do i need a heartrate monitor?

[hjohnson050711]

i have never used one before. do i need one?

groupon has one right now for $10+$5 shipping

www.groupon.com/deals/gg-bowflex-ez-pro-heart-rate-monitor-watch?addxe=SFNDSFdBUlRaQFdFQkJFTEVDVFJJQy5DT00=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=channel_goods-deals&sid=11197853&user=5f25394bdc8761227c54f64330bb4954e03c834e78b416fe3d85646fdcf119e5&utm_campaign=11197853&s=body&d=gg-bowflex-ez-pro-heart-rate-monitor-watch&p=1&c=deal_button


hmmm

[jenni232323]

I saw that deal. I got a Polar with chest strap that also tracks calories and logs each day - $70 Amazon and very happy with it. The groupon deal requires you to place your fingers on the sensor to monitor rate. I enjoy my Polar because it sets the range and I can quickly see during a workout where I am in that recommended range.

[aurora]

What are you trying to accomplish? You certainly don't need a HRM just to go out and run and get fit, but they can be helpful if you have specific goals (usually races). Are you the kind of person who is motivated by data? If so, maybe you'll enjoy watching how your heart rate changes as you get more fit. Personally, I've been running for 20+ years and have never owned one, but I certainly wouldn't argue against them.