ExRx.net

Hi all. I think this is the best forum for this question.

I am looking for a heart rate monitor where I can download my data to my computer so I can see my workouts and monitor things over time. I like everything about the one I have, sans this one missing feature.

Currently mine has a count up & down timer, it displays calories burned with the heart rate and a count up timer on the same screen. It also lets me set a high and low zone and beeps when you go out of your zone. Unfortunately it just beeps once so if you miss it you miss it - so something that could project to your computer or smartphone real time would be great too but I don't think that exists yet :) Something that had a graph on the watch would be nice too, but not necessary. I don't need a GPS as due to a bad foot I don't do much in the way of long distance running. Mainly I lift and do indoor cardio.

What do you all use and why? Loves? hates?

Thank you!

I've never used one, and not at all sure why I would.

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Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.--Francis Chan

When I was interested in cardio I used one to measure progress.
I would run at the exact same speed for the same distance and write down my avg, max heart rate etc.
It was encouraging to see my heart rate figures go down, and it provided me with more motivation to continue.

But then I started smoking and gave up cardio lol.

I use a heart rate monitor all most every time I'm exercising. It's also a watch, so I practically carry it along anyway. It shows me the duration of the exercise, heart rate and some calorie burn calculations. I'm way too sceptic about those calorie burn numbers, but since I'm not dieting or anything it hardly matters. Still, I think I don't have to wear that thing, but I like to follow my training and pulse whenever I'm doing something. Also, when doing some aerobic training it's really useful when you want to adjust your speed and rhythm, in example, if you want to train some particular type of endurance. Also the stopwatch is sometimes quite useful. Plus it helps me to keep track of my weekly training, even though I don't record every exercise of the week.

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Prove the impossible!

Jawbone makes a really cool monitor that tracks all of your activity, even while you're sleeping. It looks like a bracelet that you wear on your wrist. All the data downloads to your iPhone. I like it. It makes me conscious of my activity and therefore makes me move more. I just wish it wasn't only available for iPhone users.

i've observed that running specific discussion sites have extensive chat on measurement device selection.
that said, a good place to start would be the product catalogue for the provider of your current device. you use their stuff and if it meets all other requirements, take the necessary steps up their product ladder.