Heart Rate Monitor Watches

[Wienie]

I've been thinking of purchasing a Heart Rate Monitor but don't know where to start, what's good, what's not. Can anyone give me any feedback on products they've used and liked or disliked?
I recently saw a small article in Shape magazine about the MIO watch from PhysiCal. (see www.gophysical.com) It does not use a chest strap. It monitors your heart rate by placing two fingers on sensors on the watch face. From what I can tell, it will read a percentage of your max heart rate, after you key in personal details, and how quickly your heart returns to resting rate. What I don't think it does, is advise how long you've been at your target rate. That seems to be an important factor, at least for me.
This initially sounded like a good alternative to a bulky chest strap.
Anyone have any info on this or any other HRM watches?
Appreciate any help.
Jeanne

 

[amynicole]

Hi have a polar pacer model. It does not count calories, but does tell you how long you have been in the target heart zone and you can set it to beep at you if you go out. I love it. I did see that same add for the watch without a strap and was really intrigued by it. The strap does not bother me, but given a choice I would take a monitor without a strap anyday. Defenately worth looking into. You might find out if you have a chance to return it within a time limit if you are not happy with it. Whatever your decision I'm sure you will like having a monitor. It is really eyeopening and can help you reach your fitness goals.

 

[Marianne]

I have the polar heart rate monitor and like it a lot. I thought about the one you are talking about, but decided I didn't like to take the time to stop exercising and take my pulse.

With the polar you just look down at your wristband and your pulse is always there. It's easy to glance down anytime you are exercising without stopping.

 

[DebbieH]

Hi Jeanne!

There is a good thread about Heart Rate Monitors. Go to the top of your page and click on the search button. Put in Heart rate Monitors as your KEYWORD, Search: ALL FORUMS and ALL FIELDS, for the past YEAR! If you have trouble finding it let me know and I'll E-mail it to you. (It is the post from Shakeubooty on January 9th. ) Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH

 

[Wienie]

RE: Hi Jeanne!

Thank you all for your help. This points me in the right direction. Debbie, I did do a search, as you suggested, (duh, I should have looked there first) and definately got some good ideas. It sounds like the MIO may not have enough bells and whistles, especially the THR time.
Again, thanks for your help.
Jeanne

 

[Thorr]

>I've been thinking of purchasing a
>Heart Rate Monitor but don't
>know where to start, what's
>good, what's not. Can
>anyone give me any feedback
>on products they've used and
>liked or disliked?
>I recently saw a small article
>in Shape magazine about the
>MIO watch from PhysiCal.
>(see www.gophysical.com) It does not
>use a chest strap.
>It monitors your heart rate
>by placing two fingers on
>sensors on the watch face.
> From what I can
>tell, it will read
>a percentage of your max
>heart rate, after you key
>in personal details, and how
>quickly your heart returns to
>resting rate. What I
>don't think it does, is
>advise how long you've been
>at your target rate.
>That seems to be an
>important factor, at least for
>me.
>This initially sounded like a good
>alternative to a bulky chest
>strap.
>Anyone have any info on this
>or any other HRM watches?
>
>Appreciate any help.
>Jeanne

 

[Thorr]

Hello Wienie: Hope you don't mind an answer from a male ..... I also have the polar chest strap type ,, just the basic without bells and whistles .
It works great , I have tried other brands which don't seem to work on me . Polar also has a sport bra with monitor in it.
I also have a pulse watch but I have to stop to use it and don't always get good results

Good Luck with your purchase !!!