I'm wondering how many of you use heart rate monitors? I have had cheap ones in the past...you know, Walmart stuff....but to be honest I always felt like all the calorie burning info was largely useless since I'm doing WW. But the idea of knowing where my heart rate is....well, that appeals to me, you know?

So. What are your opinions on heart rate monitors? Help out a clueless chick! *L*

Hi Snoofie. I use a Polar FT7 and interestingly, I bought it for just the opposite reasons of yours. I wasn't so much interested in my heart rate, but I was interested in knowing more accurately what my calorie burn was doing a variety of workouts: spin; power walking; elliptical trainer; and most of all running. I know that machines way over estimate how many calories I burned so I wanted to get a better handle on this. I also wanted to have easy access to records of past workouts (time and calorie count). Of course knowing my heart rate was a bonus and see no drawback in having that data!

The FT7 is a a pretty user friendly mid-range cost HRM (around $85). But wow, can they get pricey! I really enjoy using mine and found it to be a good investment. At some point in the future I'll probably upgrade to one that also has GPS. As my running has developed and I'm running longer distances I want to be able to plan my run and/or get accurate feedback regarding my distance. But for now it does just fine.

Do your research if you haven't already done so; there are so many different brands (Polar, Garmin, Nike are some of the biggies) and types that do a number of different things at various price points. I say go for it! Who knows, you may buy it to know your heart rate but get interested in the other data as well. Good luck!

**BTW, I'm not on Weight Watchers, just saw your post and thought I'd chime in!

I'm a big fan of HRM's... And have been using them for a long time... Long before I ever had a problem with my weight... I'm currently using a Garmin for most of my running training... But I also use a Suunto for my trail running and hiking because it has some more advanced features that work well for those specific applications... But I've owned several Polar's and always liked those as well, they have a lot of good models that work well for overall general fitness applications... and if you don't need GPS that might be the way to go...

Snoofie I just got a Polar FT4, and I love it. I am on Weight Watchers (and also loving it). I got the HRM because I dabble in calorie counting out of curiosity. But I have seen real success this first full week with using it. I track the activity in my eTools like I would have before I got the gadget, its just that in addition I have a google doc where I list how long my workout was and how many calories I burned. I try to burn like 350 or more every time I get active.

I don't eat my activity points. So really what the HRM does for me is keep me informed and involved. I like knowing the number of calories I've burned. And it is substantially more accurate than the treadmill. Plus I can wear it while swimming.

(PS- I got mine for super cheap on Amazon. They are usually $99, and I got mine for $57 using Amazon Warehouse Deals.)

I'm not sure why you'd think knowing your calorie burning info is useless if you're on WW unless you're the type not to touch your AP? If so, I understand.

I have been wanting one so bad because I am curious on how many calories I burn a day with exercise especially on my elliptical trainer which I think their calorie burn is way off. I didn't know which one to get since there's so many. I was eyeing the one that Smashlers recommended, I think I may get that one.

Thank you all for your opinions and input! I have actually been doing research for awhile, and based on that combined with your responses, I ordered a Polar FT7 today from Amazon. It was less than I expected ($90, shipping included!) so I am now anxiously awaiting my new toy *L*

I'm looking forward to being able to more accurately measure the number of calories I burn. I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to spreadsheets, so I foresee a chart in my future keeping track of the length, intensity, and calorie expenditure of every workout.