Heart rate monitor for contact sports?

January 3, 2010 4:52 PM

Is there a heart rate monitor/calorie counter that can be worn while playing a full contact sport, that also doesn't involve a wristwatch receiver?

My personal trainer suggested that I wear one while at roller derby practice, but I don't think that the typical "band around the chest/wristwatch" combination that I've seen would work - the chest band would probably get broken when I fall, and I can't wear a wristwatch while practicing because of the mandatory wrist guards.

Anyone have any suggestions?

posted by Lucinda to Health & Fitness (2 answers total)

How about moving the wristwatch receiver to your ankle? (remove the straps and tape it/rubber band it to your boot)
posted by abdulf at 5:41 PM on January 3, 2010

I have had two Polar heart rate monitors and I think they are pretty tough. I wouldn't worry about falls. I think there are sports bras with monitors built in too. I am not sure the ankle idea will work - mine has pretty much an arms length range, but more advanced watches have memories so you could stash it somewhere and look at it after practice.
posted by shothotbot at 5:47 PM on January 3, 2010