swimming with heart rate monitor? - Triathlon Week

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

Hey all
Looking to buy a heart rate monitor (fairly entry level), anyone with any
experience with using them for training in the pool? Any comments on
monitors they've tried and didn't work in the water? Thanks for any help.

kev

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

"Kevin Garnier" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>...
> Hey all
> Looking to buy a heart rate monitor (fairly entry level), anyone with any
> experience with using them for training in the pool? Any comments on
> monitors they've tried and didn't work in the water? Thanks for any help.
>
> kev

Before you start using opinions as the basis for a purchase, consider
a little more research.

A few HRM manufacturers state that their equipment will work in the
water. All advise that you NOT press the buttons while immersed.

Consider models that allow you to view the functions you need without
pressing buttons - - at least during swim worksouts.

Also, the most common reasons I hear for people not using them for
swimming have nothing to do with acquiring reliable signal quality.
For example:

* ...the chest strap slips down when they push off the wall.
* ...they do so many (and varied) intervals that the resetting timer
becomes a hassle.
* ...swimmers are far from "early adopters". Traditionally, they work
out on the basis of perceived exertion - - and fear of the coach. ; )

rsquared

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

> > Hey all
> > Looking to buy a heart rate monitor (fairly entry level), anyone with any
> > experience with using them for training in the pool? Any comments on
> > monitors they've tried and didn't work in the water? Thanks for any help.
....
> Also, the most common reasons I hear for people not using them for
> swimming have nothing to do with acquiring reliable signal quality.
> For example:
>
> * ...the chest strap slips down when they push off the wall.
> * ...they do so many (and varied) intervals that the resetting timer
> becomes a hassle.

This is my contention. The signal strength of the Polar S510 is fine in the
water. The problem is the strap falls down. I've tried swimming with a tight
shirt but it did not solve the problem - it helped - but didn't solve it. The
solution may be suspenders?

It works great under a wetsuit.

The interval game is a problem. But it's a problem with all watches. The
classic ironman is very easy to set. I am sick of trying to do the same with
the Polar.

-CF

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

"Kevin Garnier" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

> Hey all
> Looking to buy a heart rate monitor (fairly entry level), anyone with any
> experience with using them for training in the pool? Any comments on
> monitors they've tried and didn't work in the water? Thanks for any help.
>
> kev

I have used Polar units when swimming. Difficult because water shorts
the leads.
I ended up with a shorty wet suit for insulation and got it to work 50%
of the time. I use UltraCoach software for the data.

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