Timex Mid-Size Ironman Road Trainer Digital HRM Watch & Flex Tech Chest Strap

I started with a Fitbit HR so that I could more closely monitor my daily workouts. I wanted to be able to keep a visual record of when I was in whichever heartrate zone. The Fitbit HR was a complete waste of time for me. It did not measure distance accurately. It did not register heart rate correctly. And it would give me random ratings of my paces for the day. (I'm unsure if it even told the right time.) As someone who exercises heavily EVERY day, I was beyond upset with having spent $150 for such a piece of trash.In January 2016, I purchased this Timex Women's T5K723 Ironman Road Trainer for $71. I am beyond happy. First, using web documentation referenced in the manual, I was able to determine a more accurate version of my actual maximum heart. (No, it is NOT 220 minus your age.) My max is 180. Then, using that max rate, the watch established MY five heart rate zones. For me, these are: 1) 90-107 (50-59%); 2) 108-125 (60-69%); 3) 126-143 (70-79%); 4) 144-161 (80-89%); and 5) 162-180 (90-100%). From these five, I was able to set my own target heart rate zone for my workouts. Initially, I used zone 4 -- that is, 70%-79% of my max heart rate. However, this watch allows you to set two alternative heart rate zones. I use the zone 4-5 heart rates (144-180) for C1 and the zone 2-3 heart rates (108-143) for C2. During my workouts, I can visually see where within the C1 or C2 zone I am. I can toggle between viewing heart rate alone, chronometer (time into workout) alone, heart rate and chronometer simultaneously (with either one displayed enlarged and central to the display).I haven't yet used the interval feature, because I am happy with what my training currently gives me. I define my own intervals because cold weather has me on indoor equipment, each piece of which has its own time, pace, etc monitors. When the weather improves, I'll be back outside more -- biking, hiking, running, and playing sports, so I may add the interval feature. If I decide to train for a 10K, I will definitely do so. There is no more effective way to build strength, stamina, and speed.I exercise daily alternating between two different types of workouts: 1) 90 minutes on aerobic equipment and 2) 45 minutes of weight training followed by 30-45 minutes on aerobic equipment. For my purposes, this watch and the heart rate band work well for me for now. If I decide that I would like to track my outdoor runs and rides, I will probably move up to a Polar watch and band since they offer GPS and allow online monitoring of routes including elevation, etc.Another feature I love is being able to review each workout. It gives you total minutes; time in your target zone; average heart rate; peak heart rate; minimum heart rate; total calories burned (based on your sex, age, weight, and activity level determined by your time in each heart rate zone); and your recovery rate (the best measure of fitness level).A bit about the heart rate zones. Zone 1 will get started on your way to being fit. Zone 2 will help you lose a little weight and burn fat (unless you reward your workout by eating more). Zone 3 is for building your aerobic base and will control both staying power (stamina) and length of workout (endurance). You should have a good base before moving to the anaerobic activity level. (The best measure of your aerobic base is your recovery level. You can read more about recovery levels in the guide that comes with this watch and band or you can research it online.) Zone 4 is for anaerobic fitness. (You have to be in VERY GOOD physical condition to have this as a goal.) Here, you burn mainly glycogen (sugar) as opposed to only fat. Zone 5 is the Red Zone. It is not maintainable for more than brief bursts (up to a few minutes) and is not recommended for someone who is not in EXCELLENT physical condition. Nothing in this review is meant as definitive advice. These are things that I have learned FOR MYSELF in the process of learning MY OWN BODY and MY BODY'S LIMITS. YOUR BODY and YOUR BODY'S LIMITS may be different. You should only begin a training or workout regimen after consulting with a physician who determines that you are physical able to do so.A couple of random things you need to know about this device --* for women, tuck the band up under your bra/sports bra to help it stay in place* for anyone, licking the two contact pads before setting them in place on your chest also helps prevent them from slipping out of place* when you remove the strap, unsnap the Sensor and wipe it dry; also wipe the snaps dry -- Rust may degrade the contact and function!* set the strap out flat or draped over a chair or something to allow it to completely air dry* occasionally wipe the strap (I do it once a week) with a damp sponge to discourage the breakdown of the elastic; allow to dry completely before next useI have only had this since January 2, 2016 and have used it everyday since. No problems yet. Here's hoping...

I like this watch. The biggest issue I had initially was just getting it set up. It was incredibly complicated. There are a half dozen buttons you have to push just to get through something as simple as setting the date and time, and numerous times, you press one wrong button and you have to start all over again. Note too, you have to wear the chest strap to get your heart rate. It will not work without the strap being on your body. The strap to me, is comfortable. I barely feel it when it's on. I am plus size, the strap that came with it was more than large enough and there's some additional elasticity. If you're above a 2X in size though, this may not fit you. It gave a clear reading of my heart rate while exercising. I like that part a lot. One of the other small issues is the wrist size of the band. My wrist is not larger than an average woman, but this fit really tight, almost on the last hole just to get it buckled. The plastic piece that you slide the band through to latch it down, mine is really, really rigid and it's a bit of a trial just to slide the watch band under that piece. I'm guessing that will relax over time. All in all, I'm happy with the purchase.

This is my first heart rate monitor training watch and I love it.Chest StrapI had concerns about the strap on whether or not it would be uncomfortable. I found out this is not the case. I can barely tell I'm even wearing it and it is easy to clean and remove. It doesnt rub my skin and fits well underneath a normal sports bar. (You dont need to purchase those special sports bars with the insert for this..in my opinion)WatchI read several reviews about the functionality of the watch to be confusing and annoying. I didnt find this to be true at all. It was very easy to set up my stats, clock my workouts, get my average heart rate, determine zones for maximum performance, etc and i didnt even read the entire manual. Just read the manual if you get confused. They have it all layed out.Negatives:I do wish I was able to track my workouts each week. There isn't a way to save the workout one day and compare to the next or to total the week and give stats. This is on the less expensive side of heart rate watches so I am happy with the way it is. This is by no means a negative to the product. Just my end user preference.Overall, great purchase. Very happy with my selection.

I had a timex ironman in the past and loved it. I use this watch to see what my heart rate is doing my workouts. When starting the watch, the heart rate display is immediate. It amazes me how fast the chest strap transmit to the watch. I have tested my heart rate with the machines at the gym while wearing the monitor and they are no exact but very close (usually off by 1 or 2).The one thing that I'm not thrilled about is the heart rate monitor strap. It seems thin. When wearing it during exercise, you can hardly tell it is there. The strap got curled when I first wore it and now the wrinkles seem to be permanent.It is awesome at telling me how many calories I just burned!

After my old heart rate monitor watch finally bit the big one (the strap cracked) I shopped around looking for a new HRM watch. I use an app to track my GPS location/speed, etc so was able to not require that feature as well which would have bumped up the price. I have been using this watch now for almost a year and love it. I use it when running to track Heart rate and when swimming to time and track my laps. No issues with using it in water as it's an "ironman" watch whereas my older HRM watch that was supposedly water proof to 30m had to spend several days in rice after my first attempt to use it to track my laps when swimming. Easy to input your personal data, change settings, and use. The ONLY complaint I have is that it doesn't have the memory to store more than one recorded workout at a time, so if you don't write down your data after every workout you lose it.

It is as advertised it