Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Heart Doesn't Lie: Polar FT40 Review



When I first started running, I remember stepping onto the treadmill at my local YMCA and noticing the metal grips on the bar in front of me. After a few attempts, I figured out that if you grip the bar for about a minute you get a heart rate reading. I never knew the value of a heart rate monitor until now. 

Polar recently sent me the FT40 Heart Rate Monitor to try out and review. I have had no prior experience with HRMs, so this was my chance to learn the ins and outs of using one as well as what to do with the data it collected. 




Setting up the watch using the accompanied instruction booklet was simple. After personalizing the settings, there was an option to take a fitness test to determine my fitness level that I thought was pretty neat. All you have to do is lay down and relax for five minutes and the results are instant. 

Once you are ready to use the Polar HRM, moisten the electrodes on the strap then attach the connector by snapping it into place. The strap is worn around your chest just below the chest muscles. 



Being a data nerd, I love the information this monitor gives you. During the workout, the display can show your current heart rate, calories burned, or the time. You can also keep track of the effect of your training: fat burning or fitness. Afterwards you can see a summary of your workout.



If you are trying to lose weight, knowing your heart rate during exercise is important because you want to stay in the fat burning zone. You also want to know how many calories you are burning. I like that the Polar Heart Rate Monitor can tell you this information accurately. It's clear that my regular running watch merely estimates the number of calories I'm burning.



Overall, I like the the Polar Heart Rate Monitor. It is not a right-out-of-the-box and use it piece of gear. It does require some reading to figure out how the data is displayed on the watch during your workout, but it's manageable.



Do you use a HRM? What do you like most?





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product to review without compensation as a FitFluential Ambassador. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”







18 comments:

  1. I've used HRM in the past. They're a good tool for someone to really know their intensity. BTW - nice abs!!! ;)

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  2. I don't use a heart rate monitor, but I'd love to try. I am a data geek so I would love all the info it gives me.

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  3. I don't use an HRM but I like what you said about it being accurate with calorie burn. I would like to do a better job tracking that (along with tracking my intake!).

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  4. I do have a Polar Heart Rate Monitor...I was so excited when I got it! I used it mostly for tracking my HR when giving a spin class! :)

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  5. I love monitoring my heartrate. I know the machines aren't always accurate so having a separate device is great. Great review.

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  6. I've never used a HRM. I need to get into it. I'm sure my perception of exertion isn't always reality! Great review!

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  7. I've never used HRM, but would love to try one some day. i plan to buy one when i start a family to make smart exercise decisions when it comes to intensity

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  8. Awesome review! Love my Polar HR monitor (FT60).

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  9. LOL, thanks! I have learned a lot about my workout levels.

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  10. I never knew that there was such a big difference in accuracy, so I'm glad I tried it.

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  11. I'm ready to track everything ;)

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  12. I'm really glad I tried it because the results are very different than what I expected.

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  13. I love Heart Rate Monitors. I've never owned one but I've used them at my gym and in fitness classes.

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  14. Apparently you can link a Polar HRM to your Nike SportWatch - have you tried that yet Amy? I'd love to hear your views on this as I have a SportWatch too!
    I did have a Timex HRM in the past and like most people I learnt I was running far too fast for best results - they certainly are a useful training tool for the gadget lover!

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  15. I didn't know that! I'm going to figure out how that works, thanks!

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