Heart rate monitors

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Heart rate monitors
12
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 6:17pm

Who has one and what type do you have? I want a watch type one- not the band around my chest. Also, do you think this is a useful item to buy?

Ann

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 6:27pm

the watch type monitors INCLUDE a band around your chest. at least, i've never seen one that doesn't. that's the part that takes your HR and then it is displayed on the watchy part.


i have a polar heartrate monitor. it was one of their cheaper ones. i bought polar so that it would be compatible with the cardio machines at my gym - i love that feature... if you wear the chest band

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 6:29pm

I'm biased about using heart rate to monitor how hard you're working.






iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 6:34pm
Going by heart rate doesn't work for me.





iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 6:38pm
just to clarify what jean is saying - it's not that heart rate monitors are inaccurate, they are very accurate. what jean is saying is inaccurate
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 6:43pm
Thanks--I need you as my translator!





iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2004
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 8:38pm

Hi Ann!

I have a Polar HR Monitor and it helps me with my cycling classes. Most cycling instructors will recommend getting one. I learn to be more efficient in my breathing because of the monitor. If I'm breathing too hard, my HR goes really high. Once I do some calming breaths, it goes down. I occasionally use it for Body Step, but I usually forget to bring it with me to the club!

Laura

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2003
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 10:36pm

I have a MIO watch. It doesn't use a chest band, you have to place two fingers on the sensors whenever you want your heartrate. I got it when I was pregnant because of obvious reasons. It was useful, but a pain in the butt because you have to keep your hand on your watch to get your heartrate. I don't use it anymore, I am pretty good at knowing my heartrate because of all the martialarts training I am pretty aware of my body. Sorry, I don't mean to sound like I'm too good for a heartrate monitor, its just not worth it to me right now.

Paula

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 01-14-2005 - 6:20am
OH! i've never heard of that kind of monitor where you put your finger on it! i stand corrected. that sounds pretty inconvient to have to put your fingers on it, i'm glad i have the other kind.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Fri, 01-14-2005 - 7:27am
I am a HRM addict. For me, it's fun to see where I am during different workouts especially compared to the way I feel. I have a Polar A5. It does have the chest strap. I have heard the ones without the strap are not as accurate because the pulse isn't as strong and of course, your wrist is farther away from your heart.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 01-14-2005 - 8:22am

That's what that trainer was talking about--that you can probably judge how hard you're working better than going by your heart rate, esp. for people who've worked out.


A bit of trivia I got from an AFAA workshop was the reason they used to take heart rates every 10-15 minutes was that they would have to pile






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