Hello all, what type of heart rate monitor do you use while running or exercising? There are so many on the market and they range widely in price. I do not want to spend too much on one but I want one that works well and is user friendly. I like the watch style and I do not want a chest band. Any input would be appreciated, thank you.

What I use will likely not work for you due to cost and having a chest band but I'll share anyway. I use the Garmin 305 GPS watch and heart rate monitor. I adore it because it tells me my speed, distance, overall time AND heart rate plus much more. I can download my runs to my pc and it uses GPS to download my exact path.

It cost $125 and I must wear the chest strap but the data I get from it is worth it. This watch is made specifically for running and cycling. I will literally return home for it if I forget it before a run. I have found great success with paying attention to my heart rate while exercising. Best of luck to you!

Amanda

I have an older one with a chest strap, and am looking to replace it. I really wanted one without a chest strap, as I find mine to be uncomfortable, but as I did my research I found that the strapless ones aren't that great. In order to get a good reading you need to stop exercising for a minute or so, which of course means that your heart rate drops, and you're not getting a continous reading.

I ended up ordering a Polar FT40, which does have a strap.

Just my two cents...

I have a Polar I think it is an F7. My workout buddy bought all three of us one as a Christmas present last year--she got it off Amazon. I like using mine. When I got to work out at 24 hour fitness, the machines automatically pick up the signal.