A heart rate monitor helps you maintain a proper level of exertion during a fitness routine. By tracking your heart rate, you not only ensure a successful workout, but also prevent yourself from becoming overworked. Along with heart rate monitors for the wrist, a variety of other monitors can be used.
Function
A heart rate monitor is a simple device that measures a person's heart rate. Often worn while exercising, a heart rate monitor serves as a fitness tool for people who wish to work out within their target heart rate zone. As explained by the American Heart Association, "Target heart rates let you measure your initial fitness level and monitor your progress in a fitness program." To provide accurate results, a heart rate monitor must have constant contact with the skin near a pulse point.
Chest Strap
According to the Health Guidance website, heart rate monitors that strap around the chest are the most accurate types of monitors. These monitors feature a long strap that is secured around the chest near the heart. The strap should fit tight enough that it stays in place, yet not so tight that it constricts breathing or feels uncomfortable. A sensor on the front of the chest strap constantly monitors the heart rate. As it measures the heart rate, it sends signals to its accompanying wristwatch. The wristwatch displays the heart rate throughout your fitness routine. Occasionally, the chest strap uses a set of headphones instead of the wristwatch. In this case, the chest strap sends a signal to your headphones for an audio reading.
Wrist Wrap
If the chest strap is too uncomfortable or distracting, opt for a heart rate monitor without the chest strap. These heart rate monitors feature a wristwatch, which must be worn around the wrist for an accurate reading. As you exercise, a sensor on the inside of the watch measures your heart rate by counting the pulse rate in your wrist. In some cases, a fingertip sensor on the external surface of the watch replaces the internal sensor. For these types of heart rate monitors, you must place your finger on the sensor and wait several seconds for the heart rate to be displayed. With either method, the heart rate is displayed on the wristwatch screen.
Built-In Monitors
A variety of exercise machines feature heart rate monitors built directly into the machine. For example, heart rate monitors can be found on stationary bicycles, treadmills and elliptical machines. The heart rate sensors are typically located on the handlebars. As you grip the handlebars, the sensors count your pulse rate throughout your fingertips. However, the Consumer Search website explains that these types of heart rate monitors are occasionally inaccurate.
Options
The most basic heart rate models simply measure and display the heart rate. As you near or exceed your maximum heart rate, the heart rate monitor beeps. These basic models tend to be sufficient for people who are new to exercise or require simple monitoring. However, for serious athletes or fitness enthusiasts, a variety of advanced heart rate monitors are available. Advanced heart rate monitors track your distance and speed, offer multiple training programs, count the calories burned while working out and send electronic data to your computer.
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