Heart Smarts

I tried out the Polar F6 heart rate monitor during last night's gym session.  I'm still trying to figure out all of the settings, but I was able to get the basic functions to work.  Quite a feat since I can't even figure out the stopwatch function on my Timex!

Here's what I think of it, in case anyone is considering getting one for themselves:

Originally, I was concerned about the comfort of the coded transmitter chest strap. They look painful and I was convinced that it would be too small and I would suffocate and die. As it turns out, the strap is super adjustable and elastic, so my sizing paranoia went away. Plus, you can't even feel the transmitter once you put it on (it fits comfortable under a sports bra). The watch itself is only slightly larger than a regular one, so that didn't bother me at all.

Since I was in a partial Thai food coma from dinner, I decided to only do an hour of cardio so that I could test this little do-da out. I hopped on my favorite elliptical (located right under the A/C vent, score) and set it to manual since I wasn't going to use the machine to track my heart rate. After a few minutes, I realized that the elliptical machine was somehow reading my heart rate without me using the heart rate grasps. It must have been able to pickup on what the Polar transmitter was reading. Kinda creepy. Any who, I did a bit over an hour of cardio, and here's how I did (apologies for the shoddy pics):

I'm really happy that I managed to burn 50% from fat, and I purposely slowed down when the watch beeped to tell me I was moving up to a higher zone. So in this respect, I think the watch/hrm should help improve my fitness smarts. One thing that is a bit annoying -- the elliptical machine, which as I mentioned was also tracking my heart rate, said that I burned closer to 940 calories. I'm not all that concerned about the numbers, but still, that's more than a slight discrepancy! Makes me wonder which one is more accurate. 

In other news, look who gave me the stink eye this morning when it was time to get up:

Notice how he's stretched out smack in middle of bed? I usually wake up practically falling off the side because I've been scooted over all night. Divo. 

Other than that, I'm super excited that today is Friday, and that we have nice weekend ahead :) Tomorrow I'm off to Great Falls for a hike, and on Sunday I'm hosting my very first brunch!  I'm already planning a couple of fun recipes to try. Can't wait!

Have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo,
Olivia