I want to buy a HRM...any suggestions?

fitchick99 · January 2009

I'm looking to finally put down some cash for a HRM, but noticed that there's a HUGE price difference, between different models and functions, I really only want to know my calories burned, since i'm a gal who checks her pulse regularly and I know what my zone is, I have a heart rate monitor that was indeed at the bottom of my junk drawer but it no longer works, probably a good thing. I've been hearing stories that the numbers- calories burned... shown on the treadmill and the elliptical trainers at the gym can be way off, therefore all my daily logs will also be off....any help out there, brands? recommendations?
Thanks guys! :happy:

fitchick99 · January 2009

I'm looking to finally put down some cash for a HRM, but noticed that there's a HUGE price difference, between different models and functions, I really only want to know my calories burned, since i'm a gal who checks her pulse regularly and I know what my zone is, I have a heart rate monitor that was indeed at the bottom of my junk drawer but it no longer works, probably a good thing. I've been hearing stories that the numbers- calories burned... shown on the treadmill and the elliptical trainers at the gym can be way off, therefore all my daily logs will also be off....any help out there, brands? recommendations?
Thanks guys! :happy:

punka274 · January 2009

I

My HRM! Its a Nike Imara....i purchased it for about 50bucks at amazon.com. I got the blue ice color but if you don't mind the black color I saw it for 25-40 on amazon. Its WONDERFUL. Its so easy to use, the battery can be changed by yourself and its pretty accurate. It comes with a chest strap that is very comfortable.

HTH:flowerforyou: Good Luck!

artschoolgirl · January 2009

I've been thinking a lot about this lately too! Thanks for the suggestion Punka!!!!

michlingle · January 2009

I actually have two....the first one I bought was a Nike Triax c3. It doesn't tell calories burned but I bought it on amazon.com for only 35 bucks. I use a calculator to tell my calories by just keeping an eye on my zone and picking a number in the middle. The calculator is on this website http://www.braydenwm.com/calburn.htm

The second one I have is a Gamin Forerunner 305. That one is for outdoor sports like running and cycling. It has gps built in and gives you TONS of data about training (I'm planning on a 1/2 marathon in April and another in June, then :holds breath: a full in October). I guess if I would've done it right the first time, instead of the Nike, I'd have purchased a Polar F4. I hear it's awesome if the majority of your workouts are inside a gym! Unfortunately, the Garmin doesn't tell cals inside because it needs to tie in the gps component....I'm still learning to use it.

michlingle · January 2009

I actually have two....the first one I bought was a Nike Triax c3. It doesn't tell calories burned but I bought it on amazon.com for only 35 bucks. I use a calculator to tell my calories by just keeping an eye on my zone and picking a number in the middle. The calculator is on this website http://www.braydenwm.com/calburn.htm

The second one I have is a Gamin Forerunner 305. That one is for outdoor sports like running and cycling. It has gps built in and gives you TONS of data about training (I'm planning on a 1/2 marathon in April and another in June, then :holds breath: a full in October). I guess if I would've done it right the first time, instead of the Nike, I'd have purchased a Polar F4. I hear it's awesome if the majority of your workouts are inside a gym! Unfortunately, the Garmin doesn't tell cals inside because it needs to tie in the gps component....I'm still learning to use it.

fitchick99 · January 2009

I actually have two....the first one I bought was a Nike Triax c3. It doesn't tell calories burned but I bought it on amazon.com for only 35 bucks. I use a calculator to tell my calories by just keeping an eye on my zone and picking a number in the middle. The calculator is on this website http://www.braydenwm.com/calburn.htm

The second one I have is a Gamin Forerunner 305. That one is for outdoor sports like running and cycling. It has gps built in and gives you TONS of data about training (I'm planning on a 1/2 marathon in April and another in June, then :holds breath: a full in October). I guess if I would've done it right the first time, instead of the Nike, I'd have purchased a Polar F4. I hear it's awesome if the majority of your workouts are inside a gym! Unfortunately, the Garmin doesn't tell cals inside because it needs to tie in the gps component....I'm still learning to use it.

Good luck with the marathon running, I ran a full marathon late last summer, very exciting and very exhausting, unfortunately I blew out my kneww and after a painful surgery and months of recovery, i'm no longer running :sad: , I envy you!! good luck with the training!...and i've heard really great things about the Polar, but it's all website related, not from someone who isn't paid to say they love it!

tech_sarah · January 2009

I got a Polar for Christmas, I love it! If I wouldn't have gotten one for the holiday, I would've bought one myself. It is a HUGE difference from reality to what the machines say. For me it was at least a 200 calorie difference, I was actually burning less...
Mine also has the chest strap and its easy to use.
Good Luck

Lyn_Matthews · January 2009

I got a Polar F4 for Christmas. If you are looking for a basic one that does heart rate, target zone, and calories burned, then this is the one you want. I think the run about $90 or so. I love mine.
If you workout at a gym you might want to upgrade to the F6 though cuz I think it has a blocker so that no body else's HRM effects yours. I don't think the F4 has that.

stef_e_b · January 2009

I don't own one but I heard (on tv) that the body bug is amazing. Any thoughts on that one?

hmo4 · January 2009

Body Bug is what the Biggest Losers use. I have a Mio. No chest strap. I really like it.

DjBliss05 · January 2009

Polar f6!

I am curious about the body bugg too, though.

hmo4 · January 2009

Just bought a Polar F11 off Ebay. Great deal. So now, I can really see what my true calorie burn is. I went on Body Bugg site-what a rip off! The Polar site explains what all models do, and which one to get for your fitness needs. Check it out. Then check Ebay, you might get lucky!:bigsmile:

SteffCooley · January 2009

I have a Polar F4 - great online deal at Christmas time for $65 with free overnight shipping! Just checked the website and it is no longer available though - sorry :ohwell:

Anyhow, like someone else said - I think it would do just what you needed...... heart rate, calories burned, etc. Just a basic model, but that is all I was after too and it works perfectly for that. I have loved mine!

I've worn it several days for 24-hours and was surprised to see that I typically burn about 4000 calories a day with just my busy, normal activities - not including any exercise! Awesome!!

Good luck! Since the F4 is an older model, you should be able to find it much cheaper - definitely shop around!

SteffCooley · January 2009

I just posted this on another thread too, for someone looking for a HRM for under $50 -

found this Timex HRM on Amazon with great reviews - has the exact same features as the Polar F4 and is $56 with free shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5J031-Digital-Fitness-Monitor/dp/B000P8VWRC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1231693635&sr=8-7

iTim__ · January 2009

Here is a poster from Prevention magazine that might help:

http://www.prevention.com/pdf/heart_rate_monitors.pdf

goochinator · January 2009

I looked into body bugg briefly a long while back and if i recall correctly it was about $300..

Ihave a Polar F4 and i absolutely LOVE it. I've been at the gym and never had the problem of it interfering with other monitors, but honestly it could for all I know. I am somewhat 'technology retarded' with gadgets and things like this- this was VERY easy to figure out and use...I love it!

I want to buy a HRM...any suggestions?

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