Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap – ANT + Bluetooth, Waterproof HR Sensor for Men and Women

You need this if you want to work out properly!
UPDATE after one year: Over time, the unit started to eat through batteries MUCH faster. No idea why. As an experiment, I tried removing the battery after each use, and this solved the problem. So from now on, I just pop out the battery when I’m done, which isn’t too inconvenient. You can always check the battery level in Settings, within the app. Overall, after one year, I am still very pleased with the unit.What I use this for – I’m a rower. I primarily use this with my Concept 2 rowing machine, and it connected right away with the PM5 on my machine. It also works flawlessly with Concept2’s app for this, called ErgData, which records your workouts on your phone and then uploads them to the Concept2 Logbook online.The “Polar Beat” App, and website profile – To use this HR monitor, you’ll need to download Polar’s “Polar Beat” app, and create an account which will automatically sync your workouts to your account which you can see in more detail on the website. I have an Android, I’ve had no issues with the app, and I think the overall layout is clear, user-friendly, and not too bulky. I’ve also had no connectivity issues, and RARELY ever have a loss of connection or hiccup in any readings. However, I would not trust any data related to distance or pace. As seen in my screenshot, my phone interpreted my straight path down a street as totally zig-zagged. The distance and pace is not accurate as a result. But I’m assuming this is my phone’s GPS which is wrong, and probably(?) not the app. Luckily, I am not a runner so I personally don’t care about this issue, but just pointing out that it may be an issue for some.Regarding accuracy: The accuracy of calories burned and heart rate training zones is not only based on HR, but if you know your Vo2 max and anaerobic threshold, you can input these, as well as other data, into your profile via the website to increase the overall accuracy (as seen in my screen shot). Also on the website you can analyze your individual workouts in more detail, and see a handy calendar view of them.Strap sizing – I have a 34” chest circumference. The M-XXL, when loosened to its maximum *un-stretched* length, is 35” long. When stretched, this extends to 45” or so. So if unless your chest is larger than 45”, you should be fine with the M-XXL. Also, the “turquoise” is totally BLUE in color, not aqua or greenish at all. :pPersonal use and opinions -This HR monitor has quickly and completely taken my health and fitness to another level. I seriously regret not having purchased one sooner!I’m a high-intensity kinda person when it comes to exercise. I got hooked on HIIT once I tried it years ago. I never, ever used to bother with endurance stuff (long sessions with LOW heart rates), until I got this HR monitor, and I was advised that I needed to do more endurance work to increase my baseline aerobic fitness. It took a LOT of patience for me to slow down, and actually keep my HR between 130-140. Turns out I had truly never worked out at such low intensity. Despite thinking this low intensity stuff was useless, I stuck with it, and I was flabbergasted at the results. Within just a week of beginning long, steady state daily rows (45m-1hr):-my resting HR dropped by about 5 beats.-my blood pressure dropped to completely normal levels (I’m 35 with an excellent bill of health, but doctors could never understand why I had BP readings that were always high. Apparently, I just needed a little more aerobic fitness!)-and this was totally unexpected: my mental stress levels decreased dramatically. I suddenly had more patience during the day, and even better appetite control. It felt like I was taking a chill pill.And this was just after ONE week.After a month: Aside from feeling a noticeable improvement in quality of life… My pace in rowing (at the same HR) has already improved a lot since I began, which is direct proof of an improving cardiovascular fitness. Further: I recently completed a really tough hike which I hadn’t done in about 7 years. Result: it was a LOT easier this time because my HR drops much more quickly now, so I felt almost *instantly* rested as soon as the elevation would level out. Without the use of a HR monitor to control my workouts in order to properly build this baseline aerobic fitness, NONE of this would have been possible!(And by the way, the Polar Beat app recorded that entire 4 hour hike flawlessly, as my phone was tucked away in my jacket pocket with the screen off and locked, and I never had to fool with it or double-check it).Look, just buy this. Whether you’re experienced or a beginner, don’t ever, ever trust your “perceived exertion.” It is NO substitute for actual data. I wasted SO many years doing that, and robbed myself of a higher level of fitness!! To achieve fitness, you need a combo of high AND low intensity, not just one or the other. And to do this, you need a HR monitor. It’s SO simple: choose your workout and just stay in your zones! :)Hope this helps!!

I use this with Welltory and EliteHRV. Very useful to track recovery and morning readiness. I thought the strap would be uncomfortable but can’t really feel it. One issue is certain yoga poses will be uncomfortable with the device strapped across the chest.

Excellent product