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ok, so after just polishing off two boxes of cadburys fingers (a hefty 1545 calories!) ive decided its about time i bought a HRM so i could track how many calories i burn whilst I excercise (so i can either feel less guilty about eating too much or realise i need to move my butt even more at the gym!).  I've never used one before, so i don't really know what to look for, but i definately want it to count calories.  I'm pretty much clueless as to which brands are good and which are basically cheap tat, so can anyone recommend a decent one (preferably not too expensive though, but not one which id have to replace any time soon).  Thanks in advance

Wow cadburys fingers one of my all time favs but now just a xmas treat. Ok i have just bought a polar F11 it was on ebay for a reasonable price. Most people seem to be going for the Polar brand and the F11 is a middle range there is a cheaper F5 which will probable do the basics incl calorie counting. I currently can burn 900-980 in combat and i use it regularly to see how hard I'm working or not!

Good luck  and enjoy

john  

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Nunc Est Bibendum

ooo thats the one I'm looking at at the moment! but at nearly £90 i can't decide whether im not stingey to fork out that much lol, but good idea i'll check ebay.  Do you think its any good?  Is it possible see your %HR at different times of your workout afterwards, like on the computer or something?

and also, i know this may sound silly, but can you see the HRM strap under your clothes?

Before investing in a HRM do some research on Heart rate monitoring-I suggest Sall Edward's site.

As far as the actual HRM-be careful. You're going to spend a pretty penny to get what you want.  And to be honest, the calorie count is an average and not as accurate as you think. The most accurate HRM would allow you to put in your VO2 max-and you have to have the VO2 Max test done-it can be pricey at $200.00-and that's the low end.  I have the Sunnto T3 which allows you to put in your personal numbers-gender,age, your activity level, you estimated Max HR (it's a test that any knowledgeable trainer can administer-or a Sally Edwards certified instructor)-all that info gives me a more accurate read out of calories burned-but I still deduct 20% off the total.  I've read that when you use the cardio machines with calorie output-you should deduct as much as 50% from the total-that's how inaccurate it is.  I bought my Sunnto T3 for about $150.00-I spent that because I'm really into the HR training for my outdoor riding and it's ability to hold data and be dumped into a program.  The calorie output is just icing. 

You can go by LM guidelines on how many calories burned in a program.  It gives a broad range-and is in line with what my HRM tells me I'm doing in their programs.

PS-You'd have to do approximately 3 RPM or Combat classes back to back to burn off what you ate according to their research. 

Yeah I agree the F11 is the way to go. I've had mine since Feb and I'm really happy with it. I've had some interesting "discussions" (read arguments!) with people about the accuracy of the calorie count but, like anything it's a guide and at the very least the readout is a consistent reference for you personally (for example during a combat class if mine doesn't read that I've burnt over 500 calories by the end of track 5 I push myself harder for the rest of the class) so  I find it's just another tool to boost motivation and drive to get better results.

 Only recommendation I have is to think carefully about the colour as I bought a baby blue one, and well, let's just say I wish I'd bought black. ;)
 

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http://nzglen.blogspot.com/

BP-fan:

and also, i know this may sound silly, but can you see the HRM strap under your clothes?

 Some models are more clunky than others - but no you can't really see it. :)
 

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http://nzglen.blogspot.com/

Yes its good to look into it there is so many options i haven't got my head around yet. However when i joined another gym LA Fitness their health check involved using the test function on their F11 to help assess my fitness.

 

john

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Nunc Est Bibendum

Hi,

I have the Nike Imara HRM, which is specially designed for women.  The watch is smaller (not as chunky as a lot of the watches) and the chest strap is also quite a good size too.  It shows you the amount of calories burnt, average heart rate, and there is a setting where you can see your % heart rate and lots more functions.  I think from memory it was around £70 so not too bad a price.  I use my HRM for combat and pump and i find it works really well.  I never do a class without it now.

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KICK...SOME....BUTT!!!!!!!

