bezobraz

When the weather is nice I like to go walking outside. I also like my latin dance workout video. So, I figured I can benefit from having a heart rate monitor.

If you use one (or two) please share your experience.

Most of them have a strap for the chest. I am woried that this strap would be too small for me right now. Also there are some watches that do not use the strap. I am wondering how acurate they are.

Thanks in advance!!
Tonya

__________________

313/305/164/180/145
Highes/pre-op/current/Goal/Dream

Surgery: 5/5/2008, 100 lb lost October 27 2008, Wonderland Desember 22 2008

4 months out 232 lb (9/4/2008)
5 months out 221 lb (10/5/2008)
7 months out 200 lb (12/9/2008)
8 months out 198 lb (01/6/2009)
10 months out 186 lb (03/07/2009)
12 months out 179 lb (05/05/2009)
15 months out 168 lb (08/28/2009)

Gina in NY

hey there - sorry I'm late getting back to you here - I have used an Polar F4 from the beginning. It is very basic and fit me fine at 288 - it should be no problem. I mean, big men wear them too, so you shouldn't have a problem.

I have heard the F11 is the bomb though - a lot more programable, but it depends upon how much of a technophile you are. I dont want to figure out too much - just tell me my heart rate, how many calories I'm burning and I'm good.

Polar also synchs up with most cardio machines at the gym, if you go. So you dont have to hold onto those annoying handles!

Good luck and let me know if you need more info!! I've lost 140 pounds wearing that thing, so I know they are a geat tool!

__________________
TT Gym rat club member #5

JWinMN

I also have a Polar, an F11. Gina said this model is for a technophile- and she is right. It has a lot of extras, and as a result, you pay the extra $$. I ordered mine from their web site about 8 months ago. If I remember correctly, their chest bands come in 3 sizes, and each is adjustable- so you don't need to worry about getting one that does not fit. Customer service was very good.

Gina also made a point about the Polars being compatible with most of the machines in her local gym. Mine is compatible with most of the machines in my local gym, too. I spend a fair amount of time in the gym in the winter, so this is an important feature for me.

I encourage you to get a monitor. I use mine all the time in the gym, and while biking. Go to their web site, and read about the various models and features. I think a Polar heart monitor would be a very good tool to help you maximize the time and effort you spend in the gym.

bezobraz

Wow, I just noticed that Gina and JWinMN replied to my heart monitor question.

Thank you so much guys!! Those monitors are not exactly cheep, so I wanted at least some recommendations.

I really need to step up my exercise and I have to do it right. It is easier for my for work out with tapes. I turn on cartoon for my kids, and I go upstairs to exercise. I also go to the dance class, but it is only once a week.

However, to loose weight I need to do moderate walk-like exercise and I need to keep my heart rate constant at around 140-145. I really like my exercise doctor in my center. He explained to me why moderate pace works better then interval training. I still will do a class or two to build up my fitness level, but I really want to start walking every day.

All this weight has to go! Him and I are totally over

Thanks again!
Tonya

__________________

313/305/164/180/145
Highes/pre-op/current/Goal/Dream

Surgery: 5/5/2008, 100 lb lost October 27 2008, Wonderland Desember 22 2008

4 months out 232 lb (9/4/2008)
5 months out 221 lb (10/5/2008)
7 months out 200 lb (12/9/2008)
8 months out 198 lb (01/6/2009)
10 months out 186 lb (03/07/2009)
12 months out 179 lb (05/05/2009)
15 months out 168 lb (08/28/2009)