Heart Rate Monitors

kemo46 · November 6, 2011

Hello all, what type of heart rate monitor do you use while running or exercising? There are so many on the market and they range widely in price. I do not want to spend too much on one but I want one that works well and is user friendly. I like the watch style and I do not want a chest band. Any input would be appreciated, thank you.

Amanda131 · November 7, 2011

What I use will likely not work for you due to cost and having a chest band but I'll share anyway. I use the Garmin 305 GPS watch and heart rate monitor. I adore it because it tells me my speed, distance, overall time AND heart rate plus much more. I can download my runs to my pc and it uses GPS to download my exact path.

It cost $125 and I must wear the chest strap but the data I get from it is worth it. This watch is made specifically for running and cycling. I will literally return home for it if I forget it before a run. I have found great success with paying attention to my heart rate while exercising. Best of luck to you!

Amanda

Escape Pod · November 7, 2011

I have an older one with a chest strap, and am looking to replace it. I really wanted one without a chest strap, as I find mine to be uncomfortable, but as I did my research I found that the strapless ones aren't that great. In order to get a good reading you need to stop exercising for a minute or so, which of course means that your heart rate drops, and you're not getting a continous reading.

I ended up ordering a Polar FT40, which does have a strap.

Just my two cents...

LR6909 · November 7, 2011

I have a Polar I think it is an F7. My workout buddy bought all three of us one as a Christmas present last year--she got it off Amazon. I like using mine. When I got to work out at 24 hour fitness, the machines automatically pick up the signal.