Polar FT7F Heart Rate Monitor 1 ea Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Before settling on the Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor, I did a lot of research on the various types of HRM out there. I was looking for a HRM that wouldn't just give me my heart rate, but I also wanted a bit more features, but I didn't need a lot of features that the higher numbered FT models offered.
When I saw the FT7 model, I was surprised to see so little reviews or mentions of this model. I'm not sure why, maybe this is a newer model or Polar just prefers directing people to the more expensive models because I kept seeing numerous reviews for the F6 or F7, FT40, and FT60 models.
After comparing various Polar HRMs, I settled for the FT7 because it had all the features that I was looking for in a HRM.
Watch/HRM
-Monitors heart rates. I found the monitoring to be accurate except underwater. (I'll go into detail about that a bit later.)
-Counts Calories. The Calorie counter seems to be quite accurate. I have used it for walking, spinning classes, swimming, and strength training sessions and the calorie counts are reasonable.
-Target heart rate graph. The graph is useful for seeing where you are and if you're within your minimum and maximum HR "fitness" ranges during a session.
-Very user friendly. Even though there aren't any instructions on setting up the watch, I didn't think they were needed. I didn't even bother looking at the manual until I was done configuring the watch, but I've never been one to read manuals. However, others may find the lack of a detailed manual a bit frustrating.
-Stores Training Files. Which include records of session durations, calories burned, average HR, Maximum HR, and the amount of time your workout HR was spent in the target range.
-Weekly Summaries. This basically sums up the total amount of time spent training, the total calories during each session, and how many sessions during the week.
-Settings are very easy to change especially if you have any weight changes and want to keep an accurate count of calories being burned.
-There is also a backlight, which is quite handy if you're somewhere with minimal lighting.
-I also found out that if you hold the "down arrow" button, you can change the time to a second time zone that you can set by going through the "quick menu" which is accessed by holding down the "backlight button (*)" which also leads to the "button lock" feature. If you hold down the "up arrow" button, you can change the "Watch face" to just display the time and date or the time and date and logo, which is smaller on the face, but it includes seconds and FT7 logo along the bottom.
-The women's watch is black with a gold stripe down the center of the band. I found the design to be all right. It is less flashy and colorful as the other models, which is one reason I like this watch. I can wear it with my work clothes and it does not stand out much.
-User changeable batteries. This was something I really wanted out of my HRM. I never liked sending something to the manufacturer for replacements even under warranty. I just don't like dealing with shipping, waiting, and extra fees.
-Water Resistant. I have used this HRM in the pool and the monitoring is relatively accurate when it actually reads the transmitter. I believe the Polar website notes that in some highly chlorinated pools or seawater the transmitter will not be picked up underwater. The pool in my gym is very chlorinated and there were times when the HRM will not pick up my heart rate. But if I just sit still in the water for a minute or so the watch will pick up the signal again. Though this can get annoying if you are trying to swim laps for endurance. The watch still gives me a fair calculation of calories I have burned during my swim sessions. Though the calorie count is most likely lower since I'm not sure how long the watch is not reading my heart rate during times when I am swimming several laps nonstop. I also tried using this in a saltwater treated pool and the moment I went underwater the transmitter does not work at all. So I'm guessing that this HRM will not work if you are swimming in the ocean.
Chest Strap
-The Chest strap is very comfortable, and I usually don't feel it, but then again it might be because I'm used to having something strapped around my chest all day. And I have had no problems of it slipping. It is also recommended to wet the straps a little. I usually just wet my hands a bit and rub against the cloth area, and I'm good to go.
-User changeable batteries. The transmitter pops off easily from the strap, and like the watch, I can change my own batteries, but unfortunately the watch and transmitter use different types of batteries.
-Another perk is that most of the machines in my gym also pick up the transmitter readings, allowing me not have to keep glancing at my watch while I'm on the elliptical or cycling.
Overall, I really like this watch. For the price I paid, it was worth it and it gives me all the basic things I need to monitor my workout sessions.
If you want a simple watch that gives you fairly accurate heart rates, calorie burns, training records, and user changeable batteries the FT7 is a cheaper option to the FT40 and FT60 models.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Polar FT7F Heart Rate Monitor 1 ea

