Heart-rate monitors are a great way to stay in a recommended heart-rate range and to track your fitness goals. The most popular types are chest-strap, wristwatch and sports-bra versions ranging in price from $40 to $400. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a heart-rate monitor. The best choice depends on what you are most comfortable wearing, which features are most important and what fits your budget.
Best Multi-Sport Chest Strap Monitor
Chest strap heart-rate monitors allow you to move freely without touching anything to get a reading. The Timex 5F011 Bodylink Speed, Distance, Heart Rate, with Data Recorder 2 is a top-of-the-line chest strap version. This heart-rate monitor has GPS, speed and distance recording and zone alerts to let you know when you are over or under your target heart-rate range. It is water resistant and includes a bike mount for the display. This monitor gets a 4 1/2 star rating from buyers on Amazon.com and retails for $299.97.
Best Strap-Free Monitor
Wristwatch styles are great for women who find the chest strap version too cumbersome. One of the best is the Mio Motiva Heart Rate Monitor Watch. This monitor works by placing your index and middle fingers on the watch screen. It is slim and colorful, with a feminine style that comes in regular and petite sizes. Features include calorie counts, exercise time recording, a backlight and a replacement watchband. It also has a user-replaceable battery. This monitor has many loyal fans and retails on Amazon.com for $77.29.
Best Innovative Monitor
Women of average chest size will love the NuMetrex Heart-Rate-Monitoring Sports Bra and Watch. It solves the issue of getting the chest-strap to stay put and to fit well with a sports bra by combining the sensor and bra in one garment. Since a bra inherently hugs your chest, it is capable of very accurate heart readings. The material is moisture wicking and comes in five flattering colors. The sensor is compatible with several other brand heart-rate monitor displays, but you can purchase the entire package including bra, transmitter and monitor for $99 at NuMetrex.com.
Heart Monitoring Benefits
It's beneficial to use a heart-rate monitor when working out to stay within your minimum and maximum heart rates, track your resting heart rate, rate recovery time and chart your progress. One caveat to keep in mind: Your resting heart rate increases during pregnancy, so if you are expecting, check first with your medical care provider for guidance on appropriate heart rates for your condition while exercising.
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