cardio

[Iskandar]

When is Fitbit going to develop a cardio monitoring add-on. Or what do others think I should buy to monitor cardio activity to maximise my exercise.  Something not to expensive. thanks.  Chris

[Heybales]

You mean non-step based cardio?

To maximize your cardio - any cheap HRM that has zone alarms top and bottom will do, as well as manually setting those zone lines.

Stats for avgHR and maxHR are great too for confirming the workout was where it needed to be.

That leaves Polar out, as they keep charging more and more for every little feature added.

But the real way to maximize the exercise (if you mean by that making the max improvements) is to do some self-tests for fitness level, and then base training on that, using the HRM to tell you if in correct place for workout.

Like lactate threshold field test is easiest best one. Then you base HR zones on that, and increase it.

Some workouts will be hard, some easy, depending on goal.

So what's the goal of the cardio?

Oh, if just calorie burn was all you meant, then do intervals for upwards of 30 min, 1 min hard, 1 min easy.

Do that following a strength training program to work your muscles well.

[Iskandar]

Problem is I live in Vietnam so it is hard to buy these gadgets. Can you recommend any brands or names?  Cheap if possible.  I may be able to buy on line and get them couriered in or buy in Bangkok next time I am there.  Thanks and appreciate getting your reply. thanks. 

Iskandar

[Heybales]

An American market isn't going to be the same there for the cheaper ones.

The models are the same, but different companies slap their own names on the devices with their own model number. So any names would be specific for here, and you would have different names there.

Just use Google to search for "heart rate monitor" and look for the features I mentioned at local places you could visit or mail order from.