A heart rate monitor, or HRM, is a device that you attach to your wrist and chest to measure the intensity of your exercise. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a heart rate monitor is an effective piece of equipment to keep track of your heart rate levels to track the effect of your activity. The best heart rate monitors are convenient and accurately provide you with the information suited to your particular needs.
Features
A heart rate monitor consists of electrodes that you attach to your chest and a watch that captures the information. For walking, the best monitor is one that comfortably fits your wrist and does not irritate your skin. While most HRMs are waterproof to use while swimming or doing water aerobics, you might want to skip this option when looking for a walking monitor. Heart rate monitor options that might be most useful for walkers include a lap timer and target heart rate zone calculator. You might opt for an HRM with memory so that you can compare your walks.
Coordination
Doctors often recommend heart rate monitors for patients who have undergone a heart attack or other cardiovascular complication. Models are available to automatically send your heart rate and oxygen numbers wirelessly to your physician for regular monitoring. Consider an HRM with an alarm to notify you when your heart is working too hard. Computer links allow you to enter your daily walk information into your computer. The information can easily be forwarded to your doctor. Coordinate with your doctor to make sure you have the right model that integrates well with her office software.
Uses
Athletes who walk or run as part of their overall fitness plan use heart rate monitors to ensure they reach their peak training modes. They use the stored information to plan future workouts to maximize their efforts. You may decide to start walking as a part of a weight loss program, an ideal exercise for beginners and those who need a simple exercise program. Look for a heart rate monitor that tracks the number of calories you burn if you are trying to lose weight. Instead of just counting the number of miles you walk and doing the math yourself, your HRM can provide up-to-the-minute calculations so you can meet your daily calorie expenditure goals.
Comfort
Most heart rate monitors provide a strap that your wraps around your chest prior to starting your walk. Many walkers find this strap uncomfortable so you'll want to spend time trying on various models to find one that is acceptable to your body shape. Look for a watch device that has numbers big enough for you to easily view and buttons that are easy to work without having to stop walking. Watchbands should remain comfortable if you start sweating.
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