Just grab a basic Polar Heart Monitor. They're great. I think mine is a T13 or something - very basic - it was thrown in when we bought our treadmill. It tracks how long you've exercised for, calculates the average heart rate, and also has the ranges so you can make sure you're between two values ie if you want to make sure your heart rate is between 100 and 150 beats per minute. I love it. Have a look on Ebay. I have thought about getting one to calculate calories and distance as well but can't justify it at the moment.
So how do they work? How will it know what my heart rate is? Does it go off your pulse, or just guesstimates, or what? What I'm worried about is that it turns out like a pedometer. Some of them are great, but others will rack you up 4 steps just for pulling your pants down.
You wear a strap around your chest just under your bra line. The front is a plastic (only about 10cm long) and the rest is extendable elastic. It is actually pretty comfy. The plastic bit has sensors on it which picks up your heart beat. You wear a watch that, when turned on to the correct setting, reads your pulse. Really quiet simple. And it is very accurate. The equip at the gym I go to also picks up my HR when I wear my belt thing... Soooo, no weighing down of pants
I was trying to say that I have a Polar Heart Rate monitor, which I love (and mine is pink).. I started off with a very basic polar which only read my heart rate, but I have since upgraded and the one I have now also tells you how many calories you have burnt (and it also keeps a record which you can download) it also has a few other features, like Ownzone.. so if you are using equipment at the gym it wont pick up other peoples machines etc.
You can lot lots of different brand etc on ebay, but with Polar if you buy on ebay you wont get your warranty (has to be purchased from an authorised polar dealer). I got mine from an authorised dealer online, prices for Polar start at about $100 depending on what features you want / need.
There are certainly cheaper ones out there though, even at the likes of kmart / big w. All sports stores will also sell them
I bought a Polar Heart rate Monitor!!! And am getting a tad obsessed! I have it on right now and can tell you that I am doing 98 bpm (beats per minute). I cracked 180 bpm while walking my DS to school this morning!!!! Pushing the pram up a steep hill. I know it's high... I have an over active thyroid which makes my heart go faster than most peoples. When i relax though it can get as low as 66 bpm. So it really varies.
I bought a mid range one... $199. Calculates calories and has OwnZone. It's red and has a pretty design framing the LCD reading that matches my diary! LOL Oh and it's comfy like MG said. Highly recommended
Reply With Quote
I have it on right now and can tell you that I am doing 98 bpm (beats per minute). I cracked 180 bpm while walking my DS to school this morning!!!! Pushing the pram up a steep hill. I know it's high... I have an over active thyroid which makes my heart go faster than most peoples. When i relax though it can get as low as 66 bpm. So it really varies. 
Bookmarks