What heart rate monitor do you use?

[Catrin]

Personally I like my Polar HRM strap and watch. I like to be able to track metrics like heart rate, but that is me. I've looked into some wearable options outside of the strap but haven't found anything I like better, or if I do the cost is prohibitive. Thinking about a blue tooth strap so I can ditch the watch - kettlebell lifting is hard on watches.

Good luck with your search. I've heard mixed reviews on the Fitbit from friends who have one, good luck with whatever you decide!

[MollyJ]

I have a Garmin 800 and it has a heart rate monitor. I think heart rate monitoring probably gives a a more accurate calorie burn. I also have used a Polar FT7. Both of these are lower end models but I love the Garmin for the bike because of the miles, the map. My experience with chest straps has been good, both Polar and Garmin. I think the Garmin a little thinner. They both fit right at the level of the lower band of a bra and are pretty innocuous. My heart rate runs 125-151 during rides. It is in the 145-151 range when I am working hard and I cannot sustain the effort that comes with that Heart rate for long. In the language of the Target Heart Rate, I would say that 145-151 is over the 85% of my maximum but since I am 58, all in all I consider that pretty darn good.

[lgibster]

I use the Garmin heart rate monitor with my Garmin 500. I have the softer strap instead of the hard strap. I have never had any issues with mine at all and I ride by my heart rate monitor. My cardiologist suggested riding by heart rate instead of "how if felt" and said to make sure it doesn't stay too high for too long and if it does take a break. I love the Garmin one because it is light weight and I have ridden over 2000 miles on the same strap with no issues.