Heart rate monitors
MalDunc2012
Posts: 170 Member
Hey, all;
I'm thinking about investing in a heart rate monitor but wanted to get a little feedback from everyone first. If you have a heart rate monitor:
--Do you use it often?
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class?
--Do you think it was worth the money?
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
I'm thinking about investing in a heart rate monitor but wanted to get a little feedback from everyone first. If you have a heart rate monitor:
--Do you use it often?
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class?
--Do you think it was worth the money?
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
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Replies
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A question on top of that....is the BodyBugg the same type of thing or is a HRM different?0
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I don't have one yet but I am planning on getting the Garmin Forerunner 305 soon. Its got great reviews and Amazon has it for about $130 currently which is a better price than I have seen for other Garmin HRM.
I would think that the HRM would be more accurate than a machine at the gym and definilty a great way to track your burn when doing zumba or other classes/workouts.0 -
bump bump bump0
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Had a BB and have a HRM. I use a Polar. Works great and way worth the money considering the machines and the gym as well as MFP are way off on #'s for cals burned. I compared the BB and the HRM and it was a slight difference and didn't warrant me paying the BB fee plus the equipment so I sold it.0
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I just got mine about a month ago but:Hey, all;
I'm thinking about investing in a heart rate monitor but wanted to get a little feedback from everyone first. If you have a heart rate monitor:
--Do you use it often?
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class?
--Do you think it was worth the money?
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
--Do you use it often? Yes, just about everyday.
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym? Yes, but I have a cardio app on my phone that I use that is pretty much the same.
--Do you think it was worth the money? Yup
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much? Figure out what 'features' you want and do research. I got one for about half price and free shipping on the web.
Additional comments:
- get one with a chest strap.
- everyone is going to have their recommendation, make your decision based on that PLUS the features you really need.
Good Luck!!!0 -
I don't have one yet but I am planning on getting the Garmin Forerunner 305 soon. Its got great reviews and Amazon has it for about $130 currently which is a better price than I have seen for other Garmin HRM.
I would think that the HRM would be more accurate than a machine at the gym and definilty a great way to track your burn when doing zumba or other classes/workouts.
Machines at the gym are way off and never calibrated they do not even take into account height, weight, age, VO2MAX, nothing, they use a scale to guess cals burned same with MFP. Not good reference points IMO.0 -
Hey, all;
I'm thinking about investing in a heart rate monitor but wanted to get a little feedback from everyone first. If you have a heart rate monitor:
--Do you use it often?
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class?
--Do you think it was worth the money?
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Don't go too cheap, as they are not accurate. The Polar FT4 is one of the more affordable "good" HRMs. You can usually get them on Amazon for a good price, in store they retail for around $100.0 -
--Do you use it often? I wear mine for EVERY single workout
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym? Definately. The treadmill and MFP are ALWAYS higer than what my HRM says I burn
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class? Sorry, don't do ZUMBA, but I can tell you that 1 hour of boot camp is about 6-700 calories for me
--Do you think it was worth the money? HELL YEAH! I got the Suunto T3d. It was about 120 dollars, but totally worth it. I am so much more informed about what I'm doing, and how hard I'm working. I was feeling like crap at boot camp yesterday, and it was because it was sooo hot out, I couldn't get my HR down. Once I waited for it to drop into an acceptable range, I felt better.
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much? A lot of people like the Polar FT4 and FT7 monitors. Someone said they saw the FT7 on Amazon for like 80 bucks with shipping. I got mine off of Zappos.com. I paid a little more, but wanted it overnight, and I like their return policy.0 -
I just bought my dh the Polar FT60 for Father's Day....shhhhh! I found it on heartratemonitorsusa.com. I got it for $152!0
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I have the Polar FT4
Every time I work out
I think the calories are very accurate. it shows less then the machine
I burn between 550-600 calores in Zumba weighing about 230 lbs. My friend weighs 170 and our burns are around the same.
