heart rate monitors - part 2

Someone asked me about using a Garmin 305 indoors on a treadmill or spin bike.  Doesn't the Garmin only work outdoors?

Yep, the GPS function of the Garmin only works outdoors.  But the heart rate monitor function and chest strap work just fine wherever.  Except maybe the pool. ;-) There are other accessories - foot pod for treadmill, cadence sensor for cycling.  Not many folks use those accessories, I have noticed.

Maybe a better option for all around heart rate monitoring without the chest strap is the simple watch.  The tech has been around for years.  Chest strap more accurate, but watch is 'good enough.'  Polar is the premiere brand, but Timex isn't too bad IMHO.

99% of the time, I go on 'perceived level of effort,' or 'how hard is it to talk'?  See heart rate zones below from 'Running for Fitness,' a reference I respect.  I put myself in the calculator. 50 bpm resting, 200 max. In a nutshell...

Long run, deep water run, long bike - 60-75% of max heart rate. Complete sentences, but pause between for breath.
Track, spin  - 75-90% of max heart rate. Simple thoughts - like Arnold. "I'll be back." "Are you Sarah Connor?" "That's my weak arm."
5k or High Intensity Intervals - 90%+ of max heart rate. No talk. Dig. Pray for this to end.

-Larry