Hi Sky.Live! I'm around, just not posting as often on LYN forums anymore because of too many trolls. So I pop by once in awhile.
I do more intervals now but mostly at gym to use the cardio machines since I still can't run/jog for long periods. So I do it ala Big Loser Style - incline intervals mostly.
I use Polar brand since it syncs with most gym equipment so even when I'm travelling, I can use it with other gym equipment. Since I do only gym activities, I chose FT40 although my coach uses the more high-ends one with more features. FT40 was the cheapest gym watch that could sync with polarpersonaltrainer.com. I bought a cheaper one once and it wouldn't sync.
I mostly use the watch to check that I hit 1000 kcal done in a 1 hr workout. So I'm mostly training at higher HR to hit that levels. Plus, I go for fitness classes (1 hr) and then 1 hr cardio afterwards. This overview is for one year for my calories to see if there was an increasing trend. I only just started a month back to try to hit 1K kcal workout. Prior to that, it was mostly 400 kcal, then 800 kcal as I got stronger. Plus, with a HRM, it was easy for me to have a target to meet while exercising (I'm lazy).
This one is mostly to remind me whether I've been to the gym as frequent as I should. I try to go 6x a week i.e. 1 hr fitness classes and 1 hr cardio after that. If during weekends, I go for 1 hr weights + 1 hr cardio. I do weights first because when I cardio, my core is not stable anymore. My fitness classes aren't quite aerobics. It's mostly a mixture of different movements and activities. My favourite is Core Iron Muscle which is like Body Pump. I ache for 2 days after that but my muscles are firmer and I like lifting weights.
The instructor doesn't let us cheat so the ladies are lifting heavy. My target is to lift move frequently and more outside of the fitness classes so that I'm not sore anymore! It may have to be when I can squat pass 17.5 kg.
Training load - to see whether I'm training intensively or not. Because my weight yo-yos, my coach is pushing me hard. >.>
I stop using the footpad because I got lazy to strap it on and tie my shoes tight. Takes me 5 min to tie my shoes coz I'm making it very tight to hold my insoles in and I have very strong pronation so I don't want the shoe to move around while I'm moving fast.
Because of that pronation (I have flat feet that arch on left foot is completely collapsed urgh), I change shoes every 6-8 months (expensive at RM300-400 a pair >.<). With my broad feet, I wear New Balance which I get either in Singapore or KL when I go on my business trips. I didn't buy the NIKE sensor because the NIKE shoes are too small for me. My toenails bleed when I stuck my feet in. So no NIKE sensors. I have one outdoor pair and one indoor pair. Once the back heel portion weakens, I can feel pain near my knees and inner thighs that i know it's time to change. Either that or get new insoles (every 8 months, RM700) which help me heal faster with my slipped disc.
One thing about HRM monitors, the batteries are probably good for 6-12 months before you need to change them. RM50 for the watch and sensor. Also, if your strap breaks, just pay about RM90 (I think) to Athlete's Circle and they will replace it for you. If you're living out of KL, can poslaju it to them and pay RM10 courier fee that they will send it back to you. Goto the shop and try out a HRM. I think their renovations would have finish and they usually have a treadmill for you to try it out.
Bear in mind that I'm not a normal person though and I hate pain. So I dealt with the pain so that I can be strong to exercise.