I got mine at ****s Sporting goods. I believe it was $99 but had a $10 rebate and I had a coupon from the Entertainment book for another$15 off.Hey, all;
I'm thinking about investing in a heart rate monitor but wanted to get a little feedback from everyone first. If you have a heart rate monitor:
--Do you use it often?
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class?
--Do you think it was worth the money?
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
Thanks in advance for your advice!0 -
I am getting a New Balance N4 at Target for 70.00!!
The bodybugg does everything BUT count your HR lol.0 -
I have the Polar FT4 and love it. I wear it anytime I am doing any exercise (Zumba class, workout DVD's, Curves Smart etc). I found the MFP and the watch only HRMs way overestimated the calories I was burning. With the Polar, 60 minute zumba I generally burn around 500-550 calories. I know this sounds low, but since I started using the Polar, I have lost 5 more lbs. (3 weeks) and feel like I am being much more accurate. I am in healthy weight range now (just barely), so it is harder to burn lots of calories. Polar FT4 can be bought for around $89 - I bought mine at Academy Sports but Best Buy and several other places have them as well. You can also purchase on line, but didn't find them any cheaper and have to wait for delivery. Whatever you decide, definitely get a HRM with a chest strap.0
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I have a Timex T5G971 (under $45 shipping and everything on Amazon) and I love it. I use it every time I workout. It was relatively close to what my elliptical told me I was burning at first, but as I get into better shape, my elliptical overestimates my calories burned more. I love it for stuff like exercise classes/DVDs because there's really no way to know how many calories you burn otherwise. The chest strap is comfortable (I forget I have it on) and it doesn't get in the way. My SIL has a Polar FT4 and loves it as well. HTH!0
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Don't know if this will help you any but...........Here is a link that was posted in another thread with a lot of information on HRM's. Also, I would suggest getting one with a chest strap as they are better to calculate an accurate HR.
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 purchased a Polar FT40 a few weeks ago to replace my old Polar (which didn't calculate calories burned) and I
the FT40.
You can search the internet for specials and lowest prices if you are shopping for any HRM on sites like Amazon, sporting stores, ebay, etc.
I searched and bought both of mine on heartratemonitors dot com and also found an online coupon for it and saved an additional $10.00 in addition to it being on sale at the time I purchased it.
**** Actually I just checked 3 days ago after receiving an email about a sale on heartratemonitors dot com and the FT40 that I bought is now on sale for $129.66 with free UPS 1 - 2 days delivery. I paid around $149.95 on sale when I got my FT40 so this is now a good price for anyone looking at the FT40 !
And for anyone looking at the FT7 (another popular HRM with members on here) - it is also on sale for $82.17 with free shipping !
The FT4 is on sale for $73.99 with free shipping as well ****0 -
Don't know if this will help you any but...........Here is a link that was posted in another thread with a lot of information on HRM's. Also, I would suggest getting one with a chest strap as they are better to calculate an accurate HR.
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 purchased a Polar FT40 a few weeks ago to replace my old Polar (which didn't calculate calories burned) and I the FT40.
You can search the internet for specials and lowest prices if you are shopping for any HRM on sites like Amazon, sporting stores, ebay, etc.
I searched and bought both of mine on heartratemonitors dot com and also found an online coupon for it and saved an additional $10.00 in addition to it being on sale at the time I purchased it.
**** Actually I just checked 3 days ago after receiving an email about a sale on heartratemonitors dot com and the FT40 that I bought is now on sale for $129.66 with free UPS 1 - 2 days delivery. I paid around $149.95 on sale when I got my FT40 so this is now a good price for anyone looking at the FT40 !
And for anyone looking at the FT7 (another popular HRM with members on here) - it is also on sale for $82.17 with free shipping !
The FT4 is on sale for $73.99 with free shipping as well ****0 -
go Polar or go home0
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I used a Polar FT40 from December 'til recently but I switched to a 305 last week . I've run with the 305 a few times and am very impressed. For weight loss, I think the FT40 is a better way to go but now that I'm focusing on running, the 305 was the right device.