Clear Training GuidanceFor those who want to know if they¿re improving their fitness or burning fat. The EnergyPointer tells you if the main effect of your training is fitness improvement or fat burning Displays calories burned Comes with comfortable textile transmitter and coded heart rate transmission to avoid cross-talk Body Measurement Features Average and maximum heart rate of training: Heart rate - bpm / % Heart rate is the measurement of the work your heart does. Heart rate can be expressed as the number of beats per minute or as percentage of your maximum heart rate. Heart rate can also be expressed as a percentage of your heart rate reserve, meaning the difference between your resting heart rate and maximum heart rate (HRR = HRmax - HRrest). In Polar software or during strength training, heart rate can be displayed as a graphical trend. HR-based target zones with visual and audible alarm You can define your target zones for a training session based on heart rate to help define the right intensity. When you are out of the preset zones, the training computer will give a visual and audible alarm. HRmax (user set) Manual target zone - bpm (upper limit) This feature enables you to define the target zone as you want and is suitable for your training. You can set the target zone for your training as beats per minute (bpm), as a percentage of your maximum heart rate, or as a percentage of your heart rate reserve (HRR%). Polar EnergyPointer EnergyPointer is an easy-to-use feature which tells you during a training session if the main effect of your training is fat burning or fitness improvement. EnergyPointer visually indicates the center point between these two training effects, so when you are below that point, you are improving fat burning, and above that point, you are improving your aerobic fitness. Polar OwnCal® - calorie expenditure Polar OwnCal calculates

Click here for more information about Polar FT7F Heart Rate Monitor 1 ea

Suunto M5 Men's Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Training Watch (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered the black model M5 and was very pleased with the watch except that I found the negative display ( white numbers on black background ) to be very difficult to see at dusk or in any low light conditions. It is not nearly as bright as the product photos show except at high noon sun. If you exercise mostly during full sun, it's very readable, in fact probably less glare than the white face. Consider your exercise venue before you order. Could be my eyes, but after searching other forums on negative faces, I'm not alone. I wound up exchanging the black face for 2 white face women's M5s. I was concerned about the women's band on my wrist, but it still fit with a hole or 2 to spare. Trinow fitness was very helpful and I got them next day. The watch bodies are the same, so if I really decide I want the man's band, I'll order one, but don't see the need right now.
If you're looking for a training aid to get you on track, this is it. I ordered the foot pod and bike pod and they both connected flawlessly and are pretty accurate when checked on a known distance. The chest strap is the most comfortable I have tried and it also links up quickly. We've been using them for about 3 weeks and so far I'm still very satisfied. We were hit or miss with our exercise routine, but the M5 takes the guesswork out and keeps you on track. You really need to maintain your heart rate at a training level for the correct amount of time to get a full workout, and the M5 has helped us do that. A big plus is all the devices use a user-replacable, common watch battery. Remember that Suunto is currenlty offering a free Movestick interface with the M5 & M4, so if you buy, log on to their site and print out the rebate form. Waiting on delivery of ours as of today 8/16/10. It allows you to upload and store your training logs. I'll post a followup review in about a month.
UPDATE 1/28/11
I had to downgrade my review mainly because the software ( Movescount ) is pretty dismal when used with the M5. It's mostly a social networking tool that misses even simple tools like plotting your current fitness position versus your goals. If you want to help Suunto design a Beta quality attempt at fitness software , you'll love it. Not very intuitive.
Some points I have learned:
1. The foot POD and bike POD are fixed in their calibration with the M5. It's close, but if you're expecting a cycle computer , you're out of luck.
2. The chest strap is the most comfortable I've worn and stays wirelessly connected to the watch pretty well.
3. If you should happen to fall off your excercise plan over a certain # of days, the watch will keep repeating the same day. Suunto's way to fix it, reprogram it to a lower level and the restart at the bottom of the level you were at.
4. If you really need athlete quality reporting. This watch is not for you. It's also not $500.
5. Still like the watch. It will keep you on track. For someone trying to get in cardio shape, it's a good tool.
6. I paid $189 for mine. The price today is an indication that it's not exactly flying off the shelves. I would wager you will see this watch settle in at about $125 or a little less.
7. The PC POD does connect flawlessly and tranfers data with no problem.
8. The standard watch battery is a good idea and battery life has been very good.
9. So.....Buy the watch and enjoy it, it has surely helped improve my cardio fitness. At present, don't bother with the PC POD unless you like social networking more than fitness tracking.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Suunto M5 Men's Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Training Watch (Black)

