Exercise heart rate monitors work by utilizing two electrodes mounted on an electronic transmitter. An elastic strap secures the transmitter around your chest. Information, in the form of electrical impulses from your heart, is picked up by the transmitter and sent to the heart rate watch on your wrist. Data from your heart rate monitor allows you to see your exercise intensity during workouts. The Heart Rate Monitor Book states that heart rate monitors provide higher efficiency and accuracy than taking your pulse manually.
Polar
Polar offers a variety of heart rate monitor watches capable of storing between one to 100 workout files. Models such as the FT7 and FT80 allow you to transfer your workout files to your computer using Polar's Flow Link accessory. Polar's watches range in price based upon their features and the number of workout files they store.
Timex Ironman
The Timex Ironman Race Trainer line is geared towards elite athletes. These heart rate monitor watches feature five interval timers and allow you to set target heart rate zones for each interval. You can store up to 10 workouts on the watch. The wireless data exchanger allows you to upload your workouts to your computer.
Suunto
Suunto's T6C and T6D models enable you to store up to 30 workouts on your heart rate monitor watch. A USB cable and Suunto's Training Manager Software come included with these models. The software allows you to transfer your workout logs and track your progress on your personal computer. The transmitter strap on the T6D allows data transmission with the cardio equipment at your gym.
Garmin
The Forerunner line of Garmin heart rate monitor watches store your workouts, allowing you to monitor your progress. Uploading your exercise data to Garmin Connect allows you to share your workouts with others. Garmin Connect is both Mac and PC compatible.
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