Heart Rate Monitor Recommendations

TheWormys

Does anyone have a heart rate monitor they like and can recommend? I'm trying to more accurately measure the calories I'm burning while doing strength training workouts, but there are so many choices I'm feeling overwhelmed. TIA!

Sunidaze

As I updated in another post the other dad, I just got a Polar FT7 a few weeks ago and so far love it!  You get the calories, duration, heart rate, time spent in fat burning, time spent in fitness, etc.  Very simple and easy to use (I was using my husband's old sportline watch since he upgraded and all the different settings were so confusing).

TheWormys

Thank you. I was looking at them on amazon and they recommend the gel when you purchase a HRM - is the gel necessary?

Sunidaze

Some reviews I read made mention of using like an ultrasound gel or something, but I haven't had any issues with the monitor picking up my heart rate so, in my case at least, not necessary.

TheWormys

Thanks again!

Fitnessteach2010

I agree with the Polar. It comes with a chest strap and it is quite accurate. It will give you your heart rate, calories burned, etc. I recommend that to my members. Just remember the machines are incorrect. If you think you burned 300 calories on the treadmill, you didn't. The machine doesn't know your age and gender. 

mrscookiemonsta

I have the Polar FT40 and love mine! I didn't need the gel at all, sometimes if you can't get a heart rate, just dab a little water on the back of the strap and it will pick it right up.

JKohio

Polar is great! And a little dab of saliva works too. No need for fancy gels.

TheWormys

Thanks everyone! Sounds like Polar is the way to go. Just waiting for my birthday in two weeks to get my amazon gift cards.