And, yes, I'd like to find a good home for my FT40.0 -
Wow, thanks, everyone. Does anyone else have any feedback about the ones sold at Target? Ones to get, ones to avoid..0
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--Do you use it often? Every workout!
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym? Calories are way lower, almost half when compared to the machine!
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class? I don't zumba but i do the 30DS and walk the dog and it has been great for both.
--Do you think it was worth the money? Yeap! I got the Polar FT7, now that i look at it i probably could have just gotten the FT4.
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much? http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/polar-products.html
this is the website I got mine, it is not super cheap but is on sale and it showed up fast! You definitely want the chest strap.0 -
I have a HRM and BodyMedia...they are relatively close to one another in terms of cals burned.
the HRM is not way off in terms of the machines at the gym but within 100 cals. i just would rather know what i'm burning more scientifically if that makes sense.
HRM has taught me a lot about my different HR zones and where i need to be working out to maximize fat loss. and i don't have to hold onto the bars of machines. the one thing about that is i will have to get the zones redone in a few weeks as my fitness improves.
right now i do wear both because the BodyMedia is my pedometer for the day and we're having a step counting competition at work. and i wear the BodyMedia all day and the HRM only when i workout.
i have worn my HRM in the pool and can't wear my BodyMedia in the pool.
i have worn BodyMedia to Zumba and i burn 700-800 calories. Kickboxing shows i burn 600-850 calories. that's the thing you will burn different calories on different days based on the day and how you feel and what intensity you work out at. i would hate to over estimate calories burned if you're trying to eat net calories.
if i had to do it over again i would just have the HRM wear it when i work out and use this site to do net calories.
BodyMedia gives you a good overall picture of what you burn at rest and how you sleep and how many steps you take throughout the day. But i feel i would be ok with just the HRM.0 -
Hey, all;
I'm thinking about investing in a heart rate monitor but wanted to get a little feedback from everyone first. If you have a heart rate monitor:
--Do you use it often?
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class?
--Do you think it was worth the money?
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
I use my HRM every day.
I found that the calories burned on my HRM are less than the calories burned shown on my threadmill at home and I use the HRM numbers since I am wearing a chest strap and they seem to more accurate. Here's an example: acording to my threadmill (for one day), it said I burned 219 calories but was wearing my new FT40 HRM and it said I burned 169 calories :noway:
I can't answer for zumba as don't do it.
Yes, in my own opinion - my HRM was worth the money.
To find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and cost, check out my post above as I gave some info about sales going on for Polar HRM and different styles.......also check for online codes !0 -
Hey, all;
I'm thinking about investing in a heart rate monitor but wanted to get a little feedback from everyone first. If you have a heart rate monitor:
--Do you use it often?
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class?
--Do you think it was worth the money?
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Dear Mal,
I LOVE mine, and use it everytime I workout (Polar FT4)
I burn more then the gym machines say (even better reason to get one)
We got mine for about $80? I think....It's so worth it to me. It lets me know when I'm not working hard enough...Like my own little personal trainer
And make sure you get one with a chest strap....they have a display at Best Buy where you can play with them
AND..I looked at the Body Bug thingy and after I saw the price tag..I kept looking
Love you!
You and Duncanryan would look so cute together
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This seems to be getting good reviews on your feed and also here: http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/polar-ft4.html0
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I concur with everyone here. I use my HRM every single day because it motivates me. To give you a recent example of how far off calorie measurements can be, here's one from today:
Exercise: 60 minutes Cybex Arc Trainer
Machine Calorie Count: 975
MFP Calorie Count: 916
HRM Calorie Count: 701
Depending on the model you get, it can do fitness tests, creating your own target zones based on your fit test performance, your age, weight, gender, and height. Periodically the HRM instructs you to retest, so it remains accurate.0 -
--Do you use it often?
Yes, wear it around 20 hours out of the day
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
haha yes, machines and/or online calculators are not even remotely close...at least not for me.
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class?
Dont do Zumba, I just run and use dumbbells
--Do you think it was worth the money?
