This thread is very useful--thanks all! I have been doing HIIT and have been wondering if getting a heart rate monitor might be worth it. I'm getting in better shape and think it might be beneficial to not just work my butt off but to actually pay attention to my heart rate. I'm also curious as to how high my heart rate gets when I climb the Giant Hill on my bike ride home. (The first time I biked all the way up the hill, I think I measured 9.5 on the perceived exertion scale. Yes, I was in fact half dead. ;) )

Quoting for utter awesomeness. :joker:

On my other forum, (Yes, 3FC, I see another forum. But you're much smarter! And prettier!) we quote someone in our signature when they have said something brilliant/hilarious/wonderfully dirty. It is one of the highest compliments paid. People don't seem to do that here. So may I quote you in my sig, BlueToBlue? ;)

The towel quote made me laugh out loud. I scared the cat! :)

I have to say that my Polar heart rate monitor ranks up there with the top 5 items I've ever bought for sheer usefulness. I freaked out about spending $100+ for one, but I can't imagine working out w/out it.

I highly recommend getting one. It'll really open your eyes to how you work out. (Kinda in the same way getting a good food scale opens your eyes to how you eat! :D )

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