Do HR Monitors Work?

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  • smrtcar
    smrtcar Posts: 104 Member
    I use my Ant+ sensor on my iPod Touch with my Ant+ enabled Timex chest strap. I use the Digifit App to track my Spins, Runs, Walks, and I find it really accurate. I'm down 10 pounds in 6 weeks too.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    I didn't know there were HRM with GPS. Thanks for letting me know!
    I just bought myself a Garmin Forerunner 410 this week with my birthday cash. I get to try it out for the first time tonight and I'm excited that I won't have to have three different things going (HRM watch, Cardio Trainer and Interval apps on my phone) while I run. It was getting to be a hassle to start and stop them all!
  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    best investment you can make=HRM

    also keep in mind-the more fit you become your calorie burns will decrease (I used to burn 70 calories per mile I run-now I am lucky if I get up to 55. I really have to crank up my speed and go longer to achieve the same calorie burn from say 6 months ago. Also-when I quit smoking, I noticed my calorie burn decrease as well-more oxygen more efficient.
  • dgm1973
    dgm1973 Posts: 1 Member
    I bought the polar FT4 and I also love it. My treadmill was calculating about 100 calories more than my heart rate montior. I love the polar FT4 because while working out you can make sure you are staying within your "target zone". So when I see I'm falling below my "target zone", I speed it up.

    Before my treadmill was calculating that I was burning about 250 calories for a 20 minute jog/fast walk, but with my HRM, I know I have to stay on for at least 30 minutes to burn the same amount of calories.

    I just bought mine about a week ago, but I'm sure I'm going to see quicker results because I'm pushing my self harder to burn more calories.

    The polar FT4 comes with a chest strap, and I can't even tell I have it on.

    Good luck!!
  • KellieNause
    KellieNause Posts: 27
    Absolutely invest in a HRM! There are times when MFP is wayyyy off, either way too high or way too low. The same can be said for the equipment at the gym. The elliptical there will report that I burned 305 calories doing 45 minutes of exercise, where my heart rate monitor will report 500+. A HRM is the greatest tool to accurately judge where you are and where to continue from there. Go to Amazon and buy your HRM, though. I got a polar, not sure which one but it's pink. I got it for $60 on Amazon, and saw the same one at ****'s Sporting Goods for $120
  • AmandaLAcosta
    AmandaLAcosta Posts: 87
    I have found that MFP is VERY generous with cals burned..
    I have found that a HRM with chest strap is the most accurate. You dont even notice that you are wearing it.
    I have the polar FT4.. Worth the 60$ investment.
    I have lost more weight since using the HRM and have noticed that over the months I have to push myself harder to hit my target heart rate..

    I highly suggest a HRM..
  • pinkpostittwirling
    pinkpostittwirling Posts: 27
    I just did P 90 X Kenpo, which I thought is similar to judo/ karate/ boxing, and tried to log it as such. MFP told me at my weight, for 30 mins, I burned about 300 calories. I thought about it, and that can't be right. My heart gets racing a lot faster when I'm doing 2 minute aggression drills (hitting a pad, non-stop, with as much intensity and speed as I can) then it does during the whole Kenpo work out. There has to be degrees for this. Fighting a person must burn way more calories than doing poses in front of a TV screen.

    My point-- should I invest in a heart rate monitor? Are they accurate and worth the money? Or should I just be careful when I'm eating my exercise calories?

    Polar Heart Rate Monitors (in conjunction with tracking calories) are very effective!! I believe in them strongly! Using one when I work-out plus tracking my calories is how I've maintained my weight within 3-5lbs for the past 3 years! ;) Well worth the investment, they last a long time and changing the battery only costs about $20 and lasts for about 2-3 years.
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