Okay fitness folks, advise needed

[Ostatedchi]

For you serious and not so serious fitness buffs I am asking for opinions.

What sports wearable monitoring device do you use? I'm looking to do heart rate training and want one that I can wear on my wrist and has a nice large display for my heart rate. And would generally prefer to have it NOT look like a sports watch. Those things look fugly.

What do you wear and why? How do you like them? Pros? Cons?

How about accessories? Phone needed? Bluetooth headphones or ear buds? Which ones? Shoe sensor? Why? Why not?

Biking, hiking, swimming... Totally open to options.

 

[poke2001]

I use Suunto Ambit 3 and it looks reasonable to wear everyday as well. Heart rate obviously requires and chest strap...

It does multi sport but I pretty much use it just for running. It has customizable display with 1 big and 2 small items that can be displayed and then multiple pages for each sport type.

You can also have sync the data to Strava or Training Peaks for a little more detailed info.

I like it a lot...after today I have used it to get me through 4 1/2 marathons since last October.

No music, so you would need to being a phone or iPod. It does cycling, swimming, etc.

 

[N. Pappagiorgio]

Apple Watch.

 

[CBradSmith]

Would like to piggy-back some questions,

For wearable fit gear, what is data that current equipment can detect and track that is meaningful to the wearer?

Maybe a better question is, what datapoints ARE pertinent to track and why?

Heartrate...why?
Beats per minute...why?
Other_1....why?
Other_2....why?

What are the studies and literature that point to relevance of data being gathered/tracked?

And, of course, the original question in OP's post.

 

[EvilPOKES]

Apple Watch and Garmin Vivofit 2

 

[poke2001]

Would like to piggy-back some questions,

For wearable fit gear, what is data that current equipment can detect and track that is meaningful to the wearer?

Maybe a better question is, what datapoints ARE pertinent to track and why?

Heartrate...why?
Beats per minute...why?
Other_1....why?
Other_2....why?

What are the studies and literature that point to relevance of data being gathered/tracked?

And, of course, the original question in OP's post.

With my watch (and chest strap) I track distance, current pace, average pace, heart rate, cadence, and via gps it will give incline and decline after you download to the phone or PC.

I'm mostly concerned with current pace as I try to stick to a certain speed so I don't go to fast to early. I look at heart rate after my run just to compare to my previous runs. This Suunto also uses a lot of the data in a formula to calculate your needed recovery (after today's 1/2 it said I need 111 hours before running again).

Some people use heart rate real time to keep their workout in a zone. I go by feel, but like seeing the data after a run. I do use cadence. Everything I've read says the most efficient cadence is 90 (for 1 foot) steps per minute. I play around with that realtime and see how I feel during and after runs.

I'm a gadget guy. This watch doesn't make me a better runner (except for helping me slow down at the start), but I love data and gadgets.

 

[NeekReevers]

I use a Garmin Vivoactive paired with a Scochi Rythym HR monitor. I've owned 2 Garmin Forerunners prior to the Vivoactive. The Vivoactive also acts as a smart watch and activity tracker and is by far the most "wearable" GPS watch I've owned. I also own the Garmin chest strap HR monitor but the Scochi is much smaller and more comfortable and works just as well. I'm partial to Garmin products having used them for over 10 years but many manufacturers make good products. I suggest you visit dcrainmaker's page you will find more info on this type of equipment than you'll ever need.

The benefit of the HR monitor is you know exactly how hard you are working. In a full marathon you're often guessing at your effort level because early in the race it feels effortless. If you go too easy early on you give up time, you go too hard you crash and burn. A HR monitor removes a lot of the guesswork. Most often I use mind to slow myself down.

 

[poke2001]

I use a Garmin Vivoactive paired with a Scochi Rythym HR monitor. I've owned 2 Garmin Forerunners prior to the Vivoactive. The Vivoactive also acts as a smart watch and activity tracker and is by far the most "wearable" GPS watch I've owned. I also own the Garmin chest strap HR monitor but the Scochi is much smaller and more comfortable and works just as well. I'm partial to Garmin products having used them for over 10 years but many manufacturers make good products. I suggest you visit dcrainmaker's page you will find more info on this type of equipment than you'll ever need.

The benefit of the HR monitor is you know exactly how hard you are working. In a full marathon you're often guessing at your effort level because early in the race it feels effortless. If you go too easy early on you give up time, you go too hard you crash and burn. A HR monitor removes a lot of the guesswork. Most often I use mind to slow myself down.

dcrainmaker writes some incredible reviews. I also agree about using it to slow down. I don't wear mine during races though, and rely just on my pace. I got going too fast miles 2-4 today and paid for it going into the wind during 2nd 1/2 of the 1/2 marathon. I felt great and started to push it thinking I could break 2 hours, but I paid for it later.

 

[CBradSmith]

Nice write-ups. For longer race monitoring, that makes perfect sense.

