[goodbye kitty]

Anyone know where I can buy a simple heart rate monitor? Nothing too fancy (or expensive). Any ideas on prices?

[jimbo]

You can get them from the larger stores of watsons and mannings for around $500 if I remember correctly.

[goodbye kitty]

Really? That's cool. I've been on the NB and Polar websites too so I can order one online or check their stockists. It looks like I can get a pretty decent one for around $1000 but I'll check out Watsons too. Thanks!

[dropdedfwed]

if you want a fairly versatile sports HR monitor also try Oregon Scientific - they have some nice ones at under $800 with user replaceable batteries in the chest band. If you want full time HR monitoring, you need the chest band, not just a watch with contacts to put your fingers on (part-time HR monitor). There's a few stores around, one in IFC etc

[baajee]

Its great that you are getting one. Its made a big difference to my training since it tells me when I am being lazy and need to start pushing more. Just my 2 cents, if you are training in any public gyms / hotels, you're best off getting a polar since most of the treadmills / bikes around are tuned to Polar instead of Oregan.

Their entry level model is definately under $500. More than adequate but without the bells and whistles like barometic pressure / workout pc downloads etc.. (but who needs that anyways).

All the sports stores sell them. I think Marathon gives you a 10% discount with a HSBC card

[Stoob]

I would also recommend a Polar model for the above reasons. You can change the battery in the latest chest straps too.

Their entry level model is definately under $500. More than adequate but without the bells and whistles like barometic pressure / workout pc downloads etc.. (but who needs that anyways).

The ability to download workouts is great if you like to log/track your progress, I guess I am one of the 'who' that needs it

[goodbye kitty]

My trainer has suggested that I work with a monitor to improve my aerobic fitness since I think I'm pushing too hard when I'm running and 'hitting the wall' way too fast (I'm fairly new to distance running). I think I'll go for a basic Polar and see how that pans out. The PC download technology does sound cool but I'd likely never use it (I was this close to buying the nike+ Ipod thing and realised I'd probably use it once!).

Thanks everyone for great advice.

[gilleshk]

If you're serious about using a heart rate monitor, you'll need to do a maximal test to find out what your true maximum heart rate is...

The best ones are progressive increase in speed. If you're comfortable running at higher speed on a threadmill, you can do it there. Start at 8km/hr and increase by 0.5km/hr every minute until exhaustion. Record your heart rate and that will be pretty close to your max.

The formulas can be way off and then your training becomes much less effective because you're either working too hard or not hard enough.

HR training is an excellent way of pacing yourself and taking into account fatigue and increases or decreases in fitness level. One of the biggest reason behind a lack of improvement is the fact that people will repeat the same exercises at the same level for too long.

[MovingIn07]

I love my heart rate monitor. i started with a basic one but found that the strap was uncomfortable and that i did really want to be able to download the data. It lets me see how much progress I have made and shows up a chart which helps me see when I have been slacking off too....

I like the Polar Wear-link transmitter - it's a soft strap which is much more comfortable. Downside is that it wears out faster and needs replacing.

If you see a wear-link transmitter here let me know, I couldnt get them easily in NZ and got from a US website but would be much more convenient just to buy locally.

[Veetmarg]

I've looked into this recently as I was buying a HRM. Did quite a bit of research, compared different brands and models, read lots of online reviews. The winner in the end was Sigma (model Onyx Pro).

I found Polar very expensive in comparison with other brands. The Sigma HRM I ended up buying brand new on eBay was only around USD80 or 90 (don't remember the exact price). If I wanted to buy Polar with the same features, I'd have to dish out at least double or triple amount of money.