I searched and couldnt find an answer . . .

After work today I am going to purchase my first heart rate monitor (the Polar F11).  I would love to be able to use it tonight, but do I need to plug in my resting heart rate from the start to get accurate readings?  I keep reading that I need to take my resting heart rate 3 mornings in a row and then use the average to help determine my target zones.  So do I need to do this before I can start using the monitor?

Thanks!

Your best bet is to go by the instructions that come with the heart rate monitor. If you're wanting to find out before you even buy it, and you know the brand (which you do), you could probably look up the user guide or instructions via the manufacturer's site.

you don't need to test it 3 mornings in a row.  but the heart rate monitor will want to administer a fitness test on you, in order to determine a sort of fake vo2max that it uses to calculate your estimated calories burned.  you should do this test when you wake up in the morning, bec it's based on your resting heart rate, and that's most accurate in the morning before you've been up and about.  i would suggest, though, buying it tonight and getting the settings taken care of, doing the fitness test tomorrow morning and then using it fully after that.  have fun.

I have the polar f6.  I didn't do a resting heart rate 3 mornings in a row.  I was already sitting and in a resting position when I got it and started setting it up from there.  The rate it gave me is pretty much in line with what my rate is when I go to the doctor or when I've randomly checked my rate on my own. 

You're going to love your HRM!!!!

Well I picked up my F11 and worked out with it the first time last night.  I absolutely LOVE IT!  I had it calculate my resting heart rate and vo2max and surprisingly, the monitor said I burned more calories than my treadmill showed.  Plus it also showed how incredibly off the HR monitor on my treadmill is!  Thanks for the imput guys!