Polar HR Monitor – A Must-Have Fitness Tool
29 Dec
Hey everyone! Yes, I’m still alive over here! 
Even though I’ve been off from work this week, I still feel like I’ve been so busy. Wednesday through Friday, I was trying to catch up on work that I put off before the Christmas holiday (primarily grading!) and there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel, so I plan to get back to my normal blogging routine… starting now!
Even though I’ve been busy, one thing I’ve been making time for is working out. I’ve definitely been hitting the Christmas cookies pretty hard, so really, I’ve got no choice.
If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, I’m sure you’ve already seen/heard me buzzing about my new favorite fitness tool – my Polar FT40 Heart Rate Monitor. It has been my best gym buddy as of late!
I received the product a few weeks ago as part of my ambassadorship with Fitfluential. I was so excited when it arrived. I knew the general idea/purpose of using a heart rate monitor, but had never used one myself.
After reading the instructions and completing the (super easy!) set-up, I was ready to go.
Here’s a quick overview of what the FT40 offers:
- It measures the user’s heart rate with a comfortable, soft strap. I didn’t even notice that the sensor strap was there!
- One of the key features of this particular model is the Energy Pointer. It lets you know if the effect of your workout is fitness improvement or fat burning.
- It displays calories burned.
- It tracks the duration of your exercise. (You’re also able to pause/resume your workout, which I like!)
What I found most useful and eye-opening about using the heart rate monitor was the ability to see how many calories I was burning. As it turns out, I was way overestimating the intensity of the group exercise classes I take and way underestimating the cardio workouts I complete on my own.
Before my run last Sunday
For example, I burned 360 calories during an hour-long spin class and 300 calories during BodyPump. If any of your gyms display the BodyPump/Les Mills posters, it’s suggested that the average participant burns close to 600 calories in one class. That certainly wasn’t the case for me! While burning calories isn’t the primary reason why I workout, it’s so helpful to have an accurate picture of things!
Polar offers many other models of heart rate monitors depending on your fitness needs. You can also check out Polar retailers near you by using this link.
Since receiving this product from review, I’ve used it during every single trip to the gym. It’s an easy, quick, and comfortable way to stay aware of my heart rate during a workout session!
Have you ever used a heart rate monitor? I don’t think I’ll be working out without one from now on!
I was provided with the FT40 heart rate monitor free of charge through a partnership with Fitfluential. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks for the review. I like running on the treadmill because of the estimated calorie burn tracking, but I really think I’m going to get one of these monitors so I can feel comfortable knowing what I’m doing outside of the gym which keeps me motivated to keep going. Thanks again!!
Much to my happiness — and surprise — the heart rate monitor always registered more calories burned than the machine! I always assumed that the treadmill/elliptical was overestimating!
I actually haven’t used a heart rate monitor to track my calories burned since I was in 7th grade! I was given the opportunity through school to wear one for a month–I certainly learned a lot. It’s definitely a great tool!
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great review! I used the heart rate monitor on two sperate occasions 1. during a 5k race and 2. while I played a wii game I was so surprised on the outcomes!
I like you’re idea of wearing it while playing video games! I was thinking I should do something similar… wearing it while cleaning!
I love heart rate monitors! I really need to invest in one!
Happy Holidays Erica! I got a similar (not the exact one) Polar about 6 months ago & it completely opened my eyes as to how hard I was pushing myself with workouts. I LOVE it. So cool that you received one to try. I’m sure it’s going to be very helpful with running training!
Definitely eye-opening! It’s so helpful with knowing if I SHOULD be working out/pushing myself harder. I’ve definitely fallen into a routine with things and think that I sometimes just “go through the motions.” I’m going to make a conscious effort to work harder during spin class tomorrow and see how that affects my stats!
I really really really want one of these and think i would get a ton of use out of it but am worries about the piece! How much was it? Do you think the money is worth it if it isn’t a gift?
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This particular model is priced at $129.90 on the Polar website. They have cheaper models though, too (I saw one on the website priced at $79.90!). I definitely think it’s worth the money! Like I said, I’ve used it every single time I’ve gone to the gym since receiving it and it’s really been helpful!
The Polar is a beautiful device. Way to get it girl!!!
This sounds awesome! Would you mind telling me where you got yours?
I actually received mine via Fitfluentail to try and review on the blog! Polar has a “Where to Buy?” section on their webpage (www.polar.com) that allows you to search for dealers near you!