my first HRM

kassied09
kassied09 Posts: 397
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I caved. Bought it from Walmart. BUT I am 99% sure it basically sucks. During the 30 minute workout I did which included 10 minutes of stepping blocks and 10 different weight machines it said I burnt 25 calories...My cousin did the same workout and burnt 300+. I know everyone is different- but I am PRETTY sure it's just my HRM.

So I need help. I am going to return it- but now I have no idea which one to buy. The one I have counts calories by counting my steps- which seems really stupid. What if I am doing an exercise that does not involve walking? Is this how they all work?
I don't really want to spend more than $60. Any suggestions or things I should look for when buying it? HELP!

Replies

  • ShannonMpls
    ShannonMpls Posts: 1,936 Member
    You can get the Polar FT4 for $65 shipped on Amazon!
  • Kickinkim418
    Kickinkim418 Posts: 257 Member
    I got the Polar FT4 and it is AWESOME!!! I highly recommend it!
  • jmelyan23
    jmelyan23 Posts: 1,648 Member
    ^^What they said. I've heard that Polar FT4 is an awesome one--it comes with the chest band and everything and doesn't cost much more than $60 when you get it from Amazon.com. It's what I'm getting when I finally have the money. :)
  • katbat65
    katbat65 Posts: 37
    Hmmm. A heart rate monior that doesn't actually monitor your heart rate but counts steps? I'd take it back most definitely.
  • liftingbro
    liftingbro Posts: 2,029 Member
    The cheap ones at walmart suck. Does it have a chest strap? Did you program your height and weight into it?
    Make sure the sensor part is in good contact with skin.

    If it has a chest strap you probably have to wet it first.
  • tennillewade
    tennillewade Posts: 49 Member
    i brought a new balance monitor from target it goes on my wrist and if i do not periodically press it against my wrist to read my heart rate it will use my resting or initial heartrate throughout my whole workout. I'm sure that the best ones to buy are the ones with a telemetry strap and a wrist component.
  • mishmash73
    mishmash73 Posts: 166 Member
    my girlfriedns & I have a duo sportline & we love it b/c it's simple to use.... Amazon has it for $60 ... get the chest strap
  • brushe
    brushe Posts: 181 Member
    I have a sportline duo 1025. Love it.
  • felicityksr
    felicityksr Posts: 208 Member
    Go with the Polar. You will love it. I have the Polar F6.
  • ibbray04
    ibbray04 Posts: 227 Member
    I'm another Polar FT4 user. LOVE it!
  • fmbarbuto
    fmbarbuto Posts: 131 Member
    You can get the Polar FT4 for $65 shipped on Amazon!

    YES! I love mine!!! Works great!!!
  • Diveryanfitness
    Diveryanfitness Posts: 24
    I currently use a Suunto M2 and like it a lot. I don't have much experience with HRM's other than the pieces of crap I bought from Wal-Mart. You can find them for around $120, which is more than you want to spend but I learned that you get what you pay for. I hear that Polar is a pretty good brand too; I saw some on eBay for around $75-$100.

    What I like about it is it has a chest strap so it continually monitors your heart rate (and calories burned); you don't have to try to get your fingers perfectly on the little sensors while your heart rate drops, once you're done it will save the data for later so you can log it here, and I took it swimming and down to 10' in a pool and it didn't flood so I'm pretty sure I can use it for 5k Warrior Dash things.

    What I don't like about it is there's no back light so if you're working out in a darker area or running at night it can be difficult to see, and sometimes it was easy to stop logging when I was say, doing push-up type exercises. I solved that by loosening up the wrist strap so it's not as tight against my arm.

    One of my workout buddies got one that doesn't measure calories burned so make sure that whatever new one you get has that function.
  • ladybug1620
    ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
    Yup, buy a Polar. Check eBay, you will get it for much less than retail. I have an F6.
  • kassied09
    kassied09 Posts: 397
    Thanks guys =] Chest strap = necessary is what I gathered, mostly. Also, polar sounds like a common brand. Checking out prices at target before I decide for sure- I don't want to wait for amazon to ship it!! lol
  • Diveryanfitness
    Diveryanfitness Posts: 24
    LOL, didn't see everyone had posted about the Polar already. My M2 is smaller than the Polar too I might add, but $60 is hard to beat!
  • kendib
    kendib Posts: 155 Member
    Bump for reference. I am buying one soon so good info.
  • lucky723
    lucky723 Posts: 52
    I agree I got the Polar 4 too and its amazing!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories