Heart Rate Monitor during exercise

JES5757

Hi ladies,

I've regularly exercised my whole life, and have had a very low resting heart rate.  With this pregnancy my heart rate has gotten much higher, which I know is normal, however my doctor wants me to start wearing a heart rate monitor during my workouts.  Does anyone use one? Do you have a suggestion of an easy one?  I don't need anything fancy, just want to be sure my pulse doesn't go above 140.

Thanks!

FutureMrsCaesar

The whole keeping your heartrate under 140 is outdated advice.  They now go by RPE or rate of perceived exhaustion.  See this chart for details https://www.pregnancy.com.au/pregnancy-information/exercise-and-pregnancy/pregnancy-workout-guide.shtml

When I was pregnant with my first I only walked because I was afraid of getting my heart rate too high, but over the past 7 years the recommendations have changed and now, as long as your are low risk and have been working out prior to becoming pregnant, you can continue most exercises.  Staying hydrated is very important and listen to your body as you get bigger.  I have been taking my normal fitness classes, body sculpting, kickboxing, barre, boot camps, etc plus some all cardio days and did the same with my last pregnancy.  My heartrate definitely gets over 140 but I feel fine and my Dr is okay with it.

ETA, sorry i never really answered your question.  The Polar FT4 is what I have and it's pretty inexpsive on amazon.  My husband also has the Polar monitor that syncs with your cell phone so you don't have to wear the watch if you have your cell phone on you.  

surferP528

Can you ask any friends if you can borrow theirs? My friend lent me one but I honestly wore it only one time and then disregarded it.  I, too, have heard that the 140 is outdated advice and my doctor said to pay more attention to being able to breathe easily. You should be able to carry on a conversation while you're working out.

I do crossfit, and even after extreme modifications, I felt there was nothing I could do that had my heart rate stay below 140. 

JES5757

Thanks ladies. I'm having the same issue trying to stay below 140. I feel like my exercise routine is taking a big hit. I'll check out the polar.

ragand10

I have a Garmin that I wear constantly and they have a heart rate monitor that goes with it too.. There's also an app you can download also which when you sync he Garmin with the app downloads, your sleep patterns, hearts rate, steps etc.

Ceridwen77

I also use the polar ft4. It's inexpensive and does the job.

GinnyJ2012

I have a Fitbit charge HR, but it's a bit pricy. my HR has been 155 when waking, and 170 when jogging with my stroller and kids. It weighs about 110lbs after the kids are added. I don't feel like I'm working harder than pre-pregnancy. I also know my resting HR had changed from 58-62 to 73-75.

Sarcasm101

I also use a fitbit and really like it.

I agree that the 140 bpm is outdated. My doctor told me if I can sing, I am not working hard enough. But I should be able to talk, even if its breathy.

roo1oo

DH has a Fitbit Charge HR and likes it. I have never used a heart rate monitor though my Garmin running watch came with one. I go by the PRE, and make sure that if I start getting out of breath I rest for a moment. The further along I get, the easier it is for me to get out of breath, so I just have to do a little less, or take a little longer doing it. NBD, I'm still getting the benefits of exercise!

jmjarling

The fitbit is NOT ACCURATE!!!! If you want a wrist monitor go with Garmin. I havr the same issue i work out my heart rate will hit in the mid 200's. I don't use one when i work out i can tell when my heart rate spikes....so i take a break walk around drink water sometimes I'll go home lay down eat then go back to the gym. I found thr higher protein meal I eat for breakfast before the gym the better my heart rate is during work out. I keep a monitor in my bag for my finger if i need to check it. (the one that clips on your index finger tells your O2 as well.)

jmjarling

If you have a normal heart rate when working out fitbit is okay but it isn't accurate over 160. I work in medical field.....and they are great device's, but dont recommend to anyone who has to monitor their heart rate for anything.

GinnyJ2012

I've never had problems with my Fitbit being off. It matches a wrist count and heart rate tracker on fitness machines. I've never had my HR get over 175 on any reading. Maybe I'm just lucky.