Heart Rate Monitors- pros and cons?

NPetrakis
NPetrakis Posts: 164 Member
edited October 5 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all, I'm about to commit to buying an HRM. My first. I see several brands on Amazon; Polar, Timex, Nike, etc. But the features and prices vary wildly.. Also I noticed a common theme of complaints regarding communication issues between the watch and some other device that apparently needs to be worn as well. Can anyone just brain dump their experiences, likes, dislikes, and solutions to this thread?

Some of my questions:
1- Do I have to wear the strap on thing to get heart rate and calories?
2- GPS...why??
3- Do I have to fidget with it during exercise or is it a "wear it and forget it" system?
4- The stored data, is there pc software it downloads to?

Thanks

BTW, friend me if you like. More is better :)

Replies

  • FireMama_24
    FireMama_24 Posts: 169 Member
    I just want to follow this topic.....I don't know the first clue about them
  • coolstacey6
    coolstacey6 Posts: 83 Member
    BUMP, I'm interested in these answers also!
  • Photoology
    Photoology Posts: 121 Member
    Hi all, I'm about to commit to buying an HRM. My first. I see several brands on Amazon; Polar, Timex, Nike, etc. But the features and prices vary wildly.. Also I noticed a common theme of complaints regarding communication issues between the watch and some other device that apparently needs to be worn as well. Can anyone just brain dump their experiences, likes, dislikes, and solutions to this thread?

    Some of my questions:
    1- Do I have to wear the strap on thing to get heart rate and calories?
    2- GPS...why??
    3- Do I have to fidget with it during exercise or is it a "wear it and forget it" system?
    4- The stored data, is there pc software it downloads to?

    Thanks

    BTW, friend me if you like. More is better :)

    Here are my answers to your questions...

    1. I would recommend getting the kind with the chest strap if you want accurate readings. I don't know the actual science behind the technology, but I have always gotten the best readings with the chest strap. Honestly, you stop feeling it after a week or so of wearing it, so it isn't bad at all.
    2. GPS is great for those of us who want to track mileage on either our runs or bike rides. Also tracking pace. I don't currently have one on my current HRM but now that I run longer distances, I am looking to switch over.
    3. The only time I fidget with my HRM is if I want to change screens to see different information. 9 out of 10 times I don't bother until the end and just forget about it. I just have to remember to turn it on :)... now different models of the HRM may have large enough screens to show you more information than just one set.
    4. Some of the pricier HRMs allow you to download information to your computer / a specific site. I can do that with mine, but since I already log all my information on here, I am just happy it stays stored on my watch. I rarely go back, on my actual watch, to see what I did and didn't do. Then again, with running longer distances, I actually may start looking at the information differently, but this all depends on what purpose you are using your HRM... if its just for calorie counting... then I don't think you need to worry about downloading information.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    Some of my questions:
    1- Do I have to wear the strap on thing to get heart rate and calories? - Yes you must wear the strap if it comes with one. Without the strap it won't work. They do make ones where you touch a sensor on the watch to get your heart rate, but those are not accurate.

    2- GPS...why??
    Some people like GPS when they run/walk outside to see how far they ran. I don't run(at all) or walk outdoors now that its winter, so I don't have a need for GPS.

    3- Do I have to fidget with it during exercise or is it a "wear it and forget it" system?
    It's a wear it and forget it system. Once you start the software, just go about your business and it does the rest. It does get screwy sometimes, but its not often.

    4- The stored data, is there pc software it downloads to?
    The Polar Watches(FT7 and Up) have an optional data link, called Flowlink. It's about 50 dollars and takes your data from the watch downloads it to a computer. I personally don't have it, as I don't have a need for it.. but others do and like it.

