handles on cardio machines

[IronReload04]

can somebody please tell me if hte handles on cardio machines such as the eliptical and bike are accurate? It just seems that i work much harder on the eliptical than the bike when my heart rate is the same for both.

[IronReload04]

when i am on the bike my my hr is at 75%, it doesnt feel like i am doin a **** thing

[Bryan2]

i often wondered the same because when my hr starts getting to high it says slow down to reach target heart rate and starts dropping immediatley regardless of pase

[pspcs83]

i have worn a hr monitor while on an elliptical. I'd say the elliptical was usually fairly accurate (within 1-2 bpm). However, It was as much as 10 bpm off by the end of 50 minutes of cardio. That's just the machine I was using.

However, if you are NOT wearing a HR monitor and only using the handles, well then, I think it would be way off. If you don't have a HR monitor, spend the $$. Well worth the investment IMO

can somebody please tell me if hte handles on cardio machines such as the eliptical and bike are accurate? It just seems that i work much harder on the eliptical than the bike when my heart rate is the same for both.

[doby48]

i agree, get yourself a good HR monitor to get a more accurate reading.

[IronReload04]

thanks. if you say so i shall get one then

[DBarcelo]

It depends on the specific machine and how hard you're gripping the handle. As you get tired, your grip loosens and the reading will become less accurate, even if the monitor it self is a good one. A wrist worn monitor is probably the best thing.

[doby48]

I have found you get the most accurate readings from the ones with a chest strap (you wear something on your wrist to see the readings) than the ones that take readings from your wrist. They do make both.