Spec me a Gym/Running Watch with HR

[Jase]

I'm starting back in the Gym tonight and would like a watch for heart rate etc.

A few years ago I had a Polar watch with a Heart Rate strap that went around the chest. It's wasn't anything special but it worked with the equipment in the gym and also allowed you to upload data onto their website to track progress. Unfortunately I seem to have broken that trying to change a battery so looking for a replacement.

It mainly going to used during running, cycling and some weights.

I don't have a price in mind but dont really want to pay £500 for an Apple Watch.. also not sure if I need GPS, I never had it last time but maybe it would keep me entertained during outdoor running/cycling.

Unfortunately I did my knee in on a recent trip to snowdon so I'm restricted by what I can do for a few weeks when it comes to impact on the knee

 

[Jase]

Thanks for the replies and some nice ideas.

The TomTom looks really good but seems to be made just for running and and although that will be a big part of it I really want something that would cover a wider range of activities.

I've had a look on the Fitbit site and that looks pretty good, the top of the range is £199 and has a HR monitor built in. It seems like a reasonable price for the features - it would be handy if it worked with the gym equipment but I guess it wont.

I'll wait to see if there are any more suggestions but so far out of that list the Fitbit is looking favourable.

 

[Jase]

That TomTom looks pretty good.

I used to like the Polar watch and would be tempted to get another like the M400 but they all need the chest strap from what I can see and it would be nice to avoid that.

 

[Jase]

Ive been using a Fitbit surge for just over a month. Its a massive motivator and monitors your calorie burn pretty accurately.

I wish it was a bit smaller as its not the best looking thing but I've hardly taken it off for a month which means i'm not wearing my 'nice' watches for meetings etc.

I think the next generation of these wearables will be great as they are likely to be smaller and have more accurate HR monitors.

The size is what put me off the Surge otherwise it ticked the boxes.

I agree the next generation of watches should be much better, the apple watch is a good indication of how they could look but it's just not a finished product at the moment with poor battery life etc etc.