Thanks for all your help, i couldn't really decide between the polar f6 and f11, but ive just plucked up the courage to order ther f11, cos i know i'd probably regret it if i didn't.  I wanted it in black or blue, but the site i ordered it from only had the pink 1 but it was free next day delivery and i'm far too impatient so i'll just have to live with it!! ooo i'm excited now

Good on you the F11 will keep you busy playing with all the options. I wouldnt worry about the colour i always wear a sweatband over mine keeps me from looking at it all the time.

john  

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Nunc Est Bibendum

I love my F11. You can do a fit test, count your calories,(roughly)  plan your weekly activities, check yer progress, turn off the beeping sound,  and it sends you little trophies at the end of the week if you do well. Hell you can use it to tell the time if you like and it probably does the dishes too....

One of the best features for me is that it is coded so it prevents crosstalk from other people who are wearing one...My old one used to pick up the local trams when I went out running or cycling so nothing was consistent, the F11 doesn't allow this to happen.  Dunno about pink though..I recommend that you buy a can of spray paint or nail polish. Enjoy it.It's a fun tool.

Bevx

well I got my F11 tday but god its confusing!!...I'm starting to think I should have got a simpler 1   I did the fitness test and got 57 which apparently is elite (i don't care if its not accurate, it's a good ego boost ) but when i was just sitting down trying to work out how to use it, my heart rate was apparently around 90, which is really high isn't it? so I don't get why thats happening.  And whats the difference between cal and kcal?? also, what is this ownzone limit? aaaargh!?!

hmmm i think this manual will become my bible for the next couple of days!

BP-fan:

I did the fitness test and got 57 which apparently is elite (i don't care if its not accurate, it's a good ego boost ) but when i was just sitting down trying to work out how to use it, my heart rate was apparently around 90, which is really high isn't it? so I don't get why thats happening. 

 

Simple; You are so excited learning your new HRM your pulse goes up which - accidently - confirm how good it is.

No, seriously; a restrate of 90 sounds fishy; either the emitter isn't properly fitted or it is flawed (or perhapes my joke wasn't so improbable as one might have guessed?).  I'd try to check the emitter.   Good choice, though both Suuntu and Reebok have good HRM's as well. As long as you feel satisfied that is good enough.

I've had Polar M22 earlier, but it only worked for +4years (!) so when it was time to replace it I too got myself an F11 and haven't regreted it a day (that purchase was 1½ year ago).  My wife has an F6 and it's that not much that differs; the program (if you choose to use it) mainly, so don't wonder whether you bought the right one or not.

Just don't live by the HRM; it isn't a hindsight, I use the HRM each time I train (attending or teaching, regardless) but I only use it to confirm/deny my shape for the given day ("How did I feel, I felt tired today. Oh, my, +700 - maybe my shape wasn't as bad as I thought" / "Damned that was good, *what?* only 400 @ bp? ah, must be yesterdays dehydration!" etc). 

It can help you be more selfaware, read your own signs better but it can *never* the "the truth".  It's a tool - no more, no less.

PS. ....and it works as a motivator in case you wonder whether you deserved that //whatever was righteous or not.  DS.

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When everything is said and done; you can say it's easier said than done! :-D

BP-fan:

well I got my F11 tday but god its confusing!!...I'm starting to think I should have got a simpler 1   I did the fitness test and got 57 which apparently is elite (i don't care if its not accurate, it's a good ego boost ) but when i was just sitting down trying to work out how to use it, my heart rate was apparently around 90, which is really high isn't it? so I don't get why thats happening.  And whats the difference between cal and kcal?? also, what is this ownzone limit? aaaargh!?!

hmmm i think this manual will become my bible for the next couple of days!

Nice work on the fitness test! I train my butt off and I'm not elite [though only 1 point off ;)]

To ascertain your resting heart rate make sure you're completely stationary for 5-10 minutes beforehand, and I mean completely stationary - even getting up to pick something up can increase your HR 10-20 beats I find.

Almost all references to a "calories" are actually references to the kcal - when someone refers to a Big Mac (for example) having around 600 calories, or having burnt 600 calories in a combat class - they are actually referring to kcal's (kilocalories - or approx 4.1 kilojoules). So, effectively consider any references to cals as kcals.

Does that make sense? 

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http://nzglen.blogspot.com/