Heart Rate Monitors?

mackz · 09-16-2008, 10:38 PM

I recently bought a Timex Ironman 30-Lap T5C411. (I'm too poor to dish out $200~$350 on a Polar)

What do you think of HRMs? Are they beneficial or just a waste of $$? Do most elite athletes use them?

I sorta like it because it gives me some motivation in my runs whenever im not running fast enough .. or if I'm running to hard.

So what are your thoughts? Would you wear one every time you do roadwork/cardio?

mjfan12 · 09-17-2008, 01:06 AM

I use a cheap 50 dollar Polar. Does the job without too many advanced features.

I'm a fan of technology in most instances so I'm a fan of data and how to improve my goals.

Its good to know where you are since over exertion can be a bad thing for prolonged periods.

Also the fat burning zone is supposed to be 140-160 so you dont even need to work super hard just to cut fat.

Ian Coe · 09-17-2008, 05:41 AM

I got a forerunner 305 yesterday that has a HR monitor.

I'm going to try and work out how to use the bloody thing when not running so I can log my HR during indoor biking sessions.

paolo27th · 09-17-2008, 07:57 AM

I use one all the time for conditioning.
Mine comes from a local WalMart kind of store and I got it for 10＄!
It helps in that you can se exactly how hard you are working.
Can't think of working out without one anymore.

mackz · 09-17-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paolo27th

I use one all the time for conditioning.
Mine comes from a local WalMart kind of store and I got it for 10＄!
It helps in that you can se exactly how hard you are working.
Can't think of working out without one anymore.

Yeah...I have a feeling i'll get into the habit of doing Cardio WITH my heart rate monitor...

I think its an underrated tool when it comes to training...

I also like to use it to get into my desired target zones.. (Low/Fat Burn/Aerobic/Anaerobic/Red Line (Maximum)) I'll probably use it for Anaerobic/Max zone since im not looking to lose fat

lol..

Ian Coe · 09-18-2008, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mackz

Yeah...I have a feeling i'll get into the habit of doing Cardio WITH my heart rate monitor...

I think its an underrated tool when it comes to training...

I also like to use it to get into my desired target zones.. (Low/Fat Burn/Aerobic/Anaerobic/Red Line (Maximum)) I'll probably use it for Anaerobic/Max zone since im not looking to lose fat

lol..

With my new forerunner 305, I can go on time and set a minimum and maximum HR.
I can also set intervals based on a variation of time and distance (both work and rest, so 4 combinations). So I think I'm going to start doing some runs of say 200m and have it set so that as soon as my HR drops below 120 per minute I go again.

I would also think I could just get the clock going and do any type of work and it will start bleeping at me if my HR dropped below the set threshold.

Hmm, a new toy

paolo27th · 09-18-2008, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Coe

With my new forerunner 305, I can go on time and set a minimum and maximum HR.
I can also set intervals based on a variation of time and distance (both work and rest, so 4 combinations). So I think I'm going to start doing some runs of say 200m and have it set so that as soon as my HR drops below 120 per minute I go again.

I would also think I could just get the clock going and do any type of work and it will start bleeping at me if my HR dropped below the set threshold.

Hmm, a new toy

That sounds well nice. With mine I have to keep looking at it. Even the average HR function is suspicious to say the least.
Does yours have the function where you plug it into a computer and see how yous HR was during the workout?

Ian Coe · 09-18-2008, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paolo27th

That sounds well nice. With mine I have to keep looking at it. Even the average HR function is suspicious to say the least.
Does yours have the function where you plug it into a computer and see how yous HR was during the workout?

Garmin Forerunner 305

Summary is yes, it has enough internal memory for the preparation for about 2 marathons (1000 laps).