Polar Ft80 G1 Heart Rate Monitor

Advantages: Just like having your own personal trainer
Disadvantages: A little tricky to work out to start with

...walking / jogging test. If you prefer to workout your own training intensity then you can you the following formula 220 - your age = your maximum heart rate It is generally accepted that if you what to increase your fitness then you need to be working around 65 - 85% of your maximum heart rate, however if you just want to shed a few pounds and are looking for a more gradually progression the a lower % is recommended. Speaking of shedding a few pounds, this monitor can even calculate your calorie expenditure and also workout how many calories were fat burnt calories. For those of you who are looking to increase speed for a partcular event and want to monitor your speed throughout a run, the Polar RS100 has a 99 lap / split stopwatch with 1/100 second resolution which is ideal for interval work or to check your pace for each part... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Compact, Cheap, Robust
Disadvantages: Tricky to use

...I have owned one of these for about 2 years now, and it is still going strong. It does all the usual cycle computer things, but also displays your heart rate, calories burned, etc. You can also programme to use on 2 separate bikes - very handy, when like me you have two bikes but don't want to shell out for two computers!! SETUP AND USE Easy to follow step by step instructions. When it comes to operating the computer unit, this is where you need patience. It takes some practice going through each programme, sub-programme, etc. This is one way that the unit can be kept the size that it is though. Once you have dialled in the settings specific to your bike, day to day use of the computer is easy. POSITIVES Large read out. Back light - can be tricky to use though.....when it's dark. Compact design. Wireless speed sensor... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Manage your heart rate to a very high level
Disadvantages: I wouldnt use this watch if I wanted to measure how far I had run

...I was given on of these as a birthday present last year. I'm into running and wanted to monitor my fitness progress. The watch comes with the heart monitor band which goes around your chest and a optional food pod, which can be used to measure the distance you travel. I personally find the food pod hard work as it is very hard to get accurate. It works on how many foot steps you make and the distance in between the steps, getting this right is an exercise in itself .The watch has multiple functions which allow you to monitor your heart rate, and allows you to enter your own perameters so you can keep your heart rate as low or high as you want. The watch can also be used in conjunction with some of you gyms equipment (ask your gym). In terms of polar watches this watch has alot to give, with a pc program to upload your information... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful