Heart rate Monitors

[TheBoyWhoRun]

Are you for or against ?

[suzybenj Graduate]

personally for - quite like seeing how speedy my heart gets - and then how quickly it drops. I am also trying to find the perfect running zone - not to slow and not to fast - goldilocks running..

[TheBoyWhoRun Graduate in reply to suzybenj]

Any recommendations ?

[suzybenj Graduate]

I am sure you will get lots of other views - but i use the Garmin 110 with a heart monitor strap

[alcopop Graduate]

Ask yourself why you need one? I use a garmin watch to measure my pace distance and time. I can feel my heart pumping and do not feel I need a monitor to tell me that.

Perhaps if you know some one with one and borrow it for a while.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I have a Garmin Forerunner with HRM, I also have a fast heart rate and irregular heart beat. Docs advice is check my heart rate now and again to ensure its not going too fast, but main thing is not to get too paranoid over it. I only use it these days about twice every 3 months, it does let me see that I'm not pushing too hard. But having said all that on a run my HR can go as fast as 190bpm which for many would be too fast and would panic them so not all good comes of too much knowledge. I can though see how quickly it returns to a slower speed. Swings and roundabouts as they say.

[crox Graduate]

I run with 2, so I guess pro

If you run with a smartphone you could look to see if you can get one that will work with it.

[louisew99 Graduate]

HRMs are really useful if you complete a threshold test and then want to do zone training. I use mine on my turbo trainer, don't currently use it for running. My threshold tops out at 199bpm which is very high, but I also have low blood pressure, not sure whether it's significant.

Heart rate zones are really useful as you can target your training ie fat burning/endurance training/muscle building. I find it hard to do zone training out on the road, to many variables, it's easier on a turbo trainer or probably a treadmill if your running.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I run with one. I started after I got stuck on wk5run3. It helped me to slow down a bit as I was running too fast. I now pace myself so I can finish the runs. Speed will come later but I am still working through the program.

[TheBoyWhoRun Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I think you are right speed will come later...Thats my problem, I have been running the first half to quickly so burnig myself out. Will look into getting one that works with my phone. thanks again.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to TheBoyWhoRun]

I use runtastic pro app on android but its on the iphone too. You have to get a little dongle for it but it logs the whole run like a garmin. But for 1/2 the price.

[TheBoyWhoRun Graduate]

Thanks all for your help.

[Hidden]

I've got a Polar FT7 which I wear for all my exercises classes and runs. I've lost weight by calorie counting so interested in calorie burn

[Hidden]

I asked a local running shop (very reputable) about them and their answer was simple ~ a waste of money, but we do sell them to those who must have the latest 'must have' gadget.

Personally, I prefer to just listen to my body, and take the approach that millions of people have run for many, many years without one and they are doing fine.

[TheBoyWhoRun Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I think that seals it then...listen to oneself hahahah thanks.