Heart rate monitors calories burned

I was drawn to the Garmin FR60 as it represents one of the least expensive full-featured heart rate monitors which can download training data to a computer. Since I do a good chunk of my training indoors on a treadmill, particularly in the winter, a GPS based system was not required.

My experience with the Garmin FR60 has been mostly positive. First, it's important to point out this watch is sold in at least 3 different bundles. There's the basic heart rate monitor only (all black watch), this version (red) which includes an ANT+ Stick used to download training data to a computer, and a more expensive version which includes a foot pod for measuring distance. When shopping for this watch, be sure you know which bundle you're ordering, I had to return the black version after ordering it without realizing it didn't include the ANT+ Stick.

The watch itself is a nice form factor, smaller than the large Polar S120 I'm replacing. Initial setup is easy, the... Read more

Spent a long time deciding between Polar RX300sd and the Garmin FR60. In the end, was bought over by the small footpod. Polar has this gigantic footpod. Have been running with the FR60 since Sep this year, and now, I wouldn't know what to do without it.

The FR60 looks much better than the RX300sd...more of a watch-looking. It is also water-proof (up to 50M) and has dual time. I travel occasionally, so the latter comes in handy. The menu takes a little getting use to. But if you grew up with Casio watches like I did, you should get it in no time. With so many features, it took me a couple of runs to get the settings that I want. But after that, it's works great!!! Love especially the Virtual Partner function.

The footpod is same as the Nike+ footpod; it is small. Many have said that the Polar footpod is the most accurate amongst all footpods. Well, this tiny Garmin sucker is really accurate and consistent. Took just one calibration and it stayed... Read more

I purchased this product from Amazon after reading countless different reviews of Garmin products and their competitors. Both the watch and the heart monitor are comfortable to wear. Initial setup of the watch was straight-forward and quick, so was the setup of the desktop software. The watch synced my workouts seemlessly and the desktop software looks decent.

Now, my issues include the fact that straight out of the box, one of the buttons fell off. Tried to put it back but noticed that the base inside the watch where the button is supposed to fit was crooked. Generally I don't return products unless there is a major fault, so I let this slide. The other issue is the fact that advanced setup isn't very straight-forward (both watch and software) and the manual is not comprehensive. I'm sure if someone spends more time reading and searching that you'll figure it out, but this shouldn't be the case in my opinion.

Does what it says, and for someone who wants to... Read more

I just purchased the FR60 in lilac for myself (and the men's version for my husband). Currently we are using them for high intensity interval training. The set-up was a breeze. After researching several watches I chose these based on features, price, and brand. A must for us was to be able to upload the data to our computer and graph our heart rates for the intervals. Once we set up this feature using the ANT stick (which was a three step process completely outlined on the garmin website), we were able to do this. It's awesome. After a workout I just walk into our office and within 30 seconds a box pops up on my computer asking if i'd like to see the data online.

We chose these Garmin watches over similarly functioning and priced Polar watches due to the wireless capability. For the polar watches you have to buy an additional module that you physically have to place the watch on to upload the data. I know it sounds lazy, but I prefer to just leave my sweaty... Read more

I love the Garmin FR60. The chest strap is very comfortable. The online Garmin Connect feature is really great & easy to use.I love all the reports available. Garmin is very helpful on questions & provide fast feedback. I now also have the foot pod which I love on my runs. I'm sure there are a lot of features that I haven't used yet. It's easy to use & I like the fact that it's ready to go- no calibration. I've played around with it some. It doesn't do mileage on an ellipitical. It will record mileage & calories burned without the chest strap on runs.(I went for a run & didn't realize I had forgotten the chest strap until I was too far away from the house.) I have not tried it swimming. I know it says that it's waterproof but I was still afraid to get in the pool with it. I have used it on my bike but I don't have the accessory for my bike. It still tells heartrate & calories but not distance. I like the fact that it's not bulky on my arm. It really looks like a sports watch so I'm... Read more

I received the FR60 for Christmas from my husband. For seven months I loved this watch, loved it as a heart rate monitor and loved it as a watch. (I don't run, so I didn't get the foot pad.) I loved being able to upload my time to the Garmin site. I was able to set goals (x number of hours a month of exercise) and see how close to goal I was. I could see my heart rate through an entire workout session, my average HR, my maximum HR, everything.

Then I wore my "resistant to 50 meters" watch in the pool. The shallow end. Water somehow seeped in and ruined the watch. Garmin will be more than happy to replace the watch for $100 because water damage is not covered. Water damage to a watch you're supposed to be able to wear in the water is not covered? I only wore the watch to work out, I never banged it or damaged it in any way.

I'm giving it one star because I think that's ridiculous.

So, if you plan on never getting it wet, maybe this is... Read more