A heart rate monitor is a device used to track your heart rate in real time, allowing you to optimize your workouts and achieve your fitness goals more effectively. These monitors provide valuable data, enabling you to train within your target heart rate zones for improved performance and results.
Most heart rate monitors resemble wristwatches, combining timekeeping with heart rate tracking. For continuous monitoring, models with a chest strap transmitter are recommended. These transmit heart rate data wirelessly to the wrist unit. Some monitors offer data only when you touch the unit with your hand.
Here are some examples of available heart rate monitors from leading manufacturers:
Polar:
Polar FS1: This monitor features a target zone with an audible alarm that alerts you when your heart rate is too high or too low. It displays your heart rate and exercise duration during your workout and allows you to recall total exercise duration and average heart rate afterward. It also functions as a clock with a selectable 12/24 hour display. It includes a T31 chest transmitter and elastic strap, making it suitable for beginners and basic exercises.
Polar AXN 700: Designed for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and skiing, this monitor boasts a titanium case and features like resting heart rate test, slope counter, and three heart rate limit settings. It also includes HeartTouch™ technology for button-free operation and Polar OwnCode® to prevent interference from other heart rate monitors.
Reebok:
Reebok Personal Trainer Heart Monitor: This monitor measures your heart rate with ECG accuracy and displays the time of day, calendar, and includes a daily alarm. The scan sequence feature displays average, highest, and lowest heart rates, along with total exercise time. It includes a Contour Lite Transmitter.
Reebok Precision Trainer Monitor: This monitor allows you to set high and low heart rate limits in 1-beat steps. An audible alarm alerts you when you are outside of your target zone. It displays your heart rate and percentage of maximum heart rate, eliminating the need for manual calculations. The triple display feature allows you to view time of day, heart rate, stopwatch, and time in zone information.
Heart rate monitors are available from various retailers and online sources. By understanding the features and benefits of different models, you can choose the right heart rate monitor to help you achieve your fitness goals.