The concept of heart rate monitors is not new as such devices in the form of wrist watch or chest strap were introduced by Polar Electronics long back. People still use such devices, but the units have become more sophisticated and user friendly.
You can find these models with several buttons and LCD display and you can also connect with compatible accessories. These gadgets are easy to use, but the price is high. Polar still remains one of the market leaders of heart rate monitors while the other popular players include Garmin and Suunto.
Benefits of using heart rate monitor for working out
Heart rate monitors help you to set the right target zone of your heart rate. When you are working out to lose weight, these devices measure the electrical activity of your heart and measure the exertion level of the body.
Timex Heart Rate Monitor review by Mt. J. Polinkas
Timex T5G971 Unisex Sports Personal Heart Rate Monitor Watch sized for both men and women. Chest strap heart rate monitor works with watch to provide target zones and time in zone.Watch is water resistant to 30 meters. J. Polinkas “Mr. Jay” (Palatka, Florida. USA) commented om Amazon that Timex T5G971 Unisex sports personal heart rate monitor Watch (Sports) helped him in his aerobics workouts but also weight training workouts.
Click here to Buy Timex T5G971 Unisex Sports Personal Heart Rate Monitor Watch
This allows you to measure your workout intensity and make necessary adjustments to achieve a new target. There are some monitors that read your heart rate continuously and also makes you aware about the number of calories you are burning and if you’re following the right zone. Some device includes GPS receiver for following a map.
How to set the right heart rate monitor to proper target value?
To lose weight by using a heart rate monitor, you have set the right hart rate target or training zones.
If you set your HRM between 50-60%, it is good for regular workout and staying healthy.
For burning fat, set the device between 60-70% and it will help you to reduce weight with regular exercise.
For increasing your endurance and functional capacity, setting the device between 70-80% is ideal.
If you want to get improved cardio workout, setting your HRM between 80-90%is effective.
Which heart rate monitor is the best
It depends on your target and fitness level.
• To Lose Weight- A good device should help you to track the time you are spending and the number of calories you are burning in your heart rate target. Polar F6 is a good model for this purpose.
• To Attain Fitness- A device that informs about your training zones and intensity like
Polar FS3 is a good example.
• For Tech-Lovers- If you want an HRM with workout feedback, support of multi-sports and several high-tech features like downloadable data and GPS like the Garmin Forerunner.
My personal recommendation is Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor
The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS System combines form and function. This combination running partner and personal trainer is designed for athletes of all levels.
It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, new courses feature, and robust ANT wireless heart rate monitor for optimal performance. The super-sensitive GPS tracks your every move, even working on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings.
The heart device monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. These taskmasters will continually push you to do your personal best.
Because of all these benefits I recommend this device to my clients to meet their weight loss goal.
More than 1000 people gave highest rating excellent to Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS receiver with heart rate monitor.
Buy Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor at discounted proce from Amazon
Cost for heart rate monitors
It depends on the brand and the number of features you desire on your HRM.
If you want a device just for keeping track of burned calories, heart rate and time zone, then your budget should be within $50 to $100.
For added features like downloadable data, tracking progress or creating workouts, your budget range should be between $100 and $200.
You have to shell out between $200 and $400 for high-end heart rate monitor with GPS receiver that include comparison of workout sessions, multi sport tracking.
Top 10 Features of heart rate monitor
1. Watch: Handy as you can wear it as a watch while working out.
2. Stopwatch: Allows you to set workout time and adds more flexibility.
3. Target Zone: Planning to achieve a particular target zone while working out? Set the target zone and program to know if you lag behind or exceed that zone.
4. Alert Tones: Work as an alarm to inform if when you complete a workout segment.
5. Lap timer/splits: Good for the athletes to prepare for races.
6. Memory: Saves your heart rate data so that you can review your average heart rate in a session.
7. Calories Burned: Get instant results on how much calories are lost.
8. Recovery rate: View your heart rate two minutes after ending your workout, to see how fast it recovers – this is an indication of fitness level and you can use it to track improvement.
9. Backlight: Allows you to work out and keep track of your heart rate at night.
10. Download- High end models can connect with a computer and allow you to download data.
Additional features of heartratemonitor
There are some other vital things that you should keep in mind. You will not get accurate reading, if the strap is not fitted properly.
It is better to opt for a large display so that you can easily read the details even during the evening and outdoor exercise regime.
Models with big buttons are helpful as it allows you to push easily, which is unlikely with the small and hard buttons, especially with sweaty hands during the work out.
Also consider the type of battery if your HRM as some model does not include user-replaceable batteries. For such models you have to handover the device to the manufacturer to replace battery and the process can take a long time.
Recommendations
Three best models that cost within $100 are
1. Timex Road Trainer
2. Reebok Fitness Trainer Heart Rate Monitor
3. Polar FS1 Heart Rate Monitor
Three best models that cost more than $100 are
1. Garmin Forerunner 305
2. Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor
3. Timex Race Trainer Kit
Send your review comments on how to choose the right heart rate monitor to the editor.
Additional Resources :
How to Wear a Heart Rate Monitor
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