by Alan on October 14, 2010
Wanting a heart rate monitor but find it costly? Ever thought of hiring a personal trainer for months of training plan is even more expensive? Well, I have a good news and offer for those who have the financial problems yet wanting to keep a healthy lifestyle by keeping track of own exercise training progress. Yield to Omron HR – 100C!!
Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor
Omron HR-100C is rated as one of the top heart rate monitors in Men’s Health web portal. It is easy to program and it has alarm options for low and high heart rates. You can wear it during your training or any aerobic activity to maintain your heart rate at a proper level for a minimum of 20 minutes to achieve effective result. And the benefit of Omron HR-100C is that it builds with alarm option to control your heart rate. There is a button allows you to light up the watch face so no worry for those who like to exercise at night!
Well, for the so call cheap thing, you might wonder there are likely many downsides of this heart rate monitor. Inevitably, everything has its own disadvantages, but we need to measure how important that certain features affect the usage of the thing. For Omron HR-100C, might be a bad news for petite ladies or those with small wrist, as it has quite large and inflexible plastic band, you might feel uncomfortable to wear it during exercise. The good news is both the watch and transmitter belt are of water resistant to 30 meters, thankfully.
A small tip for those who want to save, forfeit normal watch for this Omron HR-100C
As it seizes more than a normal watch has!!
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by Alan on September 21, 2010
With advanced of technology nowadays, you can expect more and more from a simple design or creation to help you make you life easier and trouble-free. For those exercise lovers, Garmin Forerunner 305 will suit most of your needs. The most absorbing feature of this heart rate monitor is of its high sensitivity GPS receiver. This robust wireless heart rate monitor is on its way to capture the market!!!
Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor
Garmin Forerunner 305 like all other heart rate monitor display array of data such as calories burned, distance, grade, multiple lap, pace modes and heart rate. You can always track back your performance or alternatively you can store your data from your workouts using free Garmin Training Center software, which let you analyze the data and do in depth study, online mapping with interactive graph that map your heart rate, pace, time and your progress. It takes you to the next level of the training and its multiple functions will rock your heart to have one as your own! You can use Forerunner 305 for other activities such as biking, running, rollerblading, mountaineering, skiing and many others. Worth to have one, buddy!
You might wonder any shortcoming of this magnificent creation? As every single thing have its limitations. Well, the constraint is pretty nondescript, except for in my opinion the battery life of 10 hours. In addition to data transfer with the USB cable to your PC, you can charge the lithium-ion battery at the same time, and yes to confirm with your query, the battery is chargeable, thankfully.
Garmin Forerunner 305 is radically new design which is better in its way and you will be amaze by its high accuracy and fast acquisition time. It is simple to set up and easy to use, you will actually see a primary boy to use it!
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by Alan on September 1, 2010
Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor
MAIN FEATURES
Documentation: Included is a exercise guide along with the manual for the F11. The guide gives a comprehensive overview to fitness level and heart rate zone basics.
Design: Polar isn’t exactly known for elegant design, and yet the F11 is probably the most stylish attempt to break this image. While nothing out of the ordinary, the chrome buttons give it a solid feel and the grey or red housing both look very classy (for an HRM). Overall, the polymer housing and wrist band are of solid quality. The display provides better contrast than the typical greenish version found in older Polar devices. Lighting is cool as it illuminates the text (Green) rather than the background, but requires very low light levels to be visible.
Chest Belt: I may be reaching out a little bit too far by stating that Polar probably makes the only truly reliable HRM straps with little or no connection issues. While the F6 still comes with the conventional design, the F11 now includes the new WearLink chest belt. The improvements are strikingly simple yet effective. Better comfort due to soft band and finally a transmitter that allows to change batteries.
User Interface: The F11 sports 4 buttons to navigate the menu driven interface (Up, Down, Ok, Back) and one button dedicated to turn on the lighting or the key lock. The user guidance is great and walks the user through the initial setup. From that point on it’s usable, but to get the full potential, one will have to read the detailed manual, especially for all the specialized functions that are not necessarily self-explanatory.
Keeps U Fit: … is the newest and probably most powerful function in Polar’s repertoire of training aids. Based on your fitness test results, the user can have a workout program generated by the F11. A bar diagram keeps you informed how much of each is still left to be done in the current week. The type of exercise is not defined as the effect is classified by the heart rate.
