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Other/Mixed Activity/Heart Rate Monitor

Other strength modalities (e.g., Clubs), mixed strength modalities (e.g., combined kettlebell and barbell), other goals (flexibility)
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BigJB

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I have been trying out a few activity monitors, and while they work well for non-kettlebell training activities, they don't exactly fit well with doing kb clean and presses. So...I am wanting to know what activity monitor (FitBit, etc.) or heart rate monitor (ex. Polar) do you use? Also, what do you like most about it as well as what do you like the least about it?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.
 
I use a Garmin Forerunner 15 along with the included chest heart rate strap. When I'm lifting, I just set the watch nearby. I chose the Forerunner 15 specifically because it produces reliable heart rate charts.
 
I want to order the Polar FT7 or FT60, so it would be appreciated if someone could comment on them.
And what are your thoughts on that FlowLink thing? Necessary?
 
Polar RS300X, works well for swings, on clean and presses and get ups I have to remove the watch/monitor but it still gets the job done. One thing I wish I'd known about was that some have a bluetooth transmitter which is compatible with many iPhone apps. The RS300X is not one of them but it gets the job done. I'm not familiar with FlowLink but if you get the F7 transmitter which is bluetooth and use the apps I believe you'll have all the info you need such as heart rate variability.
 
K-Phant, I have the Polar H7 since two weeks, costs a little bit under 60€ and works well the Polar app and elite hrv
via Bluetooth to your cell phone. I have a little tripod for my phone and can have a glimpse on my hr anytime without turning my head. I can recommend it. The Apps are for free.
 
I have the FT7. One thing I do not like is that the chest piece has to stay relatively close to the watch. I had wanted to leave the watch next to where I do my swings so that I don't need to be wearing something on my wrist while doing the left handed swings. It's not a big deal, but hearing about the bluetooth ones where you can display it on your phone without having to wear a watch piece makes me think those would have been better. Also, after reading about HRV in the later discussions in the awesome "HR monitors for the data averse" thread, I wish I had a way of measuring that.

I REALLY have benefited from the FT7, and I don't want to take anything away from it in that regard, its just that there are other things I didn't know to look for at the time, like the distance the chest piece transmits or the ability to track HRV. The FT7 gets the job done as far as being able to use your HR as a cue to begin the next set. Less concern about overtraining by going too soon, or delaying progress by resting too long. I really should be learning the intuition and self awareness of where to start though and not use the HRM as a crutch. I'm going to start guessing when I'm ready without looking to try to work on that, and then check to see if I still need to wait a few breaths or something if I'm off.
 
Thanks a lot guys!

Harald - At first i wanted the H7, but unfortunately my phone (Android pre-4.3) is not compatible with it.
 
Has anyone used the PUSH, BodyMedia FIT, or the Gym Watch? I have been using a try before you buy website to try out some monitors, and unfortunately I did not realize how the activity monitors I chose would actually work when I tried to use them during kettlebell workouts. The ones mentioned above supposedly measure the amount of weight and suggest corrections to the form, not sure if they are helpful for kettlebell exercises or just how much "correcting" I need from a watch on my kb form.
 
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