How do I know whether I need a female-specific (Polar) Heart Rate Monitor?
I’m a woman looking to begin working out with a heart rate monitor. How do I know if I should use a general or female-specific HRM? My ribcage (without bust) is 38-39″, and my wrist circumference is 6.5-7″. I’m looking to balance comfort of the chest strap with fit of the watch unit. I’m primarily looking at Polar, but would consider other brands and advice. Thanks!
The chest strap is the same I have had the best luck with the Polar T31 strap. The WearLink with the vinyl strap seems to malfunction when I get very sweaty. The problem may be due to having a lot of hair on my chest. I usually wet my chest with salt water under the contacts when I put my strap on, I have so far been unable to readily find electrode jell. The medium strap that comes with the unit should be ok, my wife is the same size you are and it works just fine. Someone also makes sports bras for use with the HRM. The Polar F51 monitor is adequate for my needs, I do no need anything fancy.
Beurer PM45 Heart rate monitor