All About Heart Rate Monitors

Get the most out of your workout

A heart rate monitor allows you to monitor your heart rate while exercising or going through a workout. The device usually consists of two basic parts: a chest strap that monitors your heart and then transmits that data, and a wrist receiver that displays the data. Strapless heart rate monitors as well as various heart rate monitor watches are also available but often lack some of the features available with chest strap models.

History

The first heart rate monitors were developed in Australia and were made with swimmers as their primary users. In the late 1970s the Finnish ski team used Polar heart rate monitors as a training tool and by the 1990s individual commercial models were readily available. Today heart rate monitors are used by world class athletes and everyday people alike to monitor professional training needs as well as to achieve everyday fitness.

How it works

Models with a chest strap use electrodes that are in contact with the skin to monitor the heart. The receiver determines the current heart rate and transmits that data to a display unit that can be seen by the user. More expensive models prevent interference from other monitors that may be nearby.

Heart rate monitor training

Cardiovascular fitness can be one of the single biggest factors in your overall conditioning. Correspondingly, monitoring and tracking your heart rate, as well as tailoring your workout to suit your individual needs, is an extremely helpful training tool. Using a monitor to measure the workout rate of your heat is determining how much your body is actually benefiting from the exercise. In addition to monitoring your heart rate, these devices also help to prevent both under and over training by letting you know when your body has had enough or can handle that extra mile.

What heart rate monitor should you buy?

These devices come in basic models as well as varieties that feature any number of additional features. The most important thing is to get one you will use and that is reliable. Polar heart rate monitors were some of the first and are still very good, while a Timex heart rate monitor is also a reliable choice. Keep in mind your needs – for those that want a more mobile feel and don’t need a lot of additional features, a simple heart rate monitor watch may just the thing.

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