chest straps

Is it a heart monitor?:dunno:

Is it a heart monitor? Everytime I've tried one, it pops right off on the first pushoff, no matter how much I tighten it. The U of Richmond women's swim team uses them extensively, the coach (whom I respect a lot) is a big believer in heart rate training. They wear them under their suits.

what is that strap that you put around your chest that people use for swim training? i saw a video of a freediver who used the same thing too for his training... We call it a manzierre when we see Stud in it.

...as opposed to a "training bra" when, like all pubescent girls, Geek puts his on... OK, Mr. Double D Man Boobs.

...as opposed to a "training bra" when, like all pubescent girls, Geek puts his on...

I've used one extensively for the last year. I'm a big believer in HR training. I too have to have it REAL tight, but I've managed to keep mine on...usually. My Polar S720i HRM records my HR every 5 seconds and I can download the file into Polar's software and see my HR and caloried burned by rep, set, workout, whatever. Then I can add that info to my workout set/rep recorded times into my time-based function-laden Excel spreadsheet...man it's a thing of beauty only a fellow Excel whiz/geek could appreciate. Most importantly, it tells me how hard I'm working, or not...or the decrease in effort required (hopefully), as measured by HR, for a given speed as a season progresses. Pretty cool stuff if you believe in HR training and use something like some of the USA Swimming energy zone references or Maglischo's Swimming Fastest book. Everytime I've tried one, it pops right off on the first pushoff, no matter how much I tighten it. The U of Richmond women's swim team uses them extensively, the coach (whom I respect a lot) is a big believer in heart rate training. They wear them under their suits.

OK, Mr. Double D Man Boobs. Don't be upset dear...you'll grow some too one day...

Let's get the spelling right: it is manssiere, as opposed to brassiere, which is what Kramer and Constanza's father invented in a Seinfeld episode. As an obsessive user of HR Monitors while running, in the past, I might add that in swimming there is less need or usefulness for such devices. Because of the horizontal position one needs to make extreme efforts to bring the rate up to a "danger" zone. Also when stopping to check the monitor and changing postures the rate goes up accordingly. I can see some use as to check what your heart rate is over certain efforts and then check later, months later to see how your are evolving. Also to check your return to base after two minutes, i.e. how much does it take to come down from 150 to 100? This comeback would point to a good cardiovascular shape, i.e. being in good shape. Enough, I am getting confused myself with all this babble. billy fanstone

ok, so that's what it is...a heart rate monitor :) thanks guys!

OK, Mr. Double D Man Boobs. I thought they were call "Moobs". :confused: