A heart rate monitor is an essential tool to take with you to the gym. Although heart rates are accurately rated by a cardiologist, at-home equipment may give you close to accurate results. Traditional models tend to provide the most accurate heart rate readings. Consult your physician before using this tool.
Function
Heart rate monitors measure the amount your heart beats per minute during exercise. They can tell you if you are working too hard or if you can increase the intensity level of your workout. These measurements are useful for anyone, particularly those aiming to increase their activity level or those who are new to exercise.
Features
Heart rate monitors are typically bulky and you strap them on your arm while you workout. The Latimes.com reports that other types of heart rate monitors are compact and more comfortable. Some are in the watches that you can wear around the wrist at the gym. There are even strapless versions that that you can put in your shirt or wear on your finger. Some machines at the gym are equipped with heart rate monitors.
Maximum Heart Rate
The average resting heart rate is between 60 and 80 beats per minute, according to the American Heart Association. If you are physically active, the rate will be lower. Resting heart rates are the most accurately read right when you get up in the morning. This reading will help you and your doctor determine your maximum heart rate during exercise. Heartmonitors.com explains that this varies by age and gender. To calculate your maximum heart rate at home, a woman can subtract her age from 226 and a man can subtract his age from 220 to get the result.
Inaccurate Readings
Finger heart rate monitors are not as accurate as conventional ones. In fact, Latimes.com reports that these monitors can give you a reading that is 15 points too high or too low than the actually heart rate reading is. This can be particularly dangerous if the monitor underestimates your heart rate during a hard gym workout. The National Center for Biotechnology Information says that some machines with built-in monitors can give false readings within 20 beats per minute.
Bottom Line
Heart rate monitors are handy tools for the gym to measure how hard you are working. Beware of trendy versions that lack evidence of accurate readings. Take care not to go over your maximum heart rate. Keep in mind that monitors you purchase on your own are not as accurate as those used by a cardiologist, particularly if you are using a trendy, smaller version. If you have pre-existing heart problems, consult with a doctor before exercising. You may even opt to have your maximum heart rate measured by a physician.
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