Need help choosing! To buy a HRM or running shoes?

hello77kitty
hello77kitty Posts: 260 Member
edited October 5 in Fitness and Exercise
I am budgeting myself to one...I really want the Polar Ft7, I can buy it now for $78 shipped. But I also really want some fitted running shoes. I've found that running helps me to lose weight quickly..more so than elliptical/aerobics like Leslie Sansone's dvds. I guess running just really gets my HR pumpin! Anyway, I suffer from posterior shin splints. They have been not as bad lately, but I would just like to be able to run anywhere, not have to go to the gym and use the treadmill. I noticed I get worse splints whhen running on concrete.

Anyway..since the holidays are upon us I know I need to save $$ for people's gifts, plus I am going to be in a wedding in Feb!

Replies

  • its_betty
    its_betty Posts: 104 Member
    Shoes.

    The shoes will help you exercise and get fit. The HRM only measures the level of fitness you are attaining.
  • garlic7girl
    garlic7girl Posts: 2,236 Member
    SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Shoes... not even a question.
  • Babieseverywhere
    Babieseverywhere Posts: 311 Member
    I would buy shoes first.

    Could you get fitted for shoes and ask for last years range if possible. I did that and my shoes cost only £30 when the 'this year's range' would of started at £80. That way you might have some money left over for a cheap HRM to tide you over ?
  • gaylelynnbell
    gaylelynnbell Posts: 248 Member
    A pair of good shoes is a necessity...an HRM is an accessory!!
  • cediyam
    cediyam Posts: 181 Member
    Get the shoes. It would be hard to us the HRM if you can't work out due to bad footwear.
  • unmitigatedbadassery
    unmitigatedbadassery Posts: 653 Member
    Shoes. For the reasons above.
  • sing4me4you
    sing4me4you Posts: 88 Member
    Definitely shoes
  • RAFValentina
    RAFValentina Posts: 1,231 Member
    NEW SHOES! A heart rate monitor doesn't stop you burning calories! Badly fitting trainers do when you get injured and can't work out!
  • kyrstensmom
    kyrstensmom Posts: 297 Member
    Shoes. Nothing is worse than running in shoes that don't properly support your feet. I had terrible leg pain when I started running earlier this year....it was so bad that I stopped and didn't start again until 2 months ago, but this time I got fitted for proper shoes and I have had ZERO leg pain...if only I had known I would have purchased those shoes months ago.
  • horror_hamster
    horror_hamster Posts: 278
    if you need them, then shoes.

    But it's all about what you are going to put as your priority. Do you only run occasionally and therefore depend on other exercises to help you lose? Do you eat back your exercise calories? have you been consistently losing weight without the HRM and can therefore continue without it until after the holidays, etc.

    I'd say if you need them, get the shoes, but if you eat back your calories and would like to more closely monitor your true calories burned, then HRM.
  • mcjabber
    mcjabber Posts: 374 Member
    Shoes. I love my HRM, but when I got fitted for the right shoes, my shin splints went away completely. Even on concrete. Even after 20 miles at a time.
  • therealangd
    therealangd Posts: 1,861 Member
    Shoes.
  • AmyW125
    AmyW125 Posts: 303 Member
    SHOES!!!!!
  • anubis609
    anubis609 Posts: 3,966 Member
    Zapatos.
  • jessilyn76
    jessilyn76 Posts: 532 Member
    Absolutely, positvely shoes!!
  • seven8seven
    seven8seven Posts: 58 Member
    SHOES! GO FOR THE SHOESSSS =)
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Shoes. You risk a disabling injury if you continue to run with the wrong shoes. Shin splints can lead to stress fractures and you could be sidelined for a long time.

