A digital heart rate fitness system measures heart rate and displays the signal on a watch. A heart rate monitor helps to track your workout intensity as you exercise, and can determine your fitness level. Digital heart rate monitor systems are more accurate than the traditional method of stopping to count your pulse while exercising. A variety of digital heart rate monitor systems are on the market today, most operating on the same basic system.
Features
Digital heart rate monitors work by measuring the beats of your heart. Standard heart rate monitors include a strap that wraps around your chest and transmits heart rate data to your wristwatch. There are also strapless heart rate monitors, which work by detecting your pulse rate in your fingertips. Strapless heart rate monitors are less common and tend to be less accurate than standard ones, according to the Sports Watch Informant.
Training with a Heart Rate Monitor
Digital heart rate monitors offer effective training tools for runners, cyclists, walkers, swimmers and other exercisers. Heart rate monitors give you instant feedback on your heart rate as you exercise, which can help you see your effort and intensity level. Your heart rate reading shows you how hard your heart is working while you exercise, so you can determine your fitness level. Some watches have advanced settings that beep to warn you when you reach high or low heart rates.
Determining Your Heart Rate Training Zones
Some digital heart rate monitors can determine your target heart rate zones, and some can calculate your zones once you enter your maximum heart rate. To estimate your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. The American College of Sports Medicine advises reaching 60 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate for low intensity exercise, 70 to 80 percent for medium intensity and more than 80 percent for high intensity exercise. If you exceed your maximum heart rate while training, you are in danger, and you should slow down.
Choosing a Monitor
Consider several factors when choosing your digital heart rate monitor system. If you train outdoors or swim, pick a waterproof system. Also, take pricing and watch features into consideration. More advanced watches include programs that allow you to set training goals, and will alert you when you reach your goals or if you get off track. Other features that are common with digital heart monitor watches include calories-burned calculators and pace timers. Some watches also include GPS features that map your location and pace. The cost of digital heart rate monitoring watches ranges from to $50 to $500, as of 2011.
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