Any reccs for heart rate monitors? Do you use them?

bluejetta

I just found out I'm pregnant and plan to discuss exercise at my first appt.  I've been very active up till now and hope I only have to moderate a bit so that I can stay active throughout.

This is my first so I'm full of questions etc.  One thing my trainer suggested was a wrist worn heart rate monitor - there are so many out there that I'm looking for suggestions that are moderate cost, easy to use etc.  Any ideas? 

tokenhoser

Not necessary. You'll know when you're working too hard because you'll need to slow down to catch your breath. You'll feel nausea or lightheaded. That's when you slow down.

The "keep it under 140 bpm" is outdated advice with no science behind it. If my trainer said it, I'd consider a new trainer. That one is not keeping up with current research or recommendations.

MaiteRam

tokenhoser:

Not necessary. You'll know when you're working too hard because you'll need to slow down to catch your breath. You'll feel nausea or lightheaded. That's when you slow down.

The "keep it under 140 bpm" is outdated advice with no science behind it. If my trainer said it, I'd consider a new trainer. That one is not keeping up with current research or recommendations.

This!  And good luck!  I've been very active and so far, so good!   

Adog1178

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Adog1178

tokenhoser:

Not necessary. You'll know when you're working too hard because you'll need to slow down to catch your breath. You'll feel nausea or lightheaded. That's when you slow down.

The "keep it under 140 bpm" is outdated advice with no science behind it. If my trainer said it, I'd consider a new trainer. That one is not keeping up with current research or recommendations.

 

DITTO 

bluejetta

He didn't suggest because I need to keep my heart rate in a certain zone.  He suggested it because I'm a nervous nelly and he thought having the info might be helpful.  I don't think I need a new trainer.

tokenhoser

Well, why are you so nervous? I recommend educating yourself about exercise in pregnancy. It's much more effective than a heart rate monitor, and much more cost effective.

Exercise doesn't cause miscarriage. It doesn't hurt the baby - it helps grow a healthy placenta that nourishes the baby more effectively. I can recommend some great reading, but if what you want is a HR monitor, I guess that won't help.

drewsmomma

I used a Garmin Forerunner 305.  I got it when I was pregnant with my first child.  I am a runner and was told to watch my heartrate.  I tried to keep it close to 140 through both of my pregnancies.  It is scary at first, but you'll learn to listen to your body.  I ran through the first 24 weeks with my first pregnancy and through 37 weeks with my second.  Good luck!

MrsMitty08

I have one from Garmin that I use with my gps-enabled watch.  I started using it when we began TTC so I would have a baseline of my HR when I run.  It works well and I can upload the information alongside the data for my run.  The one I use goes around my chest.

POLAR brand is another well-known brand and I think a lot of theirs are wrist ones.