- Easy-to-use fitness watch for aerobic activities
- Uses pulse technology to measure heart rate by finger touch
- Programmable heart rate zone with audible and visual alarms
- Counts calories and fat burned during workouts
- Water resistant; features regular watch functions plus a stopwatch and countdown timer
Product Description
This Bowflex strapless heart rate monitor offers heart rate without having to use a chest belt by touching the sensor buttons on the watch. Accurate heart rate anytime…. More >>
Bowflex Fit Trainer 10M Strapless Heart Rate Monitor Watch
Tags: Bowflex, calories, countdown timer, Fitness, Heart, heart rate monitor, heart rate monitor watch, heart rate zone, Monitor, pulse technology, Rate, stopwatch, Strapless, strapless heart rate monitor, Trainer, Watch
#1 by Kenneth Huxley on February 9, 2010 - 12:56 am
I’ve been using this monitor/watch for about 3 weeks now while I train for a marathon. When I first got it and was running outside in the cold, it never seemed to want to get a reading, and I assumed it had to do with blood circulation in the cold being less than great. The first couple of days, I tried to use it while I was at work, and was warm and it would only occasionally get a reading.
After those first few days, I discovered that I was placing the tips of my fingers on the monitor when I should have been using the pads of my fingers. It shows the correct placement in the instructions, but doesn’t mention that if you’re not getting a reading you may be using the wrong placement.
For the last 2 and a half weeks, it has given me a reading every time. That includes while I’m running, while I’m lifting, and while I’m just walking around at work or home. I’ve even checked it against the heart rate monitor built into the treadmills at the gym. While they both have faults, I find that they are usually in the same range give or take 5 BPM. If you really want extreme accuracy, you should probably consider a chest strap model since blood flow to extremities is variable anyway.
In closing, if you want a monitor that is accurate, if not exact, and don’t want to have to wear a chest strap (they are usually uncomfortable) this could be the heart rate monitor for you. Pay close attention to the instructions. Other than figuring out the finger placement, which is really about as comfortable as you could expect, the rest of the features are extremely easy to figure out. I wouldn’t traide it for a more expensive model.
Rating: 4 / 5
#2 by Johndoe on February 9, 2010 - 1:47 am
I first bought a Mio watch but only 2 weeks later a button fell off. Ive read comments about some having it for 2 years without even changing the battery. Either I bought a bad sample or they lowered their quality but I decided to return the Mio to the store and then came back to check other reviews on Amazon. I chose the Bowflex and don’t regret it. Very precise, simple, sturdy, easy to get your pulse, calculates your calories burned in a determined period of time, has different timers, etc. You can’t go wrong with this watch. Not a watch I’d necessarily wear around all day, but for training it’s perfect and it’s just great not to feel a strap around your chest when doing some cardio.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by GraBird on February 9, 2010 - 3:43 am
I got this watch as a gift to help with a strength training plan I started last fall to lose weight. I love the fact that it is SO simple to use. After the one time setup, just switch to calorie mode, hit reset, hit start, and you’re off. After each circuit, I do a quick check of my heart rate by pressing the two bars (top and bottom). You get a quick response of heart rate and % of max, and it’s instant feedback for how well you are doing or warns if you’re overdoing it. The calorie counter is excellent. It really works. Together with an easy 20%Fat-60%Carb-20%Protein plan, I have since learned my exact calorie break-even point, and based on calories-in minus calories-burned, I can now predict with a fair degree of accuracy how much weight I will lose each week. Wow! I have never been able to do that on any diet or exercise plan before, so for that alone, it is a phenomenal aid. The instant feedback is constantly encouraging. (BTW, I have 120+ lbs to lose, 20 down so far, so this isn’t a review by a top fit person working to shed 3 lbs on their already perfect 6-pack abs.) I have never felt so motivated before. I am loving this watch.
OK, it isn’t perfect though. Used at night (running, walking, etc.), the LIGHT function goes out after 1-2 seconds. So you have to check your heart rate in darkness, keep your fingers there for a few seconds, then quickly press the light function and read FAST. I don’t do that much, so it’s no big deal for me. And I wish there was a quick button to automatically switch to chronometer mode and start a 1 minute countdown for recovery between circuits. You have to switch modes to do that… easy enough, I guess you can memorize the sequence of buttons, but hey I’m lazy (which somewhat explains the 120+ lbs I have to lose). However, I’ve realize that its easy to just use the calorie timer to figure out when 60 seconds have passed – duh.
But neither one is a deal breaker or makes it worth spending an extra $25 or more.
As simplicity goes and as a great tool for feedback, I would highly recommend this watch.
BTW, one person complained it didn’t always read… I found that if you make the band too tight on your wrist, it can do that. Loosen it by one notch. It has never failed to read in that case. I suspect when it’s too tight, it’s probably like trying to life weights while getting your blood pressure taken. It needs to be a relaxed fit to take the best reading. (Note: This watch does not include a blood pressure monitor.)
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Hawkeye on February 9, 2010 - 5:50 am
I am pretty pleased with my choice of the Bowflex Fit Trainer. It works exactly as advertised. The functions are easy to understand and use. I have had it for about one month now and evrything is operating as I would expect. Only negative, I would mention is that about 20% of the time I try I don’t get a heart rate reading. I believe this is because my skin is fairly dry at my wrist or fingers. Typically, when this happens wetting my fingers does the trick. It seems fairly accurate given the fact that you don’t wear a chest strap. Overall, I’m pleased with my purchase.
As usual, the purchasing experience through Amazon was excellent; decent price, arrived on-time, and well packaged!
Rating: 4 / 5
#5 by H. D. Renshaw on February 9, 2010 - 7:24 am
I hate wearing those chest bands, but I do wear one when I exercize. This little watch is excellent for those on the go checks of pulse rate when you don’t have time to count as you finger your wrist. It’s not perfect, but it is great for what it is.
Rating: 5 / 5