Heart Rate Monitor or Smart Phone? Which helps more?

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  • kmoore02
    kmoore02 Posts: 167 Member
    If you do basic exercises the smartphone would be most useful however choose a phone with a good battery life.
    I personally use a HRM and a smartphone. I like to do hill sprints, yard work, weightlifting etc. There are other calculators out there that can calculate calories burned for running/jogging.
  • RBXChas
    RBXChas Posts: 2,708 Member
    I will also add that a friend has a HRM strap that works with an app on her iPhone (though I'm sure there are apps for Androids and Blackberries, too). I kind of like not having my phone in the room with me when I'm Spinning (plus when I run, I don't like to hold anything, so I use my iPod Shuffle clipped onto me and with my wristwatch-style HRM, my hands are free), but that's just a personal preference.

    My HRM is a Polar FT4 and cost me about $65 on Amazon. My new phone (LG Spectrum), with discounts and rebates, cost me $50 last Saturday. So do your research, and perhaps you can swing both!
  • wood2415
    wood2415 Posts: 53 Member
    Congrats!

    I have a iPhone and love it! I only use my HRM three times a week when running but, I use iPhone fitness apps every single day. I would get an iPhone first and then get a Wahoo Bluetooth HRM. It will connect with your iPhone. Good luck!
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    If you get a smart phone with WiFi, and autonomous GPS if that aspect is desired, you would not even strictly need cell service.

    Sync when you get back to WiFi. Preload maps before you go out. Ect.

    I don't think all those apps require absolutely cell service all the time.

    Just in case the thought of higher monthly charges for this is scaring you, or you already have cell service that does what you need.

    Kicker with this method, you'll have to find the phone somewhere cheap, because without a subsidized phone on a 2yr service contract - you get to pay full boat for it.

    That being said, plenty of folks looking to upgrade their iPhones to newer, and their older may be just fine.

    Not sure if the iPhones work without service though, or can be setup through WiFi totally.
  • suerun11
    suerun11 Posts: 136 Member
    This is why I love MFP, thank you all! It seems I can have the best of both from what most of you are saying....now to narrow down that best phone compatible with the HRM....What is the most affordable package...anyone know...good cheaper phone that would work with a HRM?
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