General Discussion Triathlon Talk » chest heart rate monitor strap and running Rss Feed  
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2007-11-26 7:25 PM

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Expert
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Newton, MA
Subject: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
OK, first off, I already have it what I would call "pretty tight." The problem is when I run it slides down my chest/stomach until it's useless. Do I just need to make it "very tight"? I mean to the point of it being uncomfortable? Or just suck it up and get used to it being that tight?


2007-11-26 7:50 PM
in reply to: #1069108

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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
I fight this with crappy straps - as in the garmin strap. Make it as tight as I want and it goes down.

However, a better strap changes it quite a bit. There is a polar strap (I am only talking about the elastic part) that will work with the garmin HR strap and it is a lot better IMHO. It stays up fine for most runs.

I have also had success in taping. I put the strap on, apply HR gel, and then apply two pieces of tape vertically over the elastic part on my sides. Most of the time I hardly notice it and when I do it is only for a few minutes. Then it stays up through anything.

The quality of the elastic is everything.
2007-11-26 8:19 PM
in reply to: #1069136

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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running

indygreg - 2007-11-26 8:50 PM 

I have also had success in taping. I put the strap on, apply HR gel, and then apply two pieces of tape vertically over the elastic part on my sides. Most of the time I hardly notice it and when I do it is only for a few minutes. Then it stays up through anything. The quality of the elastic is everything.

What kind of tape do you use? 

2007-11-26 8:31 PM
in reply to: #1069108

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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
Wearing tight clothing definatley helps my strap stay in place!  Grab a tri singlet to train in and see if that makes a difference. 
2007-11-27 1:03 AM
in reply to: #1069108

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Coach
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
Different straps (I'm talking not the elastic part, rather the pickup/monitor part) fit different bodies differently.

In ex phys lab, we use a polar monitor. We have never had a problem with it picking up on anyone in any situation (treadmill, bike, etc).

My timex strap sucks and I lose it all the time.
2007-11-27 6:17 AM
in reply to: #1069178

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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
chriselam - 2007-11-26 9:19 PM

indygreg - 2007-11-26 8:50 PM

I have also had success in taping. I put the strap on, apply HR gel, and then apply two pieces of tape vertically over the elastic part on my sides. Most of the time I hardly notice it and when I do it is only for a few minutes. Then it stays up through anything. The quality of the elastic is everything.

What kind of tape do you use?



I will have to look at the specific info, but it is just a roll of waterproof medical type tape. Like 3M or something.


2007-11-27 8:55 AM
in reply to: #1069136

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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
indygreg - 2007-11-26 5:50 PM
I have also had success in taping. I put the strap on, apply HR gel, and then apply two pieces of tape vertically over the elastic part on my sides. Most of the time I hardly notice it and when I do it is only for a few minutes. Then it stays up through anything.


Thanks for the tip! I'm going to have to try this, because the Garmin strap slides down for me. Not super bad, but enough to be annoying. I hate hitching up my HR strap during a run!

At the Portland Marathon last October I tried cinching it a bit tighter, and all that did for me was rub four vertical welts into my skin - a perfect match for some of the edges of the strap! Not much fun days later having four inch long scabs on my chest rubbing against my shirt ...

Please do find the exact info on the tape you use, though - I've tried "medical tape" before and found it awfully useless..
2007-11-27 9:16 AM
in reply to: #1069108

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Expert
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
I have a Nike Imara and have never had a problem with the strap falling down at all and it's still comfortable.
2007-11-27 9:48 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
I have never had a problem with the strap on my garmin 305. It doesn't feel real tight on me and isn't uncomfortable at all.
2007-11-27 9:50 AM
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Incline Village, NV
Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running

Hmmm, a sports bra must have another function....

2007-11-27 10:28 AM
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
I saw someone come out of the water at a tri last year who had rigged up a makeshift suspender with a piece of string.  Looked weird and I would think it might rub and chaffe, but it seemed to work for him.


2007-11-27 11:12 AM
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
I have put some thought into the suspender idea, but have not come up with a viable solution as of yet.

The other thing here is body shape and type. I think thinner folks have less issues with those with some extra meat on them. I also think that those with more defined muscle mass in the chest and torso have more issues as they have more of a triangle shape to them.
2007-11-27 7:07 PM
in reply to: #1069108

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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
I have the Polar waterproof band. Before I figured out how to adjust it, it would continually fall down. When I figured that out (I'm a little slow :-) ) it feels good and it doesn't fall down.

And I'm skinny, so I would suggest looking at alternative straps and making sure you have it placed in the right place on your chest.
2007-11-27 9:20 PM
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
indygreg - 2007-11-27 12:12 PM

I have put some thought into the suspender idea, but have not come up with a viable solution as of yet.

The other thing here is body shape and type. I think thinner folks have less issues with those with some extra meat on them. I also think that those with more defined muscle mass in the chest and torso have more issues as they have more of a triangle shape to them.



I will support this. When I was into power lifting and body building, I had a much more defined v-shape, and could not wear my Suunto HR strap without major issues. Now that I have slimmed down and hardly lift, my Garmin fits fine. I would try the Suunto but I broke the strap.
2007-11-27 11:40 PM
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2007-11-28 10:07 AM
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Lethbridge, Alberta
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
I'm not sure if there is a difference between brands, but I also have a Nike branded heart rate monitor and have never had any problems with the strap sliding down. That may be a coincidence though.


2007-11-28 2:25 PM
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
I have the garmin strap & unless I have the back of the strap hiked up 2-3 inches higher in the back than the front, it slides all the way down to my belly er six-pack...
2007-11-28 7:44 PM
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Subject: RE: chest heart rate monitor strap and running
the garmin elastic is just a weaker build than most of the polar straps. However, a polar elastic strap will work with the garmin band. This model
http://www.polardiscount.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=33
will work.

I just found the first link I could . . . buy there anywhere. They work and are a LOT better than the elastic strap that comes with the Garmin. It does not say connected as well when NOT on your body . . . as in the one end that you leave connected to strap will often pop off. It will not come off when wearing it . . I have worn it for half marathons and other long events.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » chest heart rate monitor strap and running Rss Feed