We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Please help me choose a heart rate monitor!

shoppie
shoppie Posts: 618 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I posted this in my status but only got one reply, this was the one recommended:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polar-FT4M-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B001U0OFCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309780315&sr=8-1

Can anyone else suggest one?/ support this recommendation? The key thing i want it to be able to do is reliably tell me calories burnt as I do a lot of circuit training. and, of course, cheaper is good!

Thank you! :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    The Polar FT4 is an excellent HRM to have.. as is it's counter part, the FT7... and no cheaper is not good(in some cases!).

    When it comes to an HRM, you want one that has a chest strap and lets you input as much information as possible.. IE: Weight, height, age and gender.

    You also have to remember that you get what you pay for with an HRM.. so if you buy a real cheap one now(think like 30 dollar range), in a few years when it breaks you'll be spending more money to replace it with the one that you should have bought in the first place.

    Here is a link on HRM's that is very helpful:
    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
  • angelacasey736
    angelacasey736 Posts: 249 Member
    I agree with dad106. I bought the Polar FT4 for around $70 and it was the best investment i ever made! I never leave home without it :-)
  • JannineOwen
    JannineOwen Posts: 92 Member
    i've just ordered the female version from amazon this morning after high recommendations from most people here :)
  • fibrogirl
    fibrogirl Posts: 170 Member
    I agree totally with the choice of the polar FT4 I love mine, very easy to set up and use too. I just need to use it more regularly, by that I mean that I should get out and do more exercise. I chose this after asking the same question and doing lots of research into the best for me. Good luck with your choice:bigsmile:
  • lnadeau66
    lnadeau66 Posts: 135 Member
    I love my polar FT7, I tried 2 of the timex versions and wasn't at all satisfied. I couldn't get them set up. This one is a lot easier. My SIL bought an FT7 for my BIL and he too loves it. :flowerforyou:
  • cdl8
    cdl8 Posts: 164 Member
    Just bought the polar FT4 and love it!! Easy to use and tells me calories that I have burned. A little pricey, but worth the investment if you're serious about weight loss and getting healthy!!! :bigsmile:
  • shoppie
    shoppie Posts: 618 Member
    Thanks guys, that is great looks like the FT4 or FT7 is my best bet, lots of ringing endorsements which is encouraging when you are forking out so much!

    How exciting! :bigsmile:
  • DrewD2011
    DrewD2011 Posts: 66 Member
    Hi,

    I have posted this message in the past, but I am a big fan of Polar (one of their Ambassadors) and they have a wonderful line of HRM's. I have been using their products for about a year and a half.

    I started with (and most recommend) the FT7 - about $90 to $105, but after 8 months, I graduated to the FT80, which gave me GPS, Fitness Tests (VO2max), a visual display of my HR, Strength Training detail (add you entire lifting routine into the watch) and a great online community that supports me through challenges (uploading through a Flow Link accessory). I use it for the elliptical, tennis and weight lifting.

    Online the FT80 lists at $349. I have seen it as low as $250 (with a Flow Link) at heartratemonitorusa.com.

    See the results:

    http://www.polar.fi/en/polar_community/polar_people/Andrew

    Polar also has a really great line of basic HR monitors. The FT4 (about $70 online) will count your calories and store the info. When you step up to the FT 7, FT40 FT60 & FT80 they can all upload results to polarpersonaltrainer.com...each adds a feature up the line and you should select a monitor that matches your lifestyle/budget.

    See their website:

    http://www.polar.fi/en/
This discussion has been closed.