Recommendation: HR Monitor, Cheap & Simple - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

Rochester · 07-21-2010, 06:42 PM

I'm debating about getting a heart rate monitor and have looked at several online. They are all much more gadgety than what I need. I already use a Nike+ for distance, time, calories burned, and pace. I want a device that just monitors my heart rate. Nothing else. And I'd prefer to pay no more than $20. Any suggestions?

(Also wondering does anyone know if using another gadget while using the Nike+ would cause interference and inaccurate readings?)

And just out of curiosity...would I look like a robotic freak running with an MP3 player AND a Nike+ AND a hr monitor?

wikidsnyper · 07-21-2010, 06:56 PM

Ebay has some good looking heart rate monitors. I just finished a search for it and there were a lot of buy it now options that are also not expensive (yay! no bidding). and no, you won't look lie a robotic freak with all those gadgets. a lot of heart rate monitors pass as watches, so you should be good.

PinkHoodie · 07-21-2010, 07:35 PM

I don't know...they do say other gadgets can interfere with the signal from the ipod to the shoe...only thing you can do is try it! Hopefully it doesn't cause problems. Maybe if the watch is put on the other hand then your ipod?

1bighog · 07-22-2010, 09:47 AM

I bought a cheap heart rate monitor online for Walmart for $20...same one sold in the store for $30. I don't fully trust it, but I think it's a good guideline and seems to work well.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/S7-HR-Monitor/10719753
The price has gone up a little since I purchased it.

mortonpixie · 07-22-2010, 08:28 PM

Stopping and physically taking your heart rate is about as reliable as a cheap HR Monitor. I'm on second one in 4 years. The first one I paid 35 bucks for. The watch was black and unattractive so I never wore it anytime else. The chest strap finally pulled apart so I went hunting for a new one. Found a Polar on amazon.com with a beautiful watch for less than $100. I love it as a training tool and as a time piece.

Rochester · 07-22-2010, 09:14 PM

@wikidsnyper - I looked on eBay and I was kinna freaked out by all the no-name heart monitors from Hong Kong!

@1bighog - I looked at that one. It's in my price range but it's a bit more complicated than I'd like.

@mortonpixie - Would you believe that I find it impossible to take my own pulse?

I can't find it, and even if I am lucky enough to find it, I can't count it!