I Want to buy a heart rate monitor (for cardio)

[KimDW]

I have a question about heart rate monitors (during aerobics). I'd like to get one so I can track myself during aerobics. I've been on the sports authority website looking and have a few questions.

1. What is a good one to buy? I'd like to stay under $100.
2. Do I need to buy one with the chest strap? It seems like it would be so uncomfortable with wearing a sports bra.
3. Do the strap free ones work as well as those with straps?

Thanks for any tips.
Kim

 

[Dani53]

If you have access to Consumer Reports, they did a great article on them. You might look at their reviews.

 

[dlp252]

I know several people who have had just the wrist models and they seem to like them very much. For me personally, I can never seem to get my heart rate to register that way, I literally have to stop and stand still...in fairness, I've never had one of the nicer models, just cheapos.

I have a Polar A5 which I like very much. It was around $80 from QVC (website). It has the chest band and wrist monitor...I don't really notice the chest band anymore. You program in your age, weight, and height and it uses that together with your heart rate information to tell you your BMI, calories burned, how long in target zone etc.

 

[rmrmr]

I have a polar a5 and it works great for aerobics, running etc. Mine does have an adjustable chest strap-it fits snugly under my jogbra and doesn't rub. They also have the new jogbra made for chest straps, you should look into those also. You can check the Polar website for more info.

Diana

 

[Mckmain]

Hi Kim. I have use Polar HR monitors for about 7 or 8 years. Mine all have the chest strap and have cost between $99 and $250. The strap fits under my sports bra and isn't uncomfortable at all. The prices have come down over the years. I am not sure you can get a strapless one for under $100, but I could be wrong. Polar's website is www.polarusa.com. I can hardly do a cardio workout without one now! I got my first one mainly for running. Good luck......Carole

 

[trevor]

I too recommend anything Polar. I have one of their base models that just gives exercise time and a few other pieces of info like max and min rates, avg rate, time within my work range, and my actual work range.
I went with a base model simply because I do not believe the numbers you get with calories burned, etc. that some of the more advanced models have. I just think those numbers are more complicated per individual than just using some canned algorithm to calculate it. So, for me the extra money for one of those models is not worth it.
As for the strap, I hardly notice it and for the equipment I use at the club I don't need my wrist watch because the equipment picks up the signal from my strap. Something else to think about if you are looking for a strapless model which may not be able to be used in this manner.
Good luck!
Trevor

 

[KimDW]

Thanks for the ideas. Hopefully I'll be going to Sports Authority soon (I need new shoes also) and I can check out what they have. There is one that was in the Title Nine magazine that is $85 and it has a feature of a target heart alarm. I guess it alerts you when you go over or under your target zone and the watch is made for a woman's wrist size. Maybe I can wait until my birthday to ask for one. Thanks again, Kim.

 

[rcbinmichigan]

I have difficulty in our current home with the receiver getting a consistent reading, with both a Polar and a Reebok. The Reebok had all the features of the Polar, but I got it at Target for $49.95. I've always used chest straps, and they've never bothered me. What bothers me is the receiver not picking up the signal. I know it's s'pose to be EM (in our previous house it never happened), so if anyone knows a way to circumvent that I'd love to hear it.

Thanks.