OwnIndex: Based on the VO2max value, this fitness indicator takes resting heart rate and body mass into consideration. A table then provides age and gender specific classification ranging from very low to elite.
OwnZone: Allows to determine your heart rate zone based on a specific order of five 1 minute segments with specific pace (walking to jogging).
OwnCode: Following the Polar jargon for most features, OwnCode describes the coded signal from the emitter (chest strap) to the wristband. This is helpful with other HRMs nearby which could interfere.
Diary: This function pretty much describes the memory function and the ability to record excercise results and even have them displayed graphically (on the watch display). Overall the functionality is great and most useful for control freaks, but at the same time a little overwhelming for casual users.
Connectivity: In times where Bluetooth becomes a household name, Polar still relies on soundwaves to transmit data. Yes that’s right, all you need to communicate between the F11 and a computer is a speaker and a microphone.
Based on my recent experience with both Garmin and Oregon Scientific chest belts, the Polar design may be superior to all of them. It also happened to be the most important feature to choose the F11 over the cheaper F6. Not only due to the replaceable battery but mostly for comfort and attachment design. This is easily the best belt I ever used. Just rinse the pads in water before each use and it could not be more reliable. The soft fabric makes it also much more comfortable to wear, but the squishy feel of putting the soaked pads on is a minor setback. I guess that’s the trade-off for a replaceable battery? 
The initial setup survey is fun for every gadgeteer and doable for even casual users that are less interested in bells and whistles. Daily use is easy and hassle-free if not using any of the advanced features. Even if you’re more involved and craving more guidance, the F11 is a great companion to reach your workout goals — unless you have a problem abiding a “machine” as it will tell you what to do.
Main arguments for the F11 are the chest belt and the fitness program called “Keeps U fit”. If neither sound compelling to you, it may save you $50 since the F6’s differences are mainly with those 2 main features which are either different (belt) or not included (Keeps U Fit). Deals on either are hard to come by these days since both models are brand new and in the name of fitness well placed in the market (with sticker to match).
Overall, there is no good substitute for the Polar F11 (or F6) if heart rate based calculation of fitness and calorie consumption are important to you. Less advanced devices typically are much less precise and may de-motivate based on erroneous readings. Some of that fame goes to the chest strap itself, and Polar simply knows how to make them reliable. (An easy concept that not every manufacturer has figured out yet — even in much pricier models like the Forerunner 301.)
Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor For Men
Polar F11 for men
Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor For Women
Polar F11 for women
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by Alan on August 2, 2010
I’ve had experience with different heart rate monitor watches in the past. The different features offered are sometimes of no use to me. As a runner, I look for a basic watch minus the unnecessary add-ons. If you are a runner like me, you will know that you want to concentrate on running and not the watch.
Nike Triax C8 Heart Rate Monitor Watch
When I found the Nike Triax C8 Heart Rate Monitor Watch, I decided to give it a try. I’m impressed. It is a basic enough watch, but well equipped and most importantly, good to work with. Coming from Nike, I know I shouldn’t expect anything less.
The watch features a more readable display compared to the usual watches and it’s programmed to continuously show my heart rate. A distinct feature for this watch is the minimal button press required to interchange between views. The unique Benson button introduced in this watch conveniently helps me to see my lap and split times while I’m in the RUN zone.
Setting a high and low heart rate helps me keep track of my run. At the end of my run, I can review my progress and check how long I’ve managed to stay within the zone. Nike Triax C8 Heart Rate Monitor Watch cleverly allows a lap time review for up to 50 laps. It calculates my average heart rate, and tells me how long I’ve spent in the pre-set heart rate zone. Design and comfort wise, the watch fits well on my hand with the improved S-shape design. The chest strap is equally comfortable, living up to its claim.
However, this watch does not count calorie or include other sophisticated functions. You should give this a pass if you are looking for a watch with more features. If you are asking, “What if I’m not a runner?” If you are not a runner, I would say that this is an equally good watch for a walk marathon, or for work with recovery sessions. It claims to be safe with water, but I’ve yet to find out.
Overall, the Nike Triax C8 Heart Rate Monitor Watch is a basic but efficient heart monitor watch. I would highly recommend this to runners.
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Alas, someone came up with a sporty and chic heart rate monitor watch for the women on-the-go today. Combining function and design successfully, Nike designed the Nike Women’s Imara Heart Rate Monitor Watch especially for women.
