I need help picking out a HRM!

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NKF92879
NKF92879 Posts: 601 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
OMG!!! There are WAY too many to choose from. How fancy do I need to get? I think I'd prefer a watch-style, but I still have no idea what to get.
Thanks!
Nikki

Replies

  • skinnyinnotime
    skinnyinnotime Posts: 4,078 Member
    I've ordered a polar FT4 which has good reviews and is pretty basic to use....just wish it would be delivered, i'm getting impatient waiting!
  • JMun
    JMun Posts: 409
    go with Polar! :heart:

    I have an F4 and I won't exercise without it. By far the most valuable piece of workout gear that I own. It makes calorie counting so much more effective when you know your calories OUT.
  • sm0113
    sm0113 Posts: 89 Member
    I just ordered a Sigma PC 9 Women's Heart Rate Monitor. It is suppose to come in the mail today, and all of the reviews i read were good, but if anyone has any more information on this HRM, please let me know!
    I do know, however, that the ones with a chest strap are more accurate. That's what everyone says and they also say that you'll get use to it after a while and it will become less uncomfortable.
    The polar brand gets great reviews, also. Everyone seems to love those.
  • 1horsetown
    1horsetown Posts: 247 Member
    I have the Garmin FR60. Not the absolute top of the line, but not overly complicated either.

    You really need the chest strap for accuracy. We gals slip them under our bra bands and completely forget they are there.

    I have a foot pod to go with mine. It checks your cadence and guesses at distance. It kinda has trouble with intervals.

    A good choice for a beginning runner.
  • sandara
    sandara Posts: 830 Member
    bump! So I can read later, I need help too! :smile:
  • lil_pulp
    lil_pulp Posts: 701 Member
    Make sure to get something with a chest strap. Also, since you're on MFP, you'll want to be sure it measures calories burned (some don't). I have a Polar FT4 and it's great for me--simple to set-up and use. But if you want more advanced options, you'll probably want something fancier. Definitely a good investment, though!
  • JMun
    JMun Posts: 409


    You really need the chest strap for accuracy. We gals slip them under our bra bands and completely forget they are there.


    Yup totally agree :) I just slip mine under my sports bra and forget about it :heart:
  • realme56
    realme56 Posts: 1,093 Member
    I had a wrist watch/touch from newbalance first and it overestimated calories and quit working well within 2 months. I just received a Polar ft7 with the chest strap and must say that it is best to use the chest strap as you do vary a lot. The watch has an odd band that I might not have been able to use 43# ago as it sort of comes straight down from the sides of the watch looking very narrow looking at it straight on. Hope this helps.

    PS Don't look at initial cost but reviews, cost will decrease over time when you buy something that is quality and will last.
  • Erindipitous
    Erindipitous Posts: 1,234 Member
    My Polar FT7 was the greatest purchase I EVER made so far in this journey. I love, love, love it.

    Simple, yet effective. :) Definitely go with a Polar!

    I don't know the differences between the FT4 and FT7 off the top of my head, but I think initially I went with FT7 because 7 is my favorite number, haha.
  • maemiller
    maemiller Posts: 439 Member
    I have a Polar FT7 and I love it. its really stylish and I use it to work and ive gotten compliments for it. Its very easy to use and it was recommended to me by the trainers and instructors at my gym. Its a must when keeping track of your calories and I dont think I can do a workout without it
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I have a Polar FT7 and it is fantastic! So easy to use and set up.. and mine was only 79.99 off of drugstore.com.
  • Gilbrod
    Gilbrod Posts: 1,216 Member
    I've ordered a polar FT4 which has good reviews and is pretty basic to use....just wish it would be delivered, i'm getting impatient waiting!

    My picture says it all. I love mines cause it shows my heart rate on the treadmills at my gym. It has definately helped.
  • anolan807
    anolan807 Posts: 273 Member
    I have well had because I just lost it on vacation, but it was a new balance watch style. I LOVED it and am lost without it.
  • NKF92879
    NKF92879 Posts: 601 Member
    Thanks, everyone! :bigsmile:
  • NKF92879
    NKF92879 Posts: 601 Member
    Polar FT4 it is! ($69.67 from Amazon for anyone else looking.)
  • kapeluza
    kapeluza Posts: 3,434 Member
    I did a lot of research on which one to buy. After a wonderful article that one of the MFP members posted about HRM I made the decision to drop $152 on a Polar FT60 with the expectations of getting an accurate calorie burn #.
    Unfortunately, the cheaper models don't come with the option to calculate Vo2max which is important in determining calorie count. Also some don't have a chest strap which is also important.

    Here are the factors you need to consider when buying a HRM:

    - Needs to have chest strap
    - Needs to be able to input your weight, sex, height, age.
    - Needs to be able to calculate your Vo2max!


    Just fyi, Polar FT4 doesn't calculate Vo2max, so it won't be as accurate. Polar FT7 and higher do (if I recall).
  • NKF92879
    NKF92879 Posts: 601 Member
    I know the one I ordered isn't the "best" one out there, but I did need to stick to a budget (I REALLY shouldn't be spending $70 right now, but I need to get dome weight off so my clothes fit). I also talked to some friends of mine (one is a retired PE teacher; one is a Zumba instructor, gymnastics teacher/coach, spin instructor, etc.; and another has a Master's Degree in Health & Fitness Awareness) and they all thought this one would be good for my purposes.
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