Hardcore Fitness Maniacs for 8/3

[meowracer]

Lora - we posted at almost the same time. I have the Polar F11 and it does require a strap. As I understand it, when the battery goes, I may have to send it in but I'm not sure, nor am I pleased about that but so far, the battery has lasted. I had problems with the strap but like the older type of strap - I had one that came with a machine and it works perfectly. It shows HR all the time so you don't have to push a button. This is the model Diane Sue has too, I think. I have heard that unless you wear a strap, the models that use your wrist pulse are not as accurate.

 

[WD]

I got my 7/8" thick puzzlemats from Great Mats today My grandson and I have been putting them down in my workout room and moving things around. The only thing I am not happy about is I have to leave my closet door open because it won't go over the thickness of the mat. I used 18 of them and covered most of the floor. It was some work lifting up the Bowflex and the treadmill to put them down. My grandson slid them under while I lifted things. Got an extra workout

Lora, Extremely Ripped is 80 minutes if you do the 4 min w/up both 30 minute workouts and the abs and stretch which comprise another 16 minutes. Also you could do one 30 minute and then part of the second one if you like. I follow the exercisers in the back that use a step. I also go a heavier than Jari. Generally what the back exercisers use. You really should try it. I have heard some say they heard bad reviews but I like it myself.
I have the Polar F11. It does have the strap and both the strap and warch have batteries. I have had mine for for 15 months and never had the battery changed in the watch. I did change one in the strap but it may not have needed it because I realized that the laundry soap I was using had fabric softener in it and you are not supposed to use fabric softener on it. Once I switched everything worked great. I bought a battery for the watch itself but have not attempted to change it myself since I have not had anymore problems. You are supposed to send them in to have the battery changed. I like the strap that came with it because it is soft. Not stiff and feeling like you are wearing plastic.

Debbie and Linda, I started out doing the 1RM thing and never finished. I just did the workouts and would go as heavy as I thought I could go and if it was too much I would lower the weight and start over. Once I was done with week 1 I pretty much knew what to have ready. Now if I go back it should be pretty easy to just try to beat my top weights.

 

[lorajeanne]

Thanks for the info on HRM's but I can't wear a chest strap and I don't want to send it somewhere for the battery.

I found this Epulse. The latest in strapless technology, but it takes triple AAA batteries and is as bulky as an ipod and is worn on your forearm. The only downside I see is that it doesn't display what percentage of your max that you are at.

http://www.amazon.com/Impact-Sports...&m=A3H9V1EMGQSHX7&s=hpc&qid=1249346129&sr=1-3

I can't decide if I should try it or not, as the reviews are mixed. I know I can't stand chest straps, as I'm too sensitive