Heart Rate Monitor?

Tim_Z · 12-26-2007, 09:07 AM

Thinking about getting a heart rate monitor to help with the HIT cardio. Anyone else use one? If so, any features you would consider a must and any that aren?t worth the cash? Additionally, any comments on brand and model would be appreciated.

ttouchton · 12-26-2007, 10:25 AM

I've had a couple of Polar models over the years. I currently use a Polar FS1. At the time I purchased this one all I was interested in was basic heart rate measurement and a fairly large display. It also provides setting upper and lower limits and will give the workout time with the average heart rate for that period.

I haven't done any HIT cardio training. The cardio work I've been doing is:

Elliptical 5 minutes - QuadMill 1 minute for 75 to 80 minutes (HR avg 133-135)
StairMaster 60 minutes with a constant heart rate of 140

I do about 3 cardio days a week.

I don't know if there are any specific functions that you would want for HIT. One thing I like about the Polar units is they work with the equipment we have at the gym. The StairMaster and the elliptical machines interface with the Polar's wireless transmitter. I don't know if others do that.

What are you doing for HIT cardio?

KimberleyRN · 12-26-2007, 10:32 AM

I just take my pulse for 6 seconds and multiply by 10.

chrisbute · 12-26-2007, 10:36 AM

When I'm indoors doing cardio, I use a Polar (the model escapes me now) and love it. It is a basic monitor that has alarms when max or min heart rate is reached. I use mine for all cardio and not just HIT.

They now have models where you can upload the data and graph results. When I'm outdoors I have a Garmin GPS that has a heart rate monitor. I love the upload feature alot!

The thing I find a bit cumbersome with both is the chest strap. The first 5 minutes feel a bit awkward. Newer models now have strapless transmitters. I haven't invested the time to research them, but it seems like a great feature if something happens to my existing monitor.

sean331 · 12-26-2007, 12:11 PM

I use a couple of Polar HRM's for all cardio. My objective is to stay in my target heart rate zone and to burn calories. So I require that the HRM can give me by no. of calories expended. The HRM's that most accurately assess your calories require you input your age, height, weight, and fitness level.

sytennison · 12-26-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttouchton

I've had a couple of Polar models over the years. I currently use a Polar FS1. At the time I purchased this one all I was interested in was basic heart rate measurement and a fairly large display. It also provides setting upper and lower limits and will give the workout time with the average heart rate for that period.

I believe this is the same model that my wife has and it has worked well. I had her set upper and lower heart rate thresholds and then had her doing body squats till she tripped the top threshold and then resting till she hit the lower threshold. That gave her quite a workout!

dot1 · 12-26-2007, 04:03 PM

I have a few, I am a dealer of Polar, I prefer the kind with coded chest strap. If you are in a class, spin for example, it will not pick up your buddies heart rate. Also it tells me how many calories I have burned and will even plan out a fitness routine if I want it to. A good investment.

Wildtim · 12-26-2007, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimberleyRN

I just take my pulse for 6 seconds and multiply by 10.

X2

I wonder if it's the medical training LOL I used to be an EMT.

rmreid · 12-26-2007, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dot1

I have a few, I am a dealer of Polar, I prefer the kind with coded chest strap. If you are in a class, spin for example, it will not pick up your buddies heart rate. Also it tells me how many calories I have burned and will even plan out a fitness routine if I want it to. A good investment.

Any deals for the over 35 crowd here who might want one?