    And don't run on concrete, it's the worst possible surface for your joints and shins. Even asphalt is better.
  • jlemoore
    jlemoore Posts: 702 Member
    Get the shoes. Put the HRM on your Christmas Wish List!
  • Debbe2
    Debbe2 Posts: 2,071 Member
    Great fitting, comfortable shoes :smile:
  • MLeigh18
    MLeigh18 Posts: 120 Member
    Anyway, I suffer from posterior shin splints. They have been not as bad lately, but I would just like to be able to run anywhere, not have to go to the gym and use the treadmill. I noticed I get worse splints whhen running on concrete.

    go for the shoes. Your body is a natural HRM essentially. You know when your HR is up and you know when it's down. If you feel it can go higher, it probably can. No need to actually watch the numbers on a monitor. Just listen to your body.

    as for the shin splints: first make sure you dont have a stress fracture. secondly, check out the way you're running, where you're running and your running shoes.

    1. be sure to run on your toes. yes, it's awkward at first and yes it feels and looks funny but this is a surefire way to not get shin splints. I've suffered from shin splints for about 10 years now, i'm experiments on my running to see what causes shin splints and what doesnt. I've noticed that if i pick my knees up a little higher than normal while running it makes me run more on my toes. *especially when i'm tired and just want to stop- so try picking up your knees a little more and running on your toes more.

    2. treadmills are the WORST place to run. they can cause serious injury because there's no give back from what you give to it. Same with concrete, which is why your shins hurt as well. Try running on soft surfaces, like grass, dirt, a track(indoor or outdoor). softer surfaces allow for a better response to your body when it impacts the ground. also, if you're shins hurt back off the hills and quick turn arounds. Take it easy for awhile, ice your shins, take ibuprophen, stretch and massage them.

    3. make sure you know what kind of foot you have and what kind of shoe you need. If you're flat footed you need arch support, without it you're giving yourself plantar fascitis and shin splints. Saucony makes excellent running shoes for all different runners and their website has great direction to find the specific shoes you need. Extreme overpronation and under pronation can cause serious shin splints, so you really need to be aware of what type of shoe you need.

    hope this helps.
  • Silvercivic
    Silvercivic Posts: 156 Member
    About a month ago I bought some new running shoes- I tried a bunch and ended up loving a pair of Saucony shoes. Turns out my mom and my good friend also run with Sauconys! They were the cheapest of all the shoes I tried on- go figure! These shoes made a huge difference in my workouts. It feels great to run and not feel pain.

    So yeah- no brainer... go with the shoes :)
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 Member
    HRM!!!!

    OK - just kidding... definitely the shoes. I love my HRM, but don't need one unless my HR is up in some comfy running shoes.
  • hello77kitty
    hello77kitty Posts: 260 Member
    if you need them, then shoes.

    But it's all about what you are going to put as your priority. Do you only run occasionally and therefore depend on other exercises to help you lose? Do you eat back your exercise calories? have you been consistently losing weight without the HRM and can therefore continue without it until after the holidays, etc.

    I'd say if you need them, get the shoes, but if you eat back your calories and would like to more closely monitor your true calories burned, then HRM.

    Yep, such a tough choice. I've lost weight wiithout a hrm, I eat back my exercise cals sometimes, depends how hungry I am lol. I am kind of scared of spending so much $$ on shoes. I have never spent more than $60 on shoes, oh well..hopefully it will cure the splints!
  • LadyGhostDuchess
    LadyGhostDuchess Posts: 894 Member
    SHOES!
    I love my new shoes! I figured they would help me out better than the HRM. And they have been one of the best things I have received!
  • gashinshotan
    gashinshotan Posts: 749 Member
    Shoes first then HRM as you get more serious...... but on a side note why is everyone not noticing that they can get the ft7 for 70 shipped on Amazon? I got mine for 72 with expedited shipping....
  • Iluvchopsticks
    Iluvchopsticks Posts: 130 Member
    Another vote for shoes!!!! A good pair of shoes is invaluable for running and can help prevent injury.
  • juscallmeb
    juscallmeb Posts: 369 Member
    shoes! otherwise if you run and your shin splints lead to something worse, what good will the HRM do you?!

    :)
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