    As far as brands go, Polar is the best. Timex sucks at estimating calories and is very over inflated.. can't comment on Nike really, but I have a Polar FT7 and I love it!
  • mhig011975
    mhig011975 Posts: 181
    I have a polar FT7 and love it. I've had no problems with it. If you are interested in HRM's do more research into them. That's what I did. Consumer Reports is a great place to start.
  • Jedibeau
    Jedibeau Posts: 38
    I have a Polar FT7. The ones with a chest strap give the most accurate reading. You only need GPS if you want to track your distances and route. Once you hit "train" it will keep running and recording until you tell it to stop. The FT7 holds 99 training sessions, or you can get the Polar Flowlink and you can save your info to an online community that Polar has set up.

    I can't speak to other brands as I have never used them. I am VERY glad I got mine as it keeps me working at the right intensity and gives me an accurate reading of my calories burned. The chest strap is comfortable and I forget it is there. It was a very good investment.
  • Eponine7
    Eponine7 Posts: 161
    I have a Polar FT4 with a chest strap which I love. It keeps me motivated and allows me to continually check my heart rate during my workouts.
  • ibbray04
    ibbray04 Posts: 227 Member
    First of all, I'd do a "search" of these message boards and you'll find many posts about HRMs. That's what I did when I was making a decision.

    I have Polar FT4 and LOVE it.
    As for your questions:

    1- Do I have to wear the strap on thing to get heart rate and calories?
    The HRM without the strap is a lot less accurate than one with a strap.
    2- GPS...why??
    Not sure about this one; mine doesn't have a gps.
    3- Do I have to fidget with it during exercise or is it a "wear it and forget it" system?
    You totally forget it's on, no fidgeting at all.
    4- The stored data, is there pc software it downloads to?
    Mine stores 4 workouts I believe and it cannot be downloaded onto a PC. However Polar FT7 has that capability and stores many more workouts. I just didn't feel the need for that, so got the more basic one.

    Good luck!
  • DinaLKeil
    DinaLKeil Posts: 95 Member
    Hi all, I'm about to commit to buying an HRM. My first. I see several brands on Amazon; Polar, Timex, Nike, etc. But the features and prices vary wildly.. Also I noticed a common theme of complaints regarding communication issues between the watch and some other device that apparently needs to be worn as well. Can anyone just brain dump their experiences, likes, dislikes, and solutions to this thread?

    Some of my questions:
    1- Do I have to wear the strap on thing to get heart rate and calories?
    2- GPS...why??
    3- Do I have to fidget with it during exercise or is it a "wear it and forget it" system?
    4- The stored data, is there pc software it downloads to?

    Thanks

    BTW, friend me if you like. More is better :)

    At first I got one of those cheap ones from Walmart...at my Dr.'s recommendation. He said I should be trying to ensure I wasn't going into the anaerobic zone with my heart rate (which I appear to do every single time anyway!) So, the cheap one you pressed with your finger when you wanted a reading. I pretty much did it at the end of every song I listened to on my Ipod while exercising and at the end would have a calorie burn estimate. It would lose time (couple of minutes every day) which made me doubt its accuracy. Then for my birthday my husband bought me a step up from that with a Timex that has a chest strap (about $65 on Amazon.) You need to make sure the contacts are wet when you put it on (a forum recommended licking it, which works great.) The results are about the same. All you need to do is tell it when you are starting and stopping and it'll give you review option to see your calorie burn, heart rate average, etc. Every time, both HRM's say I burn a lot more than MFP so I just use the MFP number and keep the rest in my "calorie bank." The Polar ones seem to be able to sink up to the exercise machines which seems pretty neat. The Timex one seems to be a good fit for me once I figured out the licking thing. I figure if I want to get fancier with a bodybug or something like that, I can get it later on. Good luck :)
  • NPetrakis
    NPetrakis Posts: 164 Member
    Great data guys, thanks! My MFP pals recommended the Polar FT4 and FT7 as well.
    I think that's the direction I'm going to go for my first one. Keep it simple and see how it goes.
  • PrettyLittleLiar79
    PrettyLittleLiar79 Posts: 189
    I have one..I just bought a cheap one from Wal-Mart.

