Heart Rate Monitor - Exercise Equipment - Home and Gym - Trainer's Corner

I've used Polar (they used to have a monopoly) and several other makes.   I even had one that stored and downloaded my HR chart onto my computer. (Back when I ran a lot, I was obsessive - didn't help with being overweight, though).

Look for a model that is wristwatch / chest strap combination.   If you're going to check HR while exercising, get one with large numerals (easier to read).   And if you want to be really lazy, there are even models that you can set so they alarm if you stray under or over your training range.

Overall, though, any model is better than not having one.

Bear in mind, however, that Peter has rightly pointed out several times in these forums how exercise is much less important than eating correctly.   I'm a battle-scarred veteran of many overexercising campaigns that didn't shift weight.

Nowadays, I stay below 10% body fat with a bit of cycling and 6 sub-10 minute weights sessions a week. Compare that to running 6 or 7 days a week (for 40+ minutes), working out 5 or 6 times (over 1 hour) and playing tennis 6+ times a week - all of that with 24 - 30% body fat!

All of which lengthy waffle was merely to point out that a cheap and cheerful heart rate monitor will probably do the trick!   (But is much less important than what you eat...)

NevD   :cool:

And if you're tempted to splash out on a deluxe monitor, restrain yourself. Buy the next model down, and spend what you saved on a body fat caliper. Much more useful!

Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com

Joined:	24 May 2005
Location:
Posts:	4178

Posted: 17 January 2006 08:29 pm

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Sorry, I know this is getting off the subject... but as NevD writes, I say that here, too. Point 2:

http://www.eatwellandexercise.com/

Can't emphasize it enough.

Peter :monkey:

Micromentor
New Member

Joined:	18 May 2006
Location:	Las Vegas, Nevada USA
Posts:	24

Posted: 19 May 2006 12:02 am

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I wanted to add an experience of mine that seems relevant. I have a middle of the line Polar that I use most of the time. When my trainer suggested that I add swimming to my routine I was reluctant to take my monitor into the water. I went out and got a Polar Beat, the bottom of the line, equivalent to the current FS1. Though it's only water resistant, it has worked for me in that capacity until I moved and changed my routine. I still use it as a backup. I have had other monitors also. My first was an Acumen Basix Plus that lost the set button during exercise making it unusable. I had a Cardiosport that worked OK but I upgraded to the Polar when my routine got more complicated and I gave it to a family member. It still works for them. My Polars have been banged around in the gym with no problems, where it's what probably broke the Acumen. It may be that you get what you pay for but you need not pay for many features you won't actually use. Do your homework. Many websites do a resonable comparison. Start with a cheaper more basic featured design, then upgrade if it's inadequate for your needs. Go to a sporting goods store to actually look at them if you shop online. Many cheaper monitors that look metal online are actually plastic.

Micromentor

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