I decided to purchase the Polar S725X Heart Rate Monitor as my current Polar S625x comes with the footpod for running which I will never use. The S725x includes the speed sensor kit which I can put on my MTB when I get it (Already have one speed sensor kit on road bike). The S725x has the carbon face and looks really cool. I know just an excuse but hey its all about looks, right?
I have been using my Polar S625x to measure my HR and when finished I upload the data collected by the watch to my PC. The Polar S625x includes a program called Polar Precision Performance SW this is where I can view the collected data. Below is results of a spin class where average heart rate over nearly 40mins was 170 bpm. Max HR was 198.
Following is a Heart Rate distribution graph, shows how long in different heart rate ranges.
Can also download graph in pdf
The followig Graph is a curve graph, shows time across horizontal axis and heart rate on vertical axis.
Can also download graph in pdf
Got this new toy today Polar Heart Rate monitor S625X.
At first glance. Wow this does not seem easy to use. Being a techno geek I was somewhat baffled and the strange buttons and infinite menu options. Do I have to read the manual? Geez I guess I do. (I normally do anyway thats how much of a g33k I am). Hmmm I thought the manual would have helped but seems I just got more confused. Time was ticking and I wanted to use it in my spin class in the afternoon, this was looking more and more unlikely. Phew finally got it working in basic mode and that was cool. First day test and I got my HR Max to 187, I was happy with that but I new I could probably do more. We shall see in the next few weeks.
Uploading data to computer is really cool idea, it allows you to view you performance’s and compare them between days or months etc. Really handy to know if your pushing yourself or not.
I am yet to use the footpod which is used for running so I probably won’t even use this. I also have the speed sensor so I can put it on the bike, will do this at some stage too……
Decided to invest in a Polar S625x Heart Rate monitor which I purchased online. I even got the bike mount & speed kit.
Should get it next week I can’t wait.
Did the tripple spin class today. Which involved the following times
6.30am Spin 45 min class
5.30pm Spin 45 min class
6.20pm Spin 45 min class
Including warm up before classes the total bike time is over 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Same as the other week really. Except this week I wanted to do the Friday morning class at 9.30am which last time I was too sore to attend. While I was tired today I did do Friday’s class. 
Just some info I found from some other websites to describe spin……
What is spinning?
Spinning is an exercise class performed on stationary bikes, usually set to adrenaline-inducing music and led by a hyper instructor. You’ll be led enthusiastically through a virtual ride on flat roads, hills and sprints and you’ll often be getting up and out of that saddle to really work it, baby.
Spin Classes
Indoor cycle training on stationary bikes. 17 riders follow the instructor on a simulated ride incorporating seated, standing climbs, flats and sprints. Variable intensity options provides great fun and enjoyment. Not just for cyclists, this class is great for cardiovascular fitness, weight loss and toning.
HEARD about spinning and wondered what it’s all about? Simple, it’s a furiously fat-burning exercise that’s dangerously addictive.
MANY gym bunnies have given aerobics and weight machines the heave-ho so they can hop on their bikes, and they’re seeing serious results. Now if your memory of exercise bikes is the boring old thing in the corner of the gym, prepare to be surprised. Spinning is where it’s at these days, and with the rush a class gives, it’s no wonder.
After my 3 classes of spin today I had a Full body massage booked straight after my last spin class. Dorothy who also goes to the YMCA gym is training to be a massage therapist. She has a massage bed all setup at the YHA. What I failed to realise was how sore I actually was before the massage. “Dot” prodded and poked away at my aching muscles, after the Big THREE classes and a wicked massage which totally relivied all my aches and pains, I actually realised how hard I had actually worked out today, so tomorrow I think I am having a day off exercise just to recover.
Did 3 spin classes today, what was I thinking?
How was it?
Well it wasn’t all that easy, but I did it….. Would I do it again? Well maybe?????
I little update on Spin classes, or sometimes called spinning or RPM. And before you say spinning? A small hint in case you were wondering, its on a stationary bike like an exercycle. Not the craft version of spinning either. See more about spinning or check out the What is spin? at the New Zealand Enthuse website.
Currently I do spin classes at the YMCA in Christchurch most classes are approx 45mins in length and are an awesome way to get fit very quick. 
My first spin class was at the YMCA around 1993 (back in the day) The ‘Y’ was the first place in Christchurch to have a spin studio the other gyms of course followed in later years. I started getting back into spin again about 2 months ago. Now I guess I am a spin freak, doing upto 6 classes a week. Yep I know crazy huh!Lots of fun though and if you get the chance to try spin I recommend giving it a go.
A real spin bike is on the left.