Heart rate monitors

[Matiana]

Do I really need the one with the chest strap? Are the wrist ones not good enough? How about the ones that are part of the treadmill? Just don't know what to choose.
Marta

 

[DeanaMax]

In my experience the chest straps are more accurate. I like getting a constant reading and tracking my calorie burn. chest straps are better for that.

 

[hiitdogs]

I haven't been on a treadmill in years, I walk/run outdoors. But if I recall it right if you are on the treadmill you need to put your hands on the bar to get your heartrate.

That might be kind of inaccurate, and I found it hard to keep my hands on that bar while walking or running.

I now have a Polar F6 which I really love. I had one of those fancy schmanzy ones before that I just found too difficult to operate, I just want to get my heartrate and how many calories I burned, my pedometer tracks the distance.

I think it depends on what you feel comfortable with.

 

[Mckmain]

I agree with Deanamax that HRM's with the chest straps are the most accurate.

I also have the Polar F6 like Carola and love it.

 

[cindi1]

I agree with the others and ALSO have an F6 (pink - cute!). If you want to continuously monitor your HR and get a fairly good estimate of calorie burn then the chest strap is the way to go. If you want to just check your HR periodically during the workout, then the wrist only option, or the bars on the treadmill are fine.

I was reluctant for the longest time to use a chest strap becuase I thought it would be really uncomfortable. I actually got used to it very quickly and don't even notice it now. I only use it for cardio workouts/runs.

 

[Matiana]

Thanks for the input. Chest strap it is!

 

[goldenrun358]

I just got a HRM for my birthday and I haven't really gotten used to all the bells and whistles yet...but I LOVE IT! I went for a run this morning and was so impressed with it. It made the run seem so easy because of the cool gadget on my arm! I only ran 2.5 miles (or so), but my road is super hilly, and I burnded a lot of calories. Way more than I had anticipated. Mine has the chest strap. Hope you like yours!