A pedometer counts the number of steps you take, and a heart rate monitor calculates your pulse rate while taking those steps. When trying to determine your most efficient workout, you will need to know your target heart rate, so use a monitor that alerts you once you have reached your target. This helps you get a quality workout in the shortest amount of time.
Considerations
If you are a gadget or gizmo lover, there are many options available on the market that can provide all the information you crave about your exercise regimen. They range from fairly simple and straightforward to quite sophisticated equipment that allows you to store, sort and save several exercise related measurements on your laptop, handheld device or PC. The devices range in price from less than $50 to several hundred, depending on the features you seek.
Options
Pedometer and heart rate monitor models were developed for certain types of activities. Consider the type of exercise you intend to do when using the device. A pedometer is best if you are mainly walking or running. It counts the number of steps you have taken but not the distance you have traveled. Heart rate monitors calculate your pulse, and the more sophisticated monitors also measure distance traveled and your performance versus goals. These monitors come in handy for gym workouts as well as running, walking and cycling. A speed and distance monitor measures how far and how fast you are walking or running, and most include a heart rate monitor. They are appropriate for running, cycling and walking.
GPS Accelerometers
An accelerometer, a speed and distance monitor, uses a sensor or foot pad that sends data to the wrist device you wear. The more advanced models include heart rate monitors that may require the use of a chest strap to transmit your heart rate to the watch-like device. Many athletes like the Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor with the Polar S1 Foot Pad and GI GPS sensor. Another popular model is the Garmin 405CX with GPS capabilities. Both the Garmin and Polar devices allow you to capture data about your workout that you can transmit to your computer. These devices range from $240 to $370, dollars depending on the features you purchase.
Professional Model
If you want a device professional athletes use, the Beurer WM80 is a good bet. It measures the distance you cover and your heart rate, and also measures the number of calories you consume; how much fat you are burning; and the speed at which you are walking, running or cycling.This Beurer model includes wireless transmission of the data it captures to your computer. The device does not require a chest strap for the heart rate function. The WM 80 resembles a fingerless glove with a monitor that sits on top of your hand. You do not need to stop exercising to obtain your readouts.
References
- Exercise Equipment Expert: Heart Rate Monitor Reviews
- The New York Times; Gadgetwise: Marathon Tech Reviews; Danielle Belopotosky; August 2009
- Consumer Reports Health.org; Heart-Rate Monitors; December 2010
- Wearable Technologies: Beurer
- REI: How to Choose a Fitness Monitor
- Consumer Reports Health.org: Smart Health Heart Rate Watch
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