Heart rate monitors are more than just tools used during physical activity. With the proper uplink software on a personal computer, the monitor's data from every exercise session can be stored on the computer, and software from the monitor's manufacturer will guide exercisers in meeting their fitness goals.This makes fitness a measurable outcome, not just a guess based on feelings of fitness.
Step 1
Gather data by wearing the heart rate monitor while exercising. If the monitor comes with a chest strap, moisten the electrodes with saliva or a cream, such as the buh-bump brand. Put on the chest strap, electrodes touching the skin, then activate the monitor and do a workout. After working out, the monitor's data can be transferred to a personal computer for further analysis.
Step 2
Transfer the data from the heart rate monitor to the computer by following the instructions given in the software. After opening the software application on the computer, the heart rate monitor gets put into a data transfer mode, usually by pressing a combination of buttons on the monitor, or going to a sub menu on the monitor, then pressing one or more buttons. The monitor will transmit data to the computer via the sound card in the computer. This can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on how many exercise sessions are transferred, and how long the sessions are.
Step 3
Plan further workouts using the data displayed on the computer. It will show heart rate plotted against time, and also minimum, maximum, and average rates during the workout. The maximum heart rate formula is 220 minus age. For a 40 year old exerciser, the maximum heart rate is 180. Some heart rate monitors feature heart rate zones based on age, gender, and level of fitness. The software will show heart rate zones on the computer if the monitor has this feature.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure to keep the data on your computer in a directory where it won't get erased. Heart rate monitors can hold only specific amounts of data, so the computer is an important aid in logging months and years of workout data. Heart rate monitors can be used by more than one person; just create a separate file directory on the computer for each one.
- Always check with your doctor before starting workouts if you are not used to exercising. If you will be starting a more intense workout period, check with your doctor too. A monitor is an exercise aid, and should never be used to diagnose a heart condition, or used to avoid going to a doctor if you suspect you have a heart problem.
Things You'll Need
- Heart rate monitor
- Personal computer with a sound card
- Wireless heart rate monitor software
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