Heart rate monitor - JP Fitness Forums

mrman · 02-05-2008, 08:27 AM

Hi,

I was wondering are any of you guys using a heart rate monitor while training? I've been thinking of buying a Suunto T6 but I'd like to get second opinions...
I'd be using it while working out at the gym (Crossfit style and interval rowing) and running, cycling and skiing outside, too.
T6 seems to be quite a complete package as it measures not only the heart rate but your EPOC too so you can use that to assess the quality of your training. It has good software packaged with it too.
Any comments? Thanks!

baffled111 · 02-05-2008, 08:30 AM

I have the basic Polar F4, and I wear it while doing cardio and lifting. I love it. The numbers are only estimates, but I find it very motivating and informative. I like the objective evidence that I could be pushing harder or that I'm working very hard. I've been wearing mine for nearly a year and have no plans of stopping.

karky · 02-05-2008, 08:31 AM

I've got one. Never heard of the model you're thinking of though.
Can it accurately calculate EPOC? I think that will be hard as it probably differs a great deal from person to person.

mrman · 02-05-2008, 09:42 AM

Here are the specs:
Suunto - Suunto t6 Story - SUUNTO t6 Heart Rate Monitor - Wristop Computers

As I understand it, it measures EPOC (and many other readings) accurately as described here: Firstbeat Technologies - FAQ (this is the company Suunto leased the technology from).

dcjoey · 02-06-2008, 06:54 AM

This is the one I have, works great and have no complaints.

Amazon.com: Timex Triathlon Digital Heart Rate Monitor Watch #T5C351: Jewelry & Watches: Timex

AnnetteW · 02-06-2008, 07:32 AM

I use mine all the time when I do any cardio work. I have a polar f11 and I will make sure I try to stay above a certain HR, and I'll do HR intervals, up to 90% then down to 70% or things like that. I alternate higher and lower HRs depending on the song on my Ipod, etc. But I always work harder with it on. Those numbers push me. And I can see how I've improved too. I use to never be able to easily work in the upper 80 - lower 90 percents, but now I do easily.

Tom@foresight · 02-29-2008, 08:00 AM

I love HEart Rate Monitors, great for use with myself or with clients.

Found the CArdio Sport ones to be very good.

TOM

tadetlugn · 06-16-2008, 08:20 AM

I also think that the Polar F11 heart rate monitor is very good. It has the Polar Fitness Test so you know how your fitness is progressing with time and training. There is a long list of specs, enough to keep most people happy.

GinnyLou · 06-16-2008, 09:01 AM

I also have the Polar F11 and love it.

Aiken Steve · 06-19-2008, 11:08 AM

I also have a Polar F11 and use it for cardio and weight lifting. For cardio intervals I stay between 70% and 95%. For weight lifting, I let my HR drop to 70% before moving to the next set. When lifting, my HR routinely hit 100% or more during squats, DL's, and chinups to failure and pushups to failure.

I find it using a monitor to be very useful.

The Polar monitors are designed to work with a lot of gym equipment, and that is very useful but you can experience some interference if someone nearby is also using one. I have often wished that the design engineers had added an ability to disable this capability or added an ability to shift to a spread spectrum signal between the watch and chest monitor for those times when interference is present. It doesn't happen too often, but when it does you can get some very odd readings.

rookie · 06-19-2008, 01:50 PM

I have one in a drawer in my dresser. I never got used to using one. But it is an Omron and worked well.

Blackjack · 06-20-2008, 12:39 PM

I would recommend the Polar due to the fact that most pieces of cardio equipment I've used while traveling for business will pickup the signal from the Polar chest strap and display on the machine. That's kind of cool. Not sure if that works with other brands, since I've only had a Polar one. For what it's worth.