 I've used a HRM for the last 6 yrs and think that they are a very good tool for anyone who wants to make the most of what they've got when it comes to training. I started off with a Polar M25, moved up to a Suunto Advizor and I've recently purchased a Garmin Forerunner 301 (old model) for serious geek stuff. With Motion Base training diary I can not only download and monitor my training but also superimpose my routes onto satellite imagery using Google Earth. Like John I find it invaluable for early warning of over training or recovering from injury. I wouldn't be without mine now.
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Yeah, Garmin make some nice toys.
Purists might consider it vulgar but the Garmin Forerunner 301/305 models combine GPS with heart rate monitor. It continuously monitors heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned. Plus, huge range of other features and facilities.
Even at the inflated UK price of £300 ($376.91 in US) this gizmo should find many 'enthusiasts'.
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 Purely for standard walking there is probably not much benefit to a HRM.
But they are very useful (especially if running / cycling / gym etc.) so you know you are keeping your heart in the correct zone for either cardio fitness or weight loss.
They can also be a good indicator of improving fitness - for instance for the same level of exertion (other things being equal) if your heart rate is lower it should indicate improved fitness.
Also on the newer Polar hear straps (perhaps only the coded ones?) the battery is much simpler to replace.
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Yes, it is encouraging to see the heart rate going down for the same speed and distance.
Anyone taking medication take note! Some of them artificially keep the HR down. Good news is that after few weeks of brisk walking, BP will come down and one can give up or reduce medication. My GP allowed me to stop one of the two tabs I was taking.
Some informative posts on HRM by some experienced users and experts at
THE WALKING SITE - MESSAGE BOARD
> General Discussions and Introductions
> Heart Rate Monitoring
http://p206.ezboard.com/fthewalkingsitefrm21.showMessage?topicID=870.topic
The Walking Site website itself has many useful pages
http://www.thewalkingsite.com
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Can anyone let me have the instrucions for changing the time on a Proactive Stratus or tell me where to find them?
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| Edited: 11/10/06 17:53 |
 Mod notified in case this contravenes the advertising policy.
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 I've deleted that post, no advertising on the forum, thanks 
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 I have a NIKE triaxC5 cost approx. £50 ? easy to use and battery change is easy something for you to look at as an alternative
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 I have used heart rate monitors for training - both competive and leisure/fitness - since 1995. I had the benefit of some good basic instruction on their use and since then have learned more of the physiological detail. I continue to use a very basic model, reviewed here, because it offers me enough information for my interpretation. The only feature that I miss (that was included in older, cheaper models!) is the ability to record data over a decent period of time. For general hillwalking, I don't see any point in using one unless you very interested in your response to different gradients, surfaces and loads. However, I use mine for rowing, running, cycling and gym training (thankfully there's not much of that these days!). However, the data is only as useful as the knowledge that underpins interpreting it. Much of what you pay for in the higher-priced models is just a software equivalent of knowledge that you can easily learn from a qualified trainer, books or the net. Understanding my heart rate has helped me adjust my training levels to avoid overtraining & fatigue, notice the first signs of viral illness before the standard symptoms show themselves, plan interval & hill training to get the most out of my efforts. It has also given me a sense of satisfaction knowing that, while I am nowhere near elite athlete fitness, I have maintained good CV conditioning over the years and my maximum HR has not fallen as fast as would be expected of a sedentary adult. So, for my money, a cheap HRM is a good investment but only when combined with the relevant understanding and training advice.
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i had a triple heart by-pass 3 years ago ( at the ripe old age of 42) and i use my hrm as an idicator of how hard my heart works. the surgeon told me it was not advisable to take my heart over 160 bpm, so the hrm is the perfect tool for me. i had a great day on the glyderau on saturday and i'm sure my heart rate went over 160 bpm while scrambling on the ridge of y gribin but i was too scared to look at the monitor - just in case !!!!!!!!
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An HRM allows you to train efficiently and focus your efforts. The Runners Handbook is a great source of advice about using an HRM properly (amongst lots of other stuff) and I can't recommend it enough. I'd also recommend the Suunto Advizor for a do everything outdoors watch and HRM.
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 My HRM came with an elastic strap to fit a sensor/transmitter thingy to my chest. This detects my heart rate and transmits it to a display unit which I wear strapped to my wrist. Why? When a Nurse wants to count my heartbeats she does so by holding my wrist. Why can't the HRM display unit also detect and count the heartbeats?
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 I think HRM's work by measuring changes in the electric field of the heart every time it beats. This wouldn't work at the wrist. I suppose you could design a optical system which would allow measurement at the wrist but this would probably be unreliable as it would be hard to maintain a constant coupling pressure.
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When a Nurse wants to count my heartbeats she does so by holding my wrist. Really? These days? Most places use finger probes which simultaneously detect your O2 saturation using IR light. I haven't seen a nurse hold a wrist and count while looking at her upside-down fob watch for 15 seconds and then multiplying the number by 4 for decades  The same finger probe could relay the results to the home station / main unit but then you'd still have to carry/wear that and the cost would be very prohibitive compared to most HRMs.
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I haven't seen a nurse hold a wrist and count while looking at her upside-down fob watch for 15 seconds and then multiplying the number by 4 for decades Shame, I used to enjoy that. Thanks Mike and NPC for the answers.
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