I know about activity level and amount of work performed tracking, but am more curious to see if there's literature supporting an idea of what is optimal, say, X minutes per day at Y heartrate at Z age, B sex, D weight, and Q height, or something akin to that. Output being longevity of life, some arbitrary "Quality," or another dependent variable that makes sense.

Again, really appreciate what you wrote, @poke2001 and @NeekReevers

 

[poke2001]

Nice write-ups. For longer race monitoring, that makes perfect sense.

I know about activity level and amount of work performed tracking, but am more curious to see if there's literature supporting an idea of what is optimal, say, X minutes per day at Y heartrate at Z age, B sex, D weight, and Q height, or something akin to that. Output being longevity of life, some arbitrary "Quality," or another dependent variable that makes sense.

Again, really appreciate what you wrote, @poke2001 and @NeekReevers

I've searched for that, but everybody is different so it is tough. I think if you start measuring it during your activity, you can get a baseline.

For running, especially your training runs, you should be able to talk to someone next you. Find out what that rate is, and that is a good one to stay in. Push it occasionally when doing speed workouts.

I'm still a novice, but have been running an average of 3 days per week for a year now (20-25 miles per week) and have been reading/researching a lot trying to become better. I really want to move on to a full marathon but I'm scared of the time commitment.

 

[Ostatedchi]

I ran my first half marathon last year in the Route 66. I'm 44. Wed I'm going to have 4 vertebrae fused in my neck. But still haven't given up on my goal of completing a full marathon this year.

I want to train this time with the heart rate zone method. I think it'll help me run longer. And I'd like to be able to see my heart rate live on my wrist.

A running buddy of mine introduced me to DC Rainmaker. Pretty incredible write ups.

 

[NeekReevers]

I've searched for that, but everybody is different so it is tough. I think if you start measuring it during your activity, you can get a baseline.

For running, especially your training runs, you should be able to talk to someone next you. Find out what that rate is, and that is a good one to stay in. Push it occasionally when doing speed workouts.

I'm still a novice, but have been running an average of 3 days per week for a year now (20-25 miles per week) and have been reading/researching a lot trying to become better. I really want to move on to a full marathon but I'm scared of the time commitment.

I think a good goal for most people in a first marathon is just to finish the race. If that is your goal, then your time commitment will really only increase in the long run you do once per week. My first marathon I ran 5 days a week peaking at 40 mpw with a long run of 20. Break off the long run and that's 4 5 mile runs which isn't bad and if you can run a 2 HR half at 25 mpw you can probably break 4:30 for a full on 40 mpw. I just say this to assure you that you can handle it if it's something you want to do. I don't think running a marathon is by any means th end all be all of being a runner though.

@CBradSmith I have never found any good data to answer your question. Most of what I've seen says that if you do aerobic exercise for more than 30 minutes a day you do it for reasons other than health.

 

[Ostatedchi]

So after looking around, I just couldn't find a good one that looks like a classic, analog timepiece. So I think I'm going to go with the Garmin Vivoactive HR. DC Rainmaker gave it a pretty solid review while he had it during beta.

 

[NeekReevers]

I have the 1st Gen Vivoactive (no integrated HR) and I love it, wear it every day as my regular watch. I hope you like it.

 

[poke2001]

So after looking around, I just couldn't find a good one that looks like a classic, analog timepiece. So I think I'm going to go with the Garmin Vivoactive HR. DC Rainmaker gave it a pretty solid review while he had it during beta.

That one looks really nice. I read reviews last year and definitely liked that one. Ultimately, I think I settled on the Ambit because I got an amazing deal on it...

If/when you make the purchase and get a chance to try it out, let us know how you like it.

 

[Marshal Jim Duncan]

That looks pretty awesome. I've been in the market for a new fitness watch as my old Garmin finally crapped out. I may have to get one of these too.

 

[PDT816]

I'd really like to ditch the chest strap HRM because it's another thing to keep up with, but I have yet to buy anything that is remotely close as accurate. They all seem to be off by 15-20 beats per minute when you get over 150 bpm or they have serious lag if getting up to speed or if you monitor bpm recovery if you do intervals.

As far as Bluetooth audio devices, my last two have both been Motorola SD11 variants. I think I paid $165 or so for mine when they first came out but they are under $50 now. I've done just about everything imaginable to them, including jumping in the pool with them at they gym several times and they just keep plugging along. They charge really fast and I have excellent battery life.

 

[Ostatedchi]

I'd really like to ditch the chest strap HRM because it's another thing to keep up with, but I have yet to buy anything that is remotely close as accurate. They all seem to be off by 15-20 beats per minute when you get over 150 bpm or they have serious lag if getting up to speed or if you monitor bpm recovery if you do intervals.

As far as Bluetooth audio devices, my last two have both been Motorola SD11 variants. I think I paid $165 or so for mine when they first came out but they are under $50 now. I've done just about everything imaginable to them, including jumping in the pool with them at they gym several times and they just keep plugging along. They charge really fast and I have excellent battery life.

