Need heart rate monitor advice

[Pearlstrand]

I rarely wear a heart rate monitor (I own a Polar strap that works with my elliptical). However, I'd like to start monitoring my heart rate during higher intensity workouts.

I've looked at heart rate monitors online and I'm completely overwhelmed. I'd like a simple monitor. I don't need one that tracks calories, workouts, weight (and does my taxes and cleans my floors--although that would be nice). What I do need is an accurate, simple device so I can keep my heart rate out of the danger zone.

I'd prefer one without a chest strap, but I don't know how accurate the wrist-only devices are. I have small wrists, so it would have to adjust to about 5 1/2 inches.

I also don't have great eyesight, so it would be nice if it had an audible tone to let me know if I'm too high.

Thanks for your help.

 

[SheWolf]

I have a Timex HRM that I bought at Dick's for $30. I absolutely love it it is comfortable and easy to use. Now I will say that the calorie burn numbers are too high but you said you weren't even interested in tracking that. However as far as my HR goes it has always been right on, I have never gotten a reading that I was surprised with, it always right where I expect it to read. It's HR tracking ability was also rated good by Consumer Reports. HTH!

 

[Pearlstrand]

Linda, thank you! That sounds perfect! I don't care about calorie burn; I just want an accurate read on my heart rate. When I to count it manually, it seems way too high.

My Polar monitors are very inaccurate. They jump from absurdly low to alarmingly high, and half the time they don't read at all. I have more than one, so I don't think it's a battery issue.

Anyway, you've solved my problem -- cheaply and simply. Thanks for answering!