This might seem like an odd purchase, but I've been wanting to get a heart rate monitor for awhile. I have a heart condition that's not a big deal, but I do like to keep an eye on my heart rate when I'm doing vigorous exercise. Also, I love knowing how many calories I'm burning. I used to use Spark People and My Fitness Pal's estimations, but it's nice to really know what my body is burning.
I asked my friends on Twitter for recommendations and you all had some great ones! I ended up with the Polar FT4. Below is the watch, which tracks your heart rate, calories and time. The actual monitor is attached to a stretchy band that you wear right below your heart. It's not uncomfortable - in fact, I don't even notice it (but that could be because Shaun T is kicking my booty and I can't concentrate on anything besides trying to stay alive).
Edited to add: Several of you asked me where I bought my HRM...I ordered it from Amazon, but in retrospect I probably could've save more by ordering it via Ebates. I've had an account for years and just forgot to use it!
Speaking of vigorous exercise, Chris and I started T25 a week and a half ago.
Oh.My.Word. That Shaun T is something else. If you haven't heard of T25, it's from the same people who made Insanity and P90X (and tons of other workout videos). I know several people who have completed the 8 week program and they look insane when they're finished. It's only 25 minutes a day and what I LOVE about it is that you aren't doing one video over and over and over...There are several videos (like Cardio, Total Body, Lower Focus, Abs etc) and a calendar that tells you which video to do on what day. I've already lost several inches and am toning up, which was my goal.
I'm eating healthy too, which I generally do anyway, but I've cut back on my dessert intake. I have a gigantic sweet tooth and a weakness for anything chocolate.
Good thing fruit is sweet!
And this is one of my favorite snacks or side dishes with dinner. I slice a zucchini, brush on a teensy bit of EVOO, salt and pepper, and bake them into chips. Serve them up with warm marinara and you've got yourself a really yummy snack.
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