch/HR/Stop watch. Amazon. Batteries lasted about a year. Replaced at Walmart for $3.

FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »

sm1zzle wrote: »

FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »

A decent HRM is going to cost you at least $100. it!

That's not true.

The Polar FT7 was my first HRM and I think it was like $75.00. It worked great. the Polar FT4 is even cheaper I believe.

*Edit: FT7 - $69.87 to be exact. http://www.amazon.com/Polar-FT7-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B00NOLTQ2U

FT4 - $50.75 http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Heart-Rate-Monitor-Purple/dp/B005M1P85O/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1419975605&sr=1-1&keywords=polar+ft4

The reviews speak for themselves.

Well, excuse me. All the Polars I've seen are at least $100, which is why I said that. I purchased mine for $100 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Not trying to be rude.
She just needs to shop around and be sure to read product reviews.

OP, just make sure you get one that has a strap. That one will give you the most accurate reading. I started with a Polar FT7, and then decided I wanted a step counter that had HRM capability, so I got a Garmin VivoFit. If you just want an HRM, then just buy a Polar FT4 or Polar FT7.

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

_Waffle_ wrote: »

FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »

A decent HRM is going to cost you at least $100 $60. I have a Fitbit Flex but use a Polar FT4 during exercise so I can get the most accurate calorie burn. I highly recommend looking into it. It's worth it!

Look at something like the Polar FT4. You can get them for $50 - $60.

Oh they're cheap, but they're not going to give the originator what she's after; accurate calorie expenditure approximation for training that involves anaerobic effort.

HRM don't calculate anaerobic effort. OP you should note that these are only a good measure for steady state aerobic workouts.

First of all heart rate straps are much more accurate than wrist monitors. Secondly, heart rate monitors only give you approximations of your calorie burn and never completely accurate results. Thirdly, heart rate monitors are useful for steady state cardio exercises such as running, walking...and much less useful for e.g. weight training.

Further, if you can invest in a device that is able to calculate your VO2 Max, as quite a few multisportswatches can do, the results get more accurate.

One of the cheapest ways, albeit no VO2 max calculation is to download the free Polar Beat app to your phone (IOS only, unfortunately) and to buy the Polar H7 heart rate monitor, which you can link to this app. Means though you have to take your phone with you when working out.

I would have a close look at the Polar M400 which is a new sports watch from Polar that comes highly recommended (around $200 though). Google dcrainmaker and look for his review.

Best of luck and happy new year!
Stef.