The Suunto M5 provides versitile guidance for multi-sport exercise. Set your fitness goals with the easy-to-use interface and the M5 provides an ideal daily workout schedule to help you achieve them - including telling you when it's time to rest. Choose from improving your fitness, weight management or free training, and the Suunto M5 automatically prescribes an exercise program with ideal intensity and duration for the next 7 days. The Suunto M5 measures heart rate in context of your fitness level and provides motivational feedback and guidance in real time. The included Suunto Dual Comfort Belt is compatible with most gym cardio equipment. Exercise data captured by the M5 can be quickly and wirelessly uploaded to MovesCount.com for tracking, analysis and sharing, and custom training programs can be downloaded to the M5 (requires optional Suunto Movestick). Add speed and distance data to your logs with the optional Suunto PODs (Peripheral Observation Devices), sold separately.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Suunto M5 Men's Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Training Watch (Black)

Polar FT80 Heart Rate Monitor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sadly I must report quite a bit of disappointment with this product:
1) The screen is so poorly contrasted it's nearly impossible to read except in the best of light and the backlight only makes it tolerable -- and only for 5 seconds in a row.
2) I've unfortunately fallen victim to a problem that has affected hundreds of people as represented on the Polar forums -- the inability (over time, randomly) to synch to the web service. This bug is a software/synch. issue between the watch, windows software and the web service. It prevents the upload of your training results and if you're using the STAR program means you don't get the adaptive training routine downloaded to your watch. Further, it means you don't have access to the snazzy zone/interval graphs.
3) The feature set is misleading as it comes to being able to use certain functions; the realtime graph and rest interval display is really only available in the strength training routines and not for general aerobic activity as defined by the training program you choose on the web service.
4) There's no basic interval timer.
5) The buttons are difficult to operate and the bottom button requires more force than the top to push.
If you're a runner or cyclist, this is probably a fine watch, but the FT60 looks like a much better unit that you can actually *see*
Some of these might seem like minor issues, but I am basically left with a watch that does less than my $80 Mio Drive watch that doesn't require a chest strap for the pulse reading.
I'm very disappointed with this purchase.
Be very, very sure what sort of activity you wish to monitor for this price...and the screen absolutely sucks.
I can't see how this would be released as a saleable product. That picture to the right is NOT an accurate representation of the display...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Polar FT80 Heart Rate Monitor

You don't want a clunky, awkward-looking heart rate monitor, and you also don't want to do the same darn workout every day. Feast your eyes (and your cross-training soul) on the Polar FT 80 Heart Rate Monitor. Polar made this fitness watch with sleek, eye-pleasing style. This monitor also helps with your running, weight-lifting, and cross-training workouts. The FT 80 gives feedback on how long to rest between your lifting sets, shows calories burned, and provides an alarm to let you know when you're above or below your target zones. Store up to 100 exercise files, and use the included Polar FlowLink to connect to the polar personal trainer site for workout reviews and suggestions.Product Features
Housing Material: plastic
Altimeter: no
Altimeter Max Height:
Route Elevation Profile:
Barometer: no
Heart Rate Monitor: yes
Target Heart Rate Zone:
Training Program:
Fitness Test:
Chronograph: yes, stop watch
Odometer:
Thermometer: no
Digital Compass: no
Declination Type:
Adjustable Declination: no
Low Battery Indicator: yes
Computer Compatible: , included Polar FlowLink
Water-Resistant: yes, up to 50m
Backlight: yes
Alarms: 1 time with snooze, HR-based target zone audible and visual alarm
Alarm Type:
Battery Type: user replaceable
Battery Life:
Face Size: medium
Strap Material: rubber
Date Indicator:
Weekday Indicator:
Weight:
Recommended Use: training, cross-training, running, weight lifting, cardio
Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years