I think all wrist optic sensors aren't going to be as accurate as the EKG chest straps. But, I can live with a bit of an accuracy issue. I'm not training to the extent where that's be much of an issue.

 

[NeekReevers]

I think all wrist optic sensors aren't going to be as accurate as the EKG chest straps. But, I can live with a bit of an accuracy issue. I'm not training to the extent where that's be much of an issue.

I've really had good luck with the Scochi. I can't verify exactly how accurate because I've never compared to something that I know is accurate but I don't get weird spikes or crazy readings. It's always about where I expect it to be.

 

[poke2001]

I have a Fitbit HR and it actually tracks very close to my Suunto chest strap. I was pretty impressed.

 

[CBradSmith]

Any new experiences?

 

[poke2001]

Any new experiences?

I'm about to get me a Garmin. Not sure which one just yet...no real reason why, but I love gadgets. My Ambit is fine, but the display is hard to see in really bright light and the backlight isn't the best, so my 5 AM runs are more difficult. It's also a bit too bulky to wear as an everyday watch.

 

[Amos2050]

I actually bought the Garmin Vivioactve HR last month. You can get it for $215 on amazon or cheaper if you don't mind buying one refurbished. If you don't need the heart rate function you can by the Garmin Vivioactive for $115 on amazon, I think the refurbished one is around $81.

I previously had an Old Garmin Forerunner model that I really liked, however I was unable to swim with it.

I have loved the Vivioactive HR so far. It was really simple to learn how to use. You can customize the watch by adding more apps, set notifications and alerts, and changing the display layout. I use it primarily for running, biking, and swimming. The watch also keeps track of daily steps, daily heart rate, etc..

Via bluetooth you can link it to your smart phone so you see any notifications that your phone receives, this includes phone calls and texts. However, I believe your phone has to be in bluetooth range for this to work.

I think what is really nice about it is that Garmin has a really good phone application and Garmin Connect for computer access. They sync automatically and you can access all of your workout information online.

I chose this watch for the price point and its ability to track swimming laps. I debated between this one and the cheaper older model with no HR. I read about the benefits of learning your heart rate zones for work out purposes so I decided to pay extra for that feature and I have enjoyed having it.

 

[CBradSmith]

Have either of you researched or had experience with aggregation services that, at first glance, seem to track your numbers against your peer subset?

 

[CBradSmith]

As an example:

http://www.hrv4training.com/blog/heart-rate-variability-normal-values

http://www.hrv4training.com/blog/he...tion-values-update-using-data-from-3000-users

 

[anon_xl72qcu5isp39]

good thread.

My only rec's are:

1. Read The Four Hour Body by Tim Ferris -- especially the parts about weightlifting and diet. I wish I'd have read it 40 years ago. It really changed the way I lift, and for the better.

2. Buy cheap earphones for running. By the time they've been drenched, wadded up, drenched, repeat, and the ear cushions get lost, they won't hold a charge (if bluetooth) etc. I always end up buying a replacement pair. I'm not sure I've ever had a set of gym earphones make it more than 3 months.

I'm still curious what the practical benefit of monitoring the heart rate is.

 

[poke2001]

good thread.

My only rec's are:

1. Read The Four Hour Body by Tim Ferris -- especially the parts about weightlifting and diet. I wish I'd have read it 40 years ago. It really changed the way I lift, and for the better.

2. Buy cheap earphones for running. By the time they've been drenched, wadded up, drenched, repeat, and the ear cushions get lost, they won't hold a charge (if bluetooth) etc. I always end up buying a replacement pair. I'm not sure I've ever had a set of gym earphones make it more than 3 months.

I'm still curious what the practical benefit of monitoring the heart rate is.

#2!!!!!!

Apple has replaced by beats wireless earbuds 3 times in 18 months. At least they are being replaced under warranty but it's a pain. I've got another pair of cheap knockoffs I got from Amazon (still BT) and they work great.

 

[CBradSmith]

good thread.

My only rec's are:

1. Read The Four Hour Body by Tim Ferris -- especially the parts about weightlifting and diet. I wish I'd have read it 40 years ago. It really changed the way I lift, and for the better.

2. Buy cheap earphones for running. By the time they've been drenched, wadded up, drenched, repeat, and the ear cushions get lost, they won't hold a charge (if bluetooth) etc. I always end up buying a replacement pair. I'm not sure I've ever had a set of gym earphones make it more than 3 months.

I'm still curious what the practical benefit of monitoring the heart rate is.

You monitor heart rate to know that it has reached a threshold (high enough and at what duration) that has shown to correlate with health benefits.

 

[rowpoke417]

Garmin announced several new watches, including the Vivoactive 3. I have had the original for 2+ years now and love it. I don't think I could live without it now