The new focus today in the endurance sports world is on targeted training. Using a heart rate monitor is one of the keys to this type of training. You’ll find many different types of monitors on the market and each type can be customized to meet your particular needs and sport.
During your workout you can easily track your heart rate using a high quality heart rate monitor. You can easily focus your workouts so that you train within a certain target zone. You can train anywhere from Easy to High Exertion and even target a Fat Burning Zone. Each monitor out there has a wide selection of different features that you can use to help you train.
The different ranges of training are usually expressed as a percentage of your maximum heart rate (MHR). There are several ways to determine your maximum heart rate, but the easiest is to simply take 220 and subtract your age. Hard sprinting will result in a zone of around 80-90% of your MHR, which is a high level. The moderate intensity level is a jog and is about 50-70% of your MHR. If you are very fit or have not exercised in a long time, then using the 220 minus your age method may not be the most accurate.
Chest strap models of HRM’s are very popular and come with an EKG like device that wraps around your chest. If you want accuracy, these models are the best. However they can be a little uncomfortable for women and harder to learn how to work. It used to be that these straps were connected with wires to a device that you wore like a watch, but now they are largely wireless. Make sure that strap stays in good contact with your chest, otherwise you get incorrect readings. Try adding moisture to seal the connection.
Second, there are those that rely on pulse rates. These are not as convenient as chest strap monitors because you have to put your finger onto the reader. However, they are cheaper, which can attract those on a limited budget. They are typically shaped to be worn like a watch, as well.
You’ll find HRMs in basic and advanced models. With basic monitors you’ll find features like your average, low, and high, heart rates shown on the watch screen. The rate that tells you the most is the instantaneous rate. By looking at this measure you know whether to work harder or back off during your workout to hit your target zone.
Advanced heart rate monitors will include record how far you traveled during your workout and other helpful information. Many of these models also have a computer connection device that lets you download data into the software package that comes with the device or into a spreadsheet.
You’ll even get GPS tracking with some advanced models so that you can see where you’ve been and where you’re going. You can even look at information on how fast you are going so that you can adjust your pace as needed. You may not get as great a reception with the GPS in wooded areas. There are also other options such as pods that attach to your bike pedals, or pedometers for running that can be used when GPS is impractical.
The best heart rate monitors are really what serves your needs and helps you reach your training goals. If you only want to spend a little money, a pulse-monitoring device might be just what you need. For more advanced workouts and training though, you’ll probably want to look at a more advanced HRM. Decide what you need then start checking out all of the different models.
If you want to find out more detail on the best heart rate monitors on the market, feel free to check out HeartRateMonitorAdvisor.com. You can also read about all of the features to look for in a heart rate monitor as well as heart rate monitor reviews with detailed, in-depth analysis.