    I don't think you have to wear the chest strap to get calories burned and heart rate. I have found tho, with mine, I wear it to get a more accurate count. Plus it picks up on the machines, so I am not constantly checking my wrist.

    GPS is just for when you are walking and it will keep track of your route and then you can upload it. Pointless I think...You can just use your phone to tell you that. LoL

    And most you can just wear it and forget it. Mine sometimes when I am doing pushups it changes screens, so that is kinda a pain in the tush. But it still keeps track.

    Not gonna lie, setting mine up was a pain..So if you are wanting something simple and just basic, I would talk to someone directly at a sports store. It took me a bit to figure mine out, and had to stop myself a few times from throwing it. LoL

    And I think some of the HRM do come with a CD to download ur progress. Not quote me for sure tho.

    All in all tho, a HRM is best if you want accurate results. When I do the elliptical it is about 150 calories off from what I actually burn.

    Hope my input helps :flowerforyou:
  • vs1023
    vs1023 Posts: 417 Member
    Hi all, I'm about to commit to buying an HRM. My first. I see several brands on Amazon; Polar, Timex, Nike, etc. But the features and prices vary wildly.. Also I noticed a common theme of complaints regarding communication issues between the watch and some other device that apparently needs to be worn as well. Can anyone just brain dump their experiences, likes, dislikes, and solutions to this thread?

    Some of my questions:
    1- Do I have to wear the strap on thing to get heart rate and calories?
    2- GPS...why??
    3- Do I have to fidget with it during exercise or is it a "wear it and forget it" system?
    4- The stored data, is there pc software it downloads to?

    Thanks

    BTW, friend me if you like. More is better :)

    Here are my answers to your questions...

    1. I would recommend getting the kind with the chest strap if you want accurate readings. I don't know the actual science behind the technology, but I have always gotten the best readings with the chest strap. Honestly, you stop feeling it after a week or so of wearing it, so it isn't bad at all.
    2. GPS is great for those of us who want to track mileage on either our runs or bike rides. Also tracking pace. I don't currently have one on my current HRM but now that I run longer distances, I am looking to switch over.
    3. The only time I fidget with my HRM is if I want to change screens to see different information. 9 out of 10 times I don't bother until the end and just forget about it. I just have to remember to turn it on :)... now different models of the HRM may have large enough screens to show you more information than just one set.
    4. Some of the pricier HRMs allow you to download information to your computer / a specific site. I can do that with mine, but since I already log all my information on here, I am just happy it stays stored on my watch. I rarely go back, on my actual watch, to see what I did and didn't do. Then again, with running longer distances, I actually may start looking at the information differently, but this all depends on what purpose you are using your HRM... if its just for calorie counting... then I don't think you need to worry about downloading information.

    ITA with all of this. My biggest issue is to remember to turn it on when my workout starts, but the chest strap I barely notice. I even put it on before i go to the gym and wear it in the car on the way there, one less thing to do. I have the Polar F6 which can use a website and saves all my data, etc. I think it's pretty accurate and then I can just enter the cals burned right into MFP.
  • NPetrakis
    NPetrakis Posts: 164 Member
    ah I didn't know I could just manually enter calories burned. nice to know
  • joeygirl84
    joeygirl84 Posts: 224 Member
    i I LOVE MINE :) I'M SO GLAD I GOT IT....

    1- Do I have to wear the strap on thing to get heart rate and calories? YES, IT IS THE MOST ACCURATE. BUT YOU REALLY DON'T EVEN FEEL IT!

    2- GPS...why??
    3- Do I have to fidget with it during exercise or is it a "wear it and forget it" system? WEAR IT AND FORGET IT. THE ONLY TIME I FIDDLE IS IF I AM STOPPING ONE THING AND GOING TO ANOTHER ... OR TAKING A BREAK. WITH ONE SIMPLE MOVE YOU CAN PAUSE IT AND RESTART.

    4- The stored data, is there pc software it downloads to? NOPE... NOT MINE. IT'S ALL ON THE WATCH.

    I GOT THE POLAR FT4.
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