It has become almost mandatory for top sportsmen and fitness experts to use a heart rate monitor regularly. The heart rate monitor - of the basic type - includes a receiver device worn like a wrist watch and a sensor strap to be tied around the chest during an exercise session. As you work out on the treadmill or otherwise, the strap sensor sends heart rate data to the watch. Using a heart rate monitor is one of the best way to improve the results of your fitness training.
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.
When using a heart rate monitor, you will need to set two 'limit-markings' for your heart rate. These are calculated as the maximum heart rate (MHR) and the resting heart rate (RHR). As evident, the MHR gives you the max heart rate you can achieve with intense exercise and the RHR gives you your heart rate when you are relaxing.
A simple formula puts the MHR as half the age subtracted from 205 for those who lead an active life. For those who are just beginning to exercise the MHR is calculated as the 220 minus the age for men and 226 minus the age for women.
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 latest heart rate monitors come with highly advanced features like a memory bank, better backlight, complex formula calculations, altitude measurement, calorie burner meter etc. The latest heart rate monitoring devices may cost more but are more convenient to use than the basic units. Some monitors can be hooked to your computer to maintain a log book of your progress as well.
When buying a heart rate monitor do check if it has coded signals. This is essential because if you're in a gym and the person working out next to you is also using a heart rate monitor then some interference may take place in the data transmission from the sensor strap. - 30552
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.
When using a heart rate monitor, you will need to set two 'limit-markings' for your heart rate. These are calculated as the maximum heart rate (MHR) and the resting heart rate (RHR). As evident, the MHR gives you the max heart rate you can achieve with intense exercise and the RHR gives you your heart rate when you are relaxing.
A simple formula puts the MHR as half the age subtracted from 205 for those who lead an active life. For those who are just beginning to exercise the MHR is calculated as the 220 minus the age for men and 226 minus the age for women.
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 latest heart rate monitors come with highly advanced features like a memory bank, better backlight, complex formula calculations, altitude measurement, calorie burner meter etc. The latest heart rate monitoring devices may cost more but are more convenient to use than the basic units. Some monitors can be hooked to your computer to maintain a log book of your progress as well.
When buying a heart rate monitor do check if it has coded signals. This is essential because if you're in a gym and the person working out next to you is also using a heart rate monitor then some interference may take place in the data transmission from the sensor strap. - 30552
About the Author:
Alan Walker, an experienced personal trainer, is using the best heart rate monitor while he works with his clients in their fitness programs. Sometimes he recommends the best heart rate monitor watch for his blog readers.