Get 31% OFF

Click here for more information about Polar FT80 Heart Rate Monitor

Stationary Bike Pedal Exerciser - Fully Assembled Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Came fully assembled, and works fine for my Mother's in-home rehab, but, doesn't seem very heavy duty (CHINA). GREAT DEAL FOR THE PRICE!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stationary Bike Pedal Exerciser - Fully Assembled

* Stimulates circulation. * Four anti-slip rubber pads that prevent sliding and protect floor are included. * Tension is adjustable. * Polished chrome finish. * Compact for storage and transportation. * Comes completely assembled. * Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Stationary Bike Pedal Exerciser - Fully Assembled

Suunto M2 Series Watch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm posting this coz I couldn't find any reviews when I was trying to choose one myself. I hope this helps!
So I deliberated for ages...the polar? the garmin? the suunto? And then which model?
They all have great features... but I think the Suunto M-series are the better looking watches and yes, I am that shallow.
It's my first HRM and I found it very easy to use...
Pros:
- large face, easy to read
- nice looking
- pause function, apparently the session ends if you don't restart after pausing for one hour
- can enter your year of birth and weight (I guess it works out your calories based on this information)
- 4 weeks of cumulative information
- can view details of your last previous workout
- tells you if you are in zone 1, 2 or 3 and beeps when you move between them. Also shows you when you are below zone 1 and above zone 3
- gives you stats on calories burned, time and time spent in each zone
- shows you calories on the fly (apparently some HRMs only show you after the workout)
- strap and watch are very comfortable
- reasonably priced
- very motivating!
Cons:
- No back light
- can't program "zones"
- doesn't take your height into consideration when estimating calories
- does not connect with the other suunto products, ie footpod, bikecomputer and usb data collector (to plug into your computer). Even if it did, they are very expensive.
- no fitness test or workout program
- only gives you details of one previous workout. Thought it does provide you with a summary of workouts in total. (Not sure how this works yet) I personally would love to scroll through each individual workout. Perhaps no HRMs provide that function. I don't know.
- doesn't show all information at once, you have to scroll through. It shows you two pieces of information on each screen though, ie heart rate plus calories burned (I can't remember the other couplings coz I mostly kept it on that setting). Scrolling through doesn't bother me at all. I think that's what you get for having the heart rate so large on the screen, which I really like.
Honestly, as much as I like it I am wondering whether to exchange it for the M4 which is only $30 more and it will give me a backlight and some of the other features...
My only issue is that I don't think you get the beeps and zone information with the M4. Whether I decide to upgrade or not, I'll be happy with this one... just wondering whether I'll be happier with the other one.
Oh, and if you're trying to decide between Suunto HRMs, the manuals are available on their website so you can read through them to find out what features they have or don't have - it might help you make a decision.
Oct 26 Update:
So, I've been using this watch for over a month now and I've concluded the following:
1. It REALLY bugs me that it doesn't have a back light. In this day and age you'd think it would be standard. SUUNTO, Listen up!
2. It is VERY attractive. I like the way it looks so much that I wear it everyday. (This is doubly why the lack of light bothers me because it doesn't function like a real watch). I receive many compliments about it.
3. Soooo many times I have accidentally deleted the workout I'm currently on after hitting the pause button. The Question it asks you is: "Stop?" And you have to select "yes" or "no". Not so hard, but if you get stopped by someone asking you the time, you might accidentally press "yes" thinking, yes I want to pause. Doh! I wish it had no question and just gave you the "Continue" or "Stop" options. That could just be me... but I've stuffed that up at least 3 times and deleted my workout info unintenionally. Also, it's meant to pause for up to an hour. I hit pause for about half and hour, restarted it then hit pause again thinking the hour would start again but it stopped after probably around half an hour without my asking it to and with no warning. That was frustrating. Because it doesn't save details of more than your last workout, if you're on the go, like I was you might again accidentally delete your hard work with no recompense. (If it saved all your previous workouts, that wouldn't be a problem).
I think this watch could be really fantastic if it just had a couple of those additional features. I recommend it to those of you who know how to press buttons properly. I notice it's $50 cheaper since I purchased it.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Suunto M2 Series Watch