Nike Women's Imara Heart Rate Monitor Watch
I’ve owned various heart rate monitor watches previously but decided to give this a try when I found out that it was designed especially for women. The watch comes with three basic albeit essential features I’m looking for which are; (1) accurate heart rate count, (2) comfortable and (3) durable.
The accurate heart rate monitor is a feature I appreciate very much. I’ve never experienced a ‘misread’ or ‘missing’ heart rate reading with this watch; unlike others I’ve tried. The watch comes with basic chronograph timing features and programmable heart rate zones. I can pre-set the zones and observe my progress through the sound alert emitted.
Nike Women’s Imara Heart Rate Monitor Watch works well with all the gym equipments, and I use it for my cardio and aerobics workout without problem. The calorie count feature is a way for me to keep track of the calorie burnt during each workout session.
Another pleasant feature I’ve discovered is that the watch can be switched off. This enables me to save on power and reduce need to change battery frequently. Even change of battery is made simpler because I can do it myself, without need to send it back to the manufacturer. The smaller strap designed especially for woman is a major plus point because I have a petite frame.
The adjustable strap fits just nice without being too loose. The watch is durable, living up to the brand name of Nike and its association with quality products. I’ve accidentally dropped it thrice but it works just fine. I’m being cautious not to try the fourth time!
Overall, this is a very good product from Nike. I would recommend this Nike Women’s Imara Heart Rate Monitor Watch to ladies who are looking for a stylish and user-friendly heart rate monitor watch to complement their lifestyle and workout.
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Keeping track of your calorie count can be done easily and effortlessly with a pedometer. A good pedometer should include the following basics: (1) measures accurately, (2) easy to operate and (3) displays the necessary information clearly. The Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer not only measures steps, it comes enhanced with extra features to allow calorie and distance calculation.
Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer
It is fairly easy to operate this device and I did not need to consult the manual repeatedly. Despite the small size, the pedometer’s screen displays all the information needed without need to fumble with multiple buttons.
Unlike some pedometer that needs to be clipped onto belt, the Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer can be easily carried around in a bag or even pocket. I am excited with the fact that I can now travel with my pedometer wherever I go. I can now effortlessly count calorie when I take a stroll in the park or go for a walk around the neighborhood.
After 10 minutes of continuous walking with more than 60 steps a minute, the pedometer automatically counts my movement as aerobic steps, without the need for me to switch modes whatsoever.
It also comes with 7-day memory, allowing the user to check calories burnt, steps made or distanced traveled throughout the week. I’m also happy with the fact that there is no issue with sound, unlike others I’ve tried. I find this to be a hardworking device minus the irksome rattling sound!
However, the only downside to this pedometer is the fact that each battery change only lasts for approximately 6 months. The previous pedometers I’ve used can last for up to a year when used similarly. Nevertheless, this is a small downside when compared to the plus points above.
Last but not least, it also comes with a one year guarantee from Omron. You can rest assured that you have chosen one of the best pedometers in the market when you choose Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer.
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It is so much easier to keep track of my workout progress with the Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch. This watch is brilliantly designed to fit all the essential functions and is equipped with helpful secondary features. I personally think that choosing a good heart monitor watch has everything to do with the two F’s: Function and Form.
Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch
Function wise, it enables heart monitoring and calorie count with additional features to enable you do so even while in water. Aesthetically, the sporty design suits both men and women, without being too bulky.
The first thing you’ll note about the Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch is the simplicity in design, but do not underestimate this little device. The watch does more than just track your average heart rate; it also displays data for calories burned after a particular workout. With it, I can pre-set target heart rate zones to find out time spent within that zone and measure my heart rate after a timed recovery to find out my progress.
The other features I find beneficial include a 100-hour countdown timer and a 100-hour chronograph (with lap and split). These features allow a more detailed measurement of my workout progress and are easily accessible through the button functions. I’m also happy with the fact that it is water resistant up to 50 meters- perfect for days when I want to go for a swim. Unlike other watches, this watch uses INDIGLO night-light technology which enables easy viewing of the display, even at night.
The package comes with a chest strap for heart rate monitor, durable resin case, and comfortable resin strap. It claims to last 3.5 years with each battery change but I have no qualms because I can easily change it myself without having to send it back to the manufacturer every time.
