Beets BLU Heart Rate Monitor

I have wanted a heart rate monitor for quite a while actually.  When Beets Blu reached out to me to see if I would be interested in reviewing their heart rate monitor I was really excited for the opportunity.

First thing I did was look up to see which Apps the device was compatible with, I found it actually works and can sync with several different popular fitness applications. I mostly use the Fitbit tracker app, the only downside of this product on that was it doesn't pare with Fitbit.
So, I decided to pair it with my Runkeeper App instead.

In my previous research with these, I knew it would likely be a band that fits around the chest.  One thing I learned about it, in order for it to work you need to either be sweaty or have the skin between the device and yourself be dampened.
First few times I tried it, I didn't have trouble I think it was because I was already working out before I put it on.  If I tried to use it and put it on before I started working out, I found that I did need something as a conductor, I just used the same gel that I use with my Ultrasound machine.


My thoughts on the quality of the product, this is obviously well made.  The strap that wraps around you, is adjustable and well made.  The device snaps right to the strap.  Which I really like, because eventually this strap will probably get smelly sweaty, this way I can clip off the device to wash it when needed.

I do want to mention, the monitor itself is NOT waterproof, just sweat proof.  So you can't take it swimming.

You don't even have to turn it on, actually there isn't an on switch.  The on switch is you're heart rate, once it is on, you can immediately sync to your device and app and begin using.  Which is really nice, there is not fumbling with anything.  Just wrap the band around you and snap the device on and your good to go.

Before purchasing this product make sure it is compatible with your phone.  I have a Samsung Galaxy, and it worked with my phone.  But not all phones will work, so if you order make sure you check this first so when you get it, you'll not have any issues on the compatibility front.

Why would you want a heart rate monitor?
There are many reasons, but if you're an athlete it can help you train better.  For myself because I am a runner, a heart rate monitor such as this is so much more helpful.

You've probably seen the monitors at the gym, or maybe you have one on your treadmill.  If you slow down enough to be able to put your thumbs on it, then two things just occurred.  You slowed, so the results will be inaccurate and second you're messing up your gait by doing so.

A few other reasons to use a hands free heart rate monitor:
You can train in your target heart rate zone.
You can burn fat faster.
They are also a great coach, especially if you use one and use it effectively.


I also researched the pricing, and although I received mine complimentary for my review.  I found that on Amazon they currently sell for $39.95.  Which in my opinion is a very decent price for a heart rate monitor!

In addition to the Beets Blu heart rate monitor, I also tested out their Beets BLU
Papertag.  What is the Papertag?
Have you ever lost your cellphone, keys, wallet or laptop?
All you do is pair this device with those, and as long as you get within 15 feet of the item it will help you find them.  Pretty cool huh!

You can even attach this to your luggage, so that when your waiting at the baggage claim, you can get a message on your phone that your bag is on it's way down the belt.
This fun little helpful device is pretty low cost to on Amazon they run for $24,95.

So tell me, do you train with a heart rate monitor?  Do you use them to improve your performance?



22 comments :

  1. Looks cool. How do you check your heart rate while working out, does it show up on your phone?

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    1. Yes, it just shows up on your phone, whichever fitness app you use with it.

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  2. I have a couple HRMs ... a PolarFT4 and a Fitbit ChargeHR (which doesn't require a strap, yea!) Of course I'm crazy so I still wear them both for longer workouts, then compare the data. So just looking for a little more info on the one you reviewed, do you have to look at your phone to see the data (live and after?). I like to look while I'm exercising, and I'd never have my phone lookable at Zumba. Does that work while running?

    Does it show calorie estimate (some HRMs don't, just heart rate) ... does it give an average HR after a workout, a max? Those are things I like. I prefer the ChargeHR as it doesn't have the strap. I wear it all day. The Polar I do prefer during Zumba, because I can just look down at the watch portion to see my heartrate and know if I'm doing good, or if I need to push it more. I have to press a couple buttons on the ChargeHR to get the HR to display there, which is just a little harder than simply glancing down (if it can have a constant display during a workout, I haven't figured that out yet).

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    1. Yes, it shows up on your phone. I guess if you used one of those run trackers that talk to you while you workout, it might possibly share the info that way. I am going to have to try that.
      Yes, it does show calorie burn estimates, gives you the average heart rate, the heart rate real time, as well as results of what your heart rate was about 5 minutes before and after the workout.

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  3. I recently purchased a MIO Fuse and I like it a lot! The best thing I like about it is that it doesn't require a strap! It is nice knowing what my heartrate is while running and I'm hoping to incorporate heart rate training soon! The Beets papertag sounds neat. I like the idea of using it for your luggage!

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    1. I plan to incorporate more heart rate training now for myself as well.
      Ya, I am excited to try it for the luggage thing on my next trip, it's really cool!

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  4. I've never heard of this one.
    I have used Polar heart rate monitors for at least the past 15 years. Love knowing where my heart beat is at.

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    1. This was the first time I payed attention to it, I will be honest I have only used the ones on my treadmill before, and they are kind of useless. I like this one much better!

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  5. I haven't thought of training with a heart monitor. I always thought if I was breathing I was good :) I need to try some new things this summer so I may have to give this idea a little more thought.

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    1. LOL that is exactly what my mom said to me.
      But actually, a monitor can be really useful especially when trying to hit peak performance and knowing just how hard you can push.

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  6. OK, I admit I have a HRM that came with my Garmin 110. I've worn it a grand total of 1 time in 4 years. How stupid is that? But, I just didn't like the way it felt. I've never heard of this brand before. For those than like running with their phones and apps it sounds like a win.

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    1. Yes, I think for those who run with phones this is perfect for them!

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  7. I got the same one and while I could use it with my Galaxy, at the time it didn't sync with my apps. I had to download a separate app to collect data. I loved it though, the first few times I used it I had a hard time getting it to connect but after that- it was amazing!

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    1. I actually had to download a different app too than I used before. Normally I use Fitbit, and it didn't sync with it, but once I installed Runkeeper it seems to work pretty good with it!
      Glad you like yours!!!

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  8. That's a great price for a HR monitor. Hadn't seen that one before thanks for the review.

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  9. I have never used a heart rate monitor before.

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    1. They are really helpful and can be a lot of fun, you should give it a try if you get the chance!!

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  10. I need to start using my HRM again. I don't really like chest straps so I'm on the hunt for a wrist HRM. I know they aren't as accurate, but I think it would be more comfortable. Great review. Have a great weekend Kristy!

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  11. I love that you have an ultrasound machine too ha. I got one about a year ago and it's actually helped out with quite a few minor things:) I wore a HR monitor once. This winter and it was a miserable experience lol. It wasn't fitting right so I just had the very top of it tucked in my sports bra and chafed like crazy lol. I either need to find a better fitting one or wear a lot of glide next time haha because I know they can be very valuable both for workouts as well as avoiding overtraining:)

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    1. Oh ya, I love the ultrasound machine, it actually helped save me a lot of money when I first started the healing tendon process, and I still use it on occasion:)
      I will be honest, I probably won't wear this during a long run, just for chaffing reasons. But definitely for other training purposes, it would be great. Or even mid long run, to put on for a few miles and see, it not a bad idea:)

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