Is it hard to adjust to a HRM?

[Red Rock]

I recently overdid my ride on the weekend. See ride reports for Saturday if intrested. This is not the first time I have done this. So I thought of using a HRM. A few questions though.

1. Are they hard/easy to adjust using while training? I have never used one before for either cycling or running but after this, it will put me in the right "zone" so I do not overdue my exercise again.

2. Recomendations for a "basic" version that can be used cycling and running? I have a SigmaSport Shapewatch. I checked out their website and they do not even list it as product anymore. I'm not sure how it will do in both cycling and running.

Oh, I am working with my doc on all of this. When I go in and see him, I will mention the use of the HRM and see what he says.

Thank you,
Red Rock/Ellen

[colby]

Generally you adjust them to your zones, then you use the monitor to tell you your heart rate, what zone you are in, and possibly alarm you when you exceed a certain rate/zone. You usually do all that setting up of stuff ahead of time, so when you're riding most days, you just put on the heart monitor and use it to see how hard you're working (or overworking, or not working, as the case may be). That would probably be where you start anyway, though some HRMs have a test you can run through that it uses to predict your zones, or if you already have some sense of your zones and relatively how things work, you can use the HRM as feedback and then dial in the data as you go.

Features add $. If you want calories burned, customizations, GPS, add-ons, that all adds $. A basic heart monitor will work no matter what you're doing - you just strap it on and go. Polar has some good base models that do that (and many that do that+calories), they've been into the heart monitor thing for a long time, and you should be able to get one for <$100.

[Red Rock]

Thank you Colby. I have been looking at them. The Polar that is. I really do not need many features. I guess it is not hard to add on the list of things to have when running or cycling and use. It's the use part that I was wondering about. Once you have your parameters set up, it should be easy to use from there.

Thank you,
Red Rock

[lo123]

Thank you Colby. I have been looking at them. The Polar that is. I really do not need many features. I guess it is not hard to add on the list of things to have when running or cycling and use. It's the use part that I was wondering about. Once you have your parameters set up, it should be easy to use from there.

Thank you,
Red Rock

Well, I had to start wearing a HRM and watch my exertion because of a heart condition. Most HRMs come out of the box with a basic HR calculation based off of age, etc. You may find that you don't fit that 'mold'. I set mine to alarm about 5 bpm below where I start experiencing heart related symptoms. That gives me enough warning that I can back off on my effort level to keep from crossing the threshhold.

I have a Garmin 310XT, mainly because it has a vibrating alarm (I couldn't always hear my old Reebok HRM). Prior to that, my Reebok HRM worked just fine for most situations. I don't have any experience with Polar HRMs, but when I was investigating, I would've gone with one that has the coded strap transmitter to cut back on crosstalk, particularly at the gym.

A lot of it will just be learning where you're most comfortable. After awhile, you'll figure out how to stay in your 'zones' without the HRM just based on how you feel.

[GLC1968]

Another thing to consider if you are just looking for a base model HRM is strap comfort. I loved my Polar (never felt the strap at all) but I know a lot of people find it uncomfortable. My Garmin strap sucks - it hurts after awhile. I also have a Timex Ironman HRM and that strap is ok but not great.

If you will ever wear your HRM for swimming, then go with Polar. They make the only ones designed to be used while in water. Timex is waterproof to prevent damage, but it won't transmit under water. The problem with the waterproof Polar is that you cannot change the battery yourself so when it runs out, you need to send it in for service. Timex (and I think Garmin) both allow you to change the battery in the strap yourself.

[Becky]

Oooo....definitely strap comfort! You won't use it if it's uncomfortable to wear.

My Suunto has one of the nicest chest straps I've tried. Occasionally, I'll find myself still wearing it a couple of hours after a workout becasue I've forgotten that it's there. My older Timex was ok, but not "forget about it" comfortable.

I don't really use the whole zone thing and alarms. I'm lazy, I guess. I roughly know where I "blow up", so i'll check the display if I feel like I'm getting close to that HR and make adjustments to my effort to keep from "self-destructing".

[lo123]

If you will ever wear your HRM for swimming, then go with Polar. They make the only ones designed to be used while in water. Timex is waterproof to prevent damage, but it won't transmit under water. The problem with the waterproof Polar is that you cannot change the battery yourself so when it runs out, you need to send it in for service. Timex (and I think Garmin) both allow you to change the battery in the strap yourself.

The Garmin 310XT with soft strap is supposed to be usable in the water.... It's waterproof for sure. Not sure about HR readings in the water. I haven't tested that. I really like the 'premium' soft strap compared to my older hard strap with the Reebok.