Polar M21/M51 Heart Rate Monitors

Advantages: monitors calories burned as well as heart rate
Disadvantages: expensive!

...I finally settled on the Polar M21 (85 pounds from Argos, although you do see them much cheaper secondhand at auction). This was far from being the cheapest (Polar do a basic model for 39.95) but had one massively advantageous feature for me, from the motivational point of view: the ‘OwnCal’ calorie monitor. This was what was going to keep me going when I would rather collapse in a heap. Basically, as well as monitoring your heart, this ...
...vote, despite the pricetag. Polar do make more expensive monitors, the M51 and M71, but the main advantages of these seemed to be the ability to hold recorded data for more than one user, which wasn’t a requirement for me. If you’re planning to share your monitor with a real-life gym buddy then the three-figure asking price might be worth splitting between you (but you’ll want to get your own chest straps however great mates you ... Read review

Advantages: See how you're doing with a reliable, neat piece of kit
Disadvantages: Sometimes gets confused, fiddly to start with

OK, forgive the pun, but let's get straight to the heart of the matter... For as long as I'd known they existed I'd been convinced that heart rate monitors were the preserve of the super-fit. Athletes would find them useful, sure. Or maybe seriously overweight people who really needed to keep an eye on how their body was reacting to a new exercise regime. Possibly. For me, though? I was 28, in good shape - some had said "great" but I'm too modest, ...
...on the treadmill at the gym without too much trouble. I couldn't quite leap tall buildings in a single bound, but I was quite happy with my progress since the days - only two years previously - when I when couldn't run for a train without collapsing in a pathetic heap just as the doors slammed shut in my face. Now though I was beginning to lose motivation. I found that my runs and time on the cross trainer were beginning to get tiresome, and I actually ... Read review

Advantages: the best way to train for a marathon
Disadvantages: it is expensive

The Polar M52 is one of the expensive heart rate monitor. In Germany you have to pay 299,- German Marks( 150 Dollar). This price will frighten a lot people to buy this product. But this price also say's for whom this Polar M52 is good. For somebody who makes sports twice a month it will not repay. For people who are training regularly, for example sportsman who are training for a marathon,like me, i can absolutely recommend this product. I running ...
...system knows your age, weight, length... The battery holds two years. Than you have to buy a knew belt for 80 Marks ( 40 Dollar) So, the Polar M52 is not cheap, but i made only positive experiences and can recommend it for all active people. ... Read review

Advantages: Great motivational tool, Easy to Use, Many functions, Comfortable to wear, Reputable brand, Long lasting
Disadvantages: Cost of initial outlay

Polar are a leading manufacturer of heart rate monitors, suitable for all types of exerciser - from the occasional to the athlete. Why Would You Want a Heart Rate Monitor? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you asked me a few months ago I might have wondered the same thing. If you are interested in improving your personal fitness then one of the best indicators to see if you are reaching your goals is your heart. Depending on your reasons for undertaking ...
...In Polar's words: "A Polar heart rate monitor will act as your ideal training partner, giving you feedback every time you exercise, and motivating you to keep going". The HRM's themselves come in the form of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is an elasticated belt that you wear just underneath the chest muscles (just under your bra if you're a woman). The receiver looks like a watch and is worn as such. The M51 ~~~~~~~~ The HRM I have ... Read review