A heart rate monitor is a compact unit including a watch with a digital display and a strap that includes a sensor for reading your heart beat. The strap is worn around the chest during a work out and sends digital signals to the 'watch' about how fast your heart is beating. All sportsmen and fitness experts use a heart rate monitoring device during their exercise sessions because it helps decide exactly how fast and how much one should work out for best results.
Up to a few years back, most people used the traditional method of feeling their pulse for a minute or so to record their heart rate after a workout. But the method does not give an accurate reading because your heart tends to slow down when you pause to check the pulse. Using a heart rate monitor does not interfere with your movements and you get a much more accurate measurement of your aerobic endurance - a critical factor in evaluating your fitness level.
A heart rate monitor must be used to prevent strain and stress. If you can keep track of your heart rate properly during an exercise session not only can you maximize the results of the training but also lower the risk of injury and undue stress on your body. Many people work out so heavily on a single day that they end up fatigue for three more days. A heart rate monitor can help prevent this. On the other hand, the device will tell you if you are under-training as well.
Before you use a heart rate monitor, you must calculate the MHR (maximum heart rate) and the RHR (resting heart rate). The first value defines your heart rate after high-intensity aerobic exercise and the second value defines your heart rate when you are completely relaxed.
For calculating the MHR, men must subtract their age from 220 and women from 226. This is the formula to be used for a person who is just beginning to exercise. For those who have already been exercising, both men and women, the MHR works out by subtracting half their age from 205.
Your trainer will be able to give you a chart to use the MHR and RHR to divide your exercise routine in a way to help you gain maximum benefit from your exercise routine. Eventually, you need to focus on being able to work out longer at a faster speed with a lower heart rate.
Some of the most advanced heart rate monitoring systems are now available in the market. These can be connected to your computer, provide detailed analysis of various data including calorie burnout and a memory card so that you don't have to keep noting down the data after every exercise session.
Heart rate monitors have become extremely popular lately and, keeping that in mind, ensure that the device you buy includes coded signal use. Otherwise sensor transmission of your device may interfere with that of a device being used by someone else working out next to you in the gym! - 30553
Up to a few years back, most people used the traditional method of feeling their pulse for a minute or so to record their heart rate after a workout. But the method does not give an accurate reading because your heart tends to slow down when you pause to check the pulse. Using a heart rate monitor does not interfere with your movements and you get a much more accurate measurement of your aerobic endurance - a critical factor in evaluating your fitness level.
A heart rate monitor must be used to prevent strain and stress. If you can keep track of your heart rate properly during an exercise session not only can you maximize the results of the training but also lower the risk of injury and undue stress on your body. Many people work out so heavily on a single day that they end up fatigue for three more days. A heart rate monitor can help prevent this. On the other hand, the device will tell you if you are under-training as well.
Before you use a heart rate monitor, you must calculate the MHR (maximum heart rate) and the RHR (resting heart rate). The first value defines your heart rate after high-intensity aerobic exercise and the second value defines your heart rate when you are completely relaxed.
For calculating the MHR, men must subtract their age from 220 and women from 226. This is the formula to be used for a person who is just beginning to exercise. For those who have already been exercising, both men and women, the MHR works out by subtracting half their age from 205.
Your trainer will be able to give you a chart to use the MHR and RHR to divide your exercise routine in a way to help you gain maximum benefit from your exercise routine. Eventually, you need to focus on being able to work out longer at a faster speed with a lower heart rate.
Some of the most advanced heart rate monitoring systems are now available in the market. These can be connected to your computer, provide detailed analysis of various data including calorie burnout and a memory card so that you don't have to keep noting down the data after every exercise session.
Heart rate monitors have become extremely popular lately and, keeping that in mind, ensure that the device you buy includes coded signal use. Otherwise sensor transmission of your device may interfere with that of a device being used by someone else working out next to you in the gym! - 30553
About the Author:
Alan Walker is a personal trainer in a major health club chain. In his job he uses the best heart rate monitors to help his clients in fitness training. He writes best heart rate monitor reviews in his blog to help others purchase a suitable heart rate monitor.
