Heart rate monitors can be great tool to increase your fitness and endurance. This Buzzle article enlists some points to consider while choosing the right one.
How Does it Work?
The heart rate monitor contains a sensor that can read the electrical activity of your heart. The monitor also contains a transmitter which sends information collected from the sensor to a display or watch worn around the wrist. This watch shows your heart rate.
A heart rate monitor is great way to measure how hard you are working out. It is a great tool to help beginners or fitness enthusiasts exercise at the right intensity. Also, it is used by many athletes who train with specific goals in mind. So, it would great to use something so useful to enhance your daily workout, in order to maximize your gains.
But choosing an appropriate model that fits your budget and suits your needs can be a difficult task, since there are so many options available. Given below is a checklist that tells you what to look for when buying one.
Good Visibility
The first thing to ensure is that the reading on the monitor is easily visible and legible on the display. Poorly visibility or smaller font makes it difficult to read while exercising. Therefore, visibility is very important.
Easy to Use
It should be easy to use, and possess functions and keys that are easily understandable and readable. Too many features and difficulty in handling, or figuring out how to set the target rate, can be demotivating and frustrating. Setting the target heart rate and checking it, is probably the only feature that most people need. Hence, the functions of the device should be easy to understand and use. Here are some essential features that should be a part of any heart rate monitor.
♥ Heart rate
♥ Target heart rate zone
♥ Average heart rate
♥ Time in zone
♥ Calories burned
♥ Alarm
Certain other helpful features may include customizable interval timers, data transmission to computer, and programmed workouts.
Must be Responsive and Accurate
The monitor should continuously keep a track of your heart rate, and display accurate results. There should be no delay in transmitting data while exercising.
Comfortable Chest Strap
A monitor contains a sensor that it strapped to the chest, and detects the activity of the heart. Choose a monitor that feels comfortable, and can be easily strapped on and removed.
Price
There are some basic models which only tell you the heart rate. However, some come with many additional features and can store a lot of information. They can also tell you the calories you are burning and have some special features that prevent the signal from being interrupted by those of other devices. Now, all this can come at a price.
You may also want to check for looks and appearance which can be a personal preference. You may want one which looks classy and stylish. Today, there are various models available in a range of prices, compare the ones that fall in your preferred price range. This will enable you select the best model in your budget, which will help you meet your fitness goals.
