Heart Rate on the X3-HR

According to Suunto, the X3-HR is a reliable wrist-top computer for active people who want to measure and improve their physical performance. Designed for hikers, runners and cyclists, it is both user-friendly and efficient at accurately monitoring heart rate; however, it may also serve as a regular watch for everyday use.

Function

During exercise, your heart beats faster in order to pump more oxygen and blood into your muscles. The greater the intensity of your workout, the higher your heart rate. Training at the correct heart rate -- appropriate to your specific fitness level -- will produce cardiovascular benefits, while exceeding it may pose health risks. Therefore, according to the American Council on Exercise, it's vital that you monitor your heart rate during exercise not only to facilitate an improvement in your performance, but also to ensure that you train safely.

Description

Weighing 50 g, the X3-HR is both lightweight and compact. Available in black and ice, with a user-replaceable strap and battery, water resistance rating of 100 feet, fully functional menu-based interface and a host of technical functions including a heart rate monitor; the X3-HR, claims manufacturer Suunto, is designed to be both a precision wrist-top computer and a stylish wristwatch.

Heart Rate Monitor

In addition to displaying your heart rate in real-time, the Suunto X3-HR allows you to compare your average and current heart rate, and thus makes for an efficient training management tool for sports that stimulate intense heart rate fluctuations, such as mountain biking and trail running. It also enables you to train within your target zone limits via a graphic display that gauges your current heart relative to heart rate zones; training outside your specified zone sounds a warning tone to prompt you to either increase or decrease the intensity of your workout. Furthermore, owing to its ability to store data for up to eight training sessions -- including training duration, minimum and maximum heart rate -- the X3-HR allows you to analyze data after each workout and to evaluate any variations in your overall performance.

Additional Features

When training outdoors, it's important to be aware of significant changes in weather conditions and effects of altitude on heart rate, say Adam Chase and Nancy Hobbs in "The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running." Therefore, the X3-HR is equipped with an altimeter, barometer and thermometer; all of which enable you to measure environmental factors that may compromise your performance and safety. Other features include a stopwatch, interval trainer, calendar, alarm, low-battery warning, and electro-luminescent backlight.

Limitations

Suunto warns that the X3-HR is intended for recreational use only, and should not be utilized for professional or industrial purposes. Additionally, when engaging in extreme sports such as paragliding, hang gliding, gyrocopter riding and skydiving, it's barometric readings should not be relied upon to deliver precise results.