Buying A HRM? :)

What ever you choose make sure you have a chest strap (more accurate). Personally, I love my Polar FT7...I've heard great things about the FT4 as well. I like that it is user friendly and I can look back at previous workouts. I see that Polar and Nike+ (which I use for my runs) have come together in one transmitter...'With Polar Wearlink+ Transmitter And Compatible Nike+ Devices, You Can See Your Heart Rate As Beats Per Minute (Bpm) While You Run. You Can Also Hear Spoken Feedback Of Your Bpm After Any Nike + Ipod Workout. Full Compatibility The Transmitter Uses Polar Traditional 5 Khz And Nike+ Compatible Transmission Technology, So You Can Use It With The Nike+ System And A Compatible Polar Training Computer At The Same Time.' Overall, been really happy with my Polar.

I know it's super early but already my parents are asking about Christmas gifts...CRAZY! Anyways, this year, I have decided to ask for a HRM. I hate not knowing an accurate amount of calories I burn! In your opinion, what is the best, or worst, and why? Thanks!!!

This might sound dumb, but what is HRM?

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Heart Rate Monitor

Heart Rate Monitor

I bought a Polar FT7 and I am very happy with it. I do not use a few of the functions and did not want the bulk of a GPS HRM. Its small enough not to bother you but has enough functions for most people. Its mainly for being used in a gym environment since it does lack the GPS.

Here is a good article:

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


Please note -- this article states that Polar FT6 or higher lets you program V02 max -- but this is not true.
It is only on the double digit ones like FT40, FT60 etc.

i was going to get a polar ft7, but, stumbled across the Sunno M2, does everything the polar does, and was about 20 bux cheaper at the store i was going to. and it's fuchia... not dull black... (not that the colour made a difference, but, hey, if you can add some fun to something you're wearing, why not right?

Great timing.

Not 5 minutes ago, I clicked "confirm" on amazon for my Zephyr HxM HRM (heart rate monitor).

Should have it in about a week. I got this one because it connects into my android phone and with the GPS software I use to track my bike rides.

Just FYI -- I don't thinkt hat one tracks calories burned.

I just got a BodyBugg (accurately counts how many calories you burn throughout the day, plus how many steps you take, etc. when worn 23 hrs/day) about a week and a half ago and I LOVE IT! I don't know much about heart rate monitors, but this thing is amazing! It would be an awesome Christmas present - you should look it up and see what you think (although they are a bit high priced...).

Good luck! (And I'm excited to see what people say about HRMs as I've been curious myself!

Polar is kind of the standard of the industry, and they also have the advantage that if you wear it while on an elliptical or other piece of gym equipment, the equipment will pick up the heart rate transmission and display your heart rate on the screen on the equipment. Kind of handy. (Others may do this too, not sure, but I do know for sure that the Polar ones will do it.)

If you go to the Polar web site, you can compare and contrast all the different models. You can get bare bones ones that will tell you your heart rate and not much more all the way up to ones that will track 5000 laps of 10 different activities, pack your lunch and wash your car, too! It all depends on what features you think you'll use and your degree of comfort working with the settings and so on.

If you get a good one w/a chest strap, it will last you years, so it's a very worthwhile investment.

I have the Polar FT7 and love it. I was just commenting to someone else about how it tends to drive you when you can get a real time look at your burn rate and really kick it into overdrive to hit a number you want. I love it.

Great timing.

Not 5 minutes ago, I clicked "confirm" on amazon for my Zephyr HxM HRM (heart rate monitor).

Should have it in about a week. I got this one because it connects into my android phone and with the GPS software I use to track my bike rides.

Just FYI -- I don't thinkt hat one tracks calories burned.

Hmm....the zephyr website does say that it does... http://www.zephyr-technology.com/store/9600.0112.html but, the datasheet on that page doesn't indicate it.....I need to research some more.