I am beginning on my LC diet and doing both cardio and weight training to both shed the fat and build muscle. I have recently become interested in obtaining a heart rate monitor (HRM) to follow closely my target zones making sure to stay within the desired zone during cardio.

Where is my question(S):

1. Do you agree that I should concern myself this at such an early stage (I think so)?

2. Do you beleive in them or are they just another toy?

3. Big Question: Brands and reliability - I have heard such much about Polar begin great but battery failure is a real issue (having to send it back to Sweden) vs. CardioSport and Acumen etc...

4. Lastly: What features are absolute and what features should I be looking for?

Thanks

Rick

Hi Radio DXer,

I think heart monitors are much more than a toy. I use one all the time when exercising; the feed-back they give is both reassuring and helps motivate you. Just ensure you understand what is your own maximum safe heart rate and don't exceed it.

I have used a Polar model for 3 years without any snags. I recommend a simple model without the expensive "bells and whistles" that many models offer at a hefty price.

Can't offer advice on sending the batteries back to Sweden though. Been there a few times and it wasn't batteries that caught my eye when there.

Yours aye, Scotsman

Scotsman,

Thanks for the reply. I have been reading and researching on the different HRM with mixed reviews. At first I was going to get a simple Polar A5 but was told that I might want to consider another brand due to the battery issues. Then I went out to the net and have read conflicting reviews. For some people, the battery lasts 2+ years with no problem while others, it is 6 weeks. So then I began to look at other brands: CardioSport, Timex, and Acumen. The only problem is that there are little reviews on these. Does anyone have an opinion?

Thanks

Rick