Overall, Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch is a good product from Timex and I would be happy to give it a recommendation anytime.
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If you are looking for a basic but efficient heart rate monitor watch, then you should consider the Timex T5G971 Unisex Sports Personal Heart Rate Monitor Watch. It is like no other, designed with simplicity in mind albeit containing all the essential qualities of a good heart rate monitor (HRM) watch.
Timex T5G971 Unisex Sports Personal Heart Rate Monitor Watch
Comparing the features of various HRM watches, I find these qualities to be topmost priority as measure of a good product: (1) accurate, (2) easy to operate and (3) long lasting with each battery change.
An accurate measurement will reflect the overall progress of your workout and this should motivate you to improve your performance. The Timex T5G971 Unisex Sports Personal Heart Rate Monitor Watch does this through the continuous tracking of your heart rate during exercise. Another feature is the pre-set target heart rate zones, which notifies user when he/she is out of the target zone.
I personally like the automatic activity timer and workout review function. With it I can recall a particular activity time and my subsequent average/peak heart rates. Designed with endurance in mind, it is also water resistant up to 30-meters.
Using this HRM watch is not difficult at all, because all you need to do is explore the functions. The accompanying manual is of great help. I can conveniently access different functions with the few available buttons. And I don’t have to strain my eyes to read the screen, thanks to the INDIGLO illumination technology.
The downside to this product is its battery life; it claims to last up to 2 years, which is slightly less than some of the other HRM watches in the market. However, to compensate for this downside would be the flexibility of replacing the batteries. Users can replace them without the need to return the watch to the manufacturer.
Overall, Timex T5G971 Unisex Sports Personal Heart Rate Monitor Watch is one of the better HRM watches available in the market and you can rest assure that it is a good purchase because it is manufactured by Timex.
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Need a basic heart rate monitor with general features and is in reasonable price? Timex T5G941 might suit your need, however, think twice before you get one…..you can always opt for better since you are not lacking of choices!!
Timex T5G941 Heart Rate Monitor Watch
Besides the basic feature of measuring your heart rate, Timex T5G941 can also recalls activity time and average, peak and minimum heart rate. The watch display is large and easy to read, which shows you accurate heart rate during exercise. It proud-of qualities are the INDIGLO night light backlight and the transmitter with replaceable battery.
It uses less battery power and the battery can last for 2 years, which is considered outstanding compare to other heart rate monitors. Timex T5G941 comes with elastic strap fits chest sizes from 25 inches to 53 inches, which is common for most heart rate monitor. The watch also display 12/24 hour time and month/date display, which is nothing to be proud of.
The bad thing of Timex T5G941 is not suitable for swimming, but the perplexing part is it is said water resistance to 30 meters and enabling to withstand splashes, probably a ‘mild’ word is missing on the line.
Thankfully the design of the watch is quite presentable and I like its simple yet stylish design with a touch of modern sense. Well, think trice to have one a go!!!
Further information:
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Fantastic, unbelievable, incredible, amazing, wonderful, marvelous, excellent……and any other descriptions you can think of. What is so astonishing about? Suunto T6 heart rate monitor is on the move!!
Suunto T6
Suunto T6 holds its own and offer unique ability to calculate oxygen consumption (VO2max), energy consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate and most significantly, the newly measurement called EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption).
It offers quick and easy training assessment, deeper analysis of training sessions with 7 body parameters. Just to mention in heavy tone, measuring EPOC required sophisticated lab equipment and can you imagine, Suunto had a major breakthrough in this obstacles and claim to high accuracy of that pretty close to that of laboratory equipment!!
For those trying to increase performance in fitness training, Suunto T6 is your best companion and likely to say that it is your great personal trainer. Its display is easy to read and controls are fairly instinctive. One thing to remind, you might need a PC or laptop to view the result or the progress of your training which is not shown on T6 wrist unit.
Nonetheless, the personal training software is in easy to understand format and you can track any results you want to know on your training progress, build overall picture of how your training progress, compatible with most Windows and you can log file exchange via e-mail and Internet. So, there is nothing to fear of the turndown!!
Like most heart rate monitor, Suunto T6 has the features of a watch and things that make difference are the including of built-in altimeter, barometer, stopwatch and thermometer.
To build your trust with its quality aside from the above mentioned, Suunto T6 is water resistant up to 100m or 330 ft.!
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