* Real-time guidance: heart rate and calories burned * Automatically switches between three heart rate zones to help reach personal exercise targets * Suunto M2 comes with Suunto Dual Comfort Belt: comfortable textile belt, compatible with most gym cardio equipment and Suunto Fitness Solution * Easy to use * 9 languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Swedish and FinnishWith easy and comfortable monitoring of real-time heart rate and calories burned, the M2 is equipped with the essential tools you need to reach your fitness goals.It monitors you while you exercise to ensure you stay within the most effective training zone. If youre going to burn those calories, make sure every move is a smart one..

Get 8% OFF

Click here for more information about Suunto M2 Series Watch

Polar FT2 Heart Rate Monitor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Works as advertised. Used it at least 20 times so far--works very well as long ad your chest is wet with sweat!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Polar FT2 Heart Rate Monitor

FEATURES of the FT2 Heart Rate Monitor by Polar Shows heart rate on large and easy-to-read display Helps improve your fitness with automatic age-based heart rate target zone Displays a summary of your latest workout Simple one-button start and coded heart rate transmission to avoid cross-talk Records average and maximum heart rate Basic Features Automatic age-based target zone - bpm Average and maximum heart rate of training Heart rate - bpm HR-based target zones with visual and audible alarm Manual target zone - bpm Polar OwnCode (5kHz) - coded transmission Recording Features Training files (with summaries) - 1 Training Features HeartTouch - button-free operation of wrist unit Watch Features Backlight Backlight Date and weekday indicator Display text in English Time of day (12/24h) Water resistant - 30m Includes Polar FT2 training computer Polar T31 coded transmitter Getting Started Guide

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Polar FT2 Heart Rate Monitor

AEROBIC PEDAL EXERCISER-MINI CYCLE EXERCISE BIKE Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Its good looking piece of equipment,small, easy to store even under the chair...But reason for me to buying it, was for health needs.With my poor circulation I have to use it for many times of the day,every day,for long period of time.
But I am not sure it will last long.
First of all it gets very hot from rotations,second (and I didn't figure out that before) its to light!
(Only 6 pounds)And being light,It moves along with rotation,actually its running away from you.You have to stop your exercises every couple rotation, and pull it back, or you have to nail it to the floor in the middle of the living room.
I live in Florida weather is wonderful,i will walk!
This -MINI CYCLE EXERCISE BIKE will not run away standing under the chair! By the way shipping arrangement very confusing!And to high!
Thank you


Click Here to see more reviews about: AEROBIC PEDAL EXERCISER-MINI CYCLE EXERCISE BIKE

Description Item Specifics - Item Condition Condition: New Invacare? Standard Aerobic Pedal ExerciserBy Invacare? Supply Group #ISG8150 Great for cardiovascular fitness. Chrome-plated steel frame construction. Plastic pedals feature nylon straps. Center knob increases pedal resistance. Fully assembled.

Click here for more information about AEROBIC PEDAL EXERCISER-MINI CYCLE EXERCISE BIKE