Every freaking penny, and then some. I even pay a monthly fee for the one I use (bodymedia FIT), and it's still worth every penny and then some.
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
Amazon.com. Depends on what you want to buy as there are monitors of varying quality at varying price points. Mine was around 200.00 up front then something like 7 bucks a month, but it monitors alot more than just calories (sleep patterns, etc) and has pretty good tracking/reporting software. I also have a 30.00 HRM/pedometer that I wear when I run. It was like 25 bucks at Wally-world. Does a good job of giving me on the fly heartrate counts, distance, MPH, and time...and it's actually fairly accurate on the calories, particularly for a wrist hrm w/o a chest strap. Those are the only two I can comment on at all, but I see lots of other posters who LOVE their Polar devices.
Incidentally, if you have an Android phone....Cardiomonitor is an excellent app (distance, calories, etc) that offers a bluetooth connection to a Polar chest strap. I dont think they have ported the app to Apple, but I'm not sure as I've never looked for it (I HATE HATE HATE my Iphone, and would throw it in the lake if work didnt make me keep one).0 -
I'm wanting a HRM too. I've been looking on Amazon for some, but every one of course has mixed reviews. My workouts consist of workout videos, Wii games, walking and swimming....so I just need something basic that tells me the calories burned. I was thinking of getting the Polar FT4, but someone posted in their Amazon review that you can't see the time while using it. Does anyone know if this isn't true? Since it's a watch, I obviously want to be able to see the time while I'm walking.
Any help would be greatly appreciated 0 -
A question on top of that....is the BodyBugg the same type of thing or is a HRM different?
yes this is a HRM but it is more complex and definitely high end but it monitors your heart as you go about your activities but it is in a catorgory by itself and not a standard HRM but still is a HRM......:-)0 -
I don't have one yet but I am planning on getting the Garmin Forerunner 305 soon. Its got great reviews and Amazon has it for about $130 currently which is a better price than I have seen for other Garmin HRM.
I would think that the HRM would be more accurate than a machine at the gym and definilty a great way to track your burn when doing zumba or other classes/workouts.
You should know that the 305 doesn't measure calories based on your heart rate. Yes, it comes with a HRM but it only calculates calories based on how fast you are running.
I'm doing Insanity right now and I use it almost every day just to check my heart rate while exercising. If I fill in 40 minutes of high impact aerobics on here it comes up with about 400 calories. If I go to a site that uses my average hear rate it says I burn close to 600 calories. I usually split the difference and assume 500. I don't even know what my Garmin says, I've never looked, I don't think it would be very accurate.
But I do love my 305, it does so many things and it's great for running. But if you want something to measure calories accurately I'd go with something else.0 -
--Do you use it often?
Any time I do intentional exercise which is most days. If I forget to wear it I am lost and feel naked.:laugh:
--Do you find that the calories it says you burn are way off than, say, the machines at the gym?
They are closer to gym machines than not. But I find they are not close to MFP at all. MFP shows higher burns and in some cases like with the Elliptical it shows twice the amount of calories burned than the elliptical at the gym shows and my HRM. Some cases MFP is under.
--Any zumba lovers love their heart rate monitor and can share their stats and what they typically burn in a class? N/A
--Do you think it was worth the money?
Worth every dime and some. I have had my Polar A5 for over 7 years now. I just had to buy a chest strap from ebay last year. Ebay had best deal because Polar wanted to charge almost the same amount as a new watch which was totally ridiculous. I believe mines is over actual burn so I have my watch set at a much lower weight to make up for errors. Because no HRM is totally accurate and they all are the best estimates. Chest strap HRM's are the most accurate. This is one item where you get what you pay for.
--Where can I find one that is affordable (inexpensive, preferrably), and for how much?
You are going to pay a good $80 to $120 for a decent one. I would not buy the wal-mart brand even though many swear by them. I think it is sportsline or something. If that is all you can afford than it is better than nothing but I feel they are not as good as other brands and I love my Polar and since this is the one on most gym machines I trust them above the rest.0 -
Awesome post. I was wondering the same questions : )0
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