People who exercise can choose from among many heart monitoring devices ranging from the relatively simple to the elaborate and expensive. Many of those devices include a strap worn around the chest that transmits heart rate information to a receiving unit. That type of monitor can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, but, fortunately, you can find heart monitors that do not rely on a chest strap monitor.
Watch Style
The Bowflex Fit Trainer heart rate monitor, which looks like a common digital watch, has received high consumer ratings on websites such as Amazon. In addition to normal watch functionality, the Fit Trainer provides an accurate pulse rate determination at any point in the workout. One finger of the opposite hand is placed on each of two metal contacts on the watch face. The watch then quickly provides a heart rate measure and interpretive data.
Hand Held
The hand-held Carepeutic Heart Health monitor provides much more information than does a small watch-style monitor. When you want a reading, simply hold the unit in your hand for 30 seconds. The large display will provide information about your heart rate, including a waveform representation, just like an electrocardiogram in a hospital. The Carepeutic monitor is FDA-approved and can provide long-term monitoring, alerts and data transfer as well.
Forearm
While a watch-style monitor can provide intermittent readings, one style of strapless monitor can achieve continuous monitoring without a strap. The ePulse Strapless heart monitor is worn around the forearm and uses contacts in the band for continuous contact and monitoring of your pulse. A large red digital display makes checking status easy, even mid-workout.
For Women
The female form lends its own challenges to the traditional chest strap model. Polar Fitness has addressed this by creating an ingenious sports bra with built-in heart monitoring equipment. Consumers praise this unobtrusive equipment that transmits heart data to the receiver.
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