HRM help???

bex879165
bex879165 Posts: 121 Member
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
Someone suggested I use a HRM to calculate cals accurately as I don't feel like much is happening regards my weight loss so something's wrong somewhere!

May sound a daft question but having looked at a few, do they work as accurately when worn as a watch? I don't think i'd wear on the chest strap.

Replies

  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    If you get one with a chest strap, you have to wear the chest strap.. otherwise it won't work. From what I've heard, the watch ones are not as accurate as the ones with a chest strap.

    I have one with a chest strap, and its not bad at all. The strap is cloth and you easily forget about it after a bit... plus their adjustable, so you can make it fit your size exactly.
  • crazycranberry
    crazycranberry Posts: 117 Member
    I've just invested in a HRM. You wear a comfortable strap around your chest and the watch is what displays the calories burned, heart rate zone etc. I forgot I had the chest strap once I started working out. I got a Polar HRM. It was £53 from amazon.

    I underestimated my Zumba workout on the Wii by 200 or more calories so I am glad I now have something I can track more accurately.
  • bex879165
    bex879165 Posts: 121 Member
    The one i've looked at is a watch but has an optional chest strap. Must fasten together some how. I just don't want to get the watch version if it's not as accurate as it kind of defeats the object! Thanks.
  • ejmcam
    ejmcam Posts: 533 Member
    I think chest strap ones are more accurate! I didnt want it either, but now Im glad I have it. Its not uncomfortable and sometimes I actually forget to take it off after my workout. I have the polar FT7
  • libstr
    libstr Posts: 36 Member
    i got the polar FT 7 too, wore it around the house to get a baseline of my HR then did a pump class..... didnt really notice my chest band till I got home and noted it was all icky and sweaty lol
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    I've never tried a watch only style but from what I understand, you have to press on it in order for it to get your heart rate so you're not getting a good constant heart rate reading like you would with the chest strap. Not a big deal if you're doing something constant like walking on the treadmill at 3.0 for a half hour but if you're like me and walk outside where there are hills or do several things in the gym, the chest strap is your best bet.

    I recently started using the Polar FT4 and its chest strap is extremely comfortable.

    FYI, the chest strap goes under your breasts/chest mucles so it's really no different from feeling your bra strap in that spot.
  • HungryMom
    HungryMom Posts: 280
    I had the same feeling about wearing the strap, but after my first two workouts with it I do not even notice it. In fact the other night when getting undressed for bed I realized I still had it on from my afternoon jog. The chest strap allows your HRM to continuously monitor your heartrate which gives you a much more accurate burn reading.
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