Community Chat

[Caseyandbaileysmom]

I am posting this in Viewpoints, hoping I will get more of a response. I workout at Lifetime Fitness. From the day I started, they have pushed the Polar Heart Rate Monitor. Pushed it to the point of saying I wasn't serious about losing weight unless I purchased one. The catch? It costs about $150.00, plus, you have to have some kind of Oxygen test for about $100, and purchase a mask for the test for about $30. They say this tells you if you are working out in the correct "zone." My dilemma? I have worked out in the past, and have been working out the past few months, and really, I just don't want to spend the $$. I joined a "team pilates" workout, and we do pilates 3 x's a week, and cardio once a week. In addition, I do my workout classes 3-4x's a week, and weightlifting. These people are saying I may not lose weight without the watch! At best, I may be exerting myself to hard, without optimal results. My boss, a tri-athlete said work out at a pace where you can still have a conversation, and you are in the right zone. I am so confused. I hate the idea of wearing a chest strap, but...the idea of seeing how many calories I burn during a workout, or during the day is interesting.

It's kind of like a cult. Everyone at the gym has one. So, my question is...does anyone use one, and do you think it's essential? I would have an easier time believing that I as the average person needed one if...the gym didn't earn $ and the trainers commission on them. I mean, when you tell the trainer you aren't interested, it's like you insulted them. The first trainer I went to told me if I didn't buy the watch, do the test and work with her 3x's a week, I must really not want to lose weight. That's why I am skeptical. Hockeynut/John, I would love it if you would offer your opinion.