There is no question that cardio plays a big part in strengthening the heart. Anyone involved in fitness is well aware of this fact. In fact the more you strengthen your heart, the more efficient it becomes at pumping blood through the body. Making use of a heart rate monitor while you work out will ensure you are training properly.
Although the main purpose of a heart rate monitor is to keep track of how fast your heart beats each minute, it does so much more. By monitoring your heart rate, you can tell if you are training too hard or not hard enough.
Heart monitor watches are basically designed to do that. And if you are into a basic fitness program, you really don’t need much more. It’s when you take your program to the next level or start training for a specific sport that you will probably need more features.
When you go about choosing a suitable heart rate monitor, you need to look at what features you will need as well as how much you plan to spend. There is no such thing as a monitor that has every possible feature. Let’s take a look at a few of the advanced features you can choose from.
Almost all monitors, no matter how basic or complex will have a few features that are pretty well standard. A few of these features include an alarm, a timer, and a chest strap. The strap measures your heart rate and then transmits this information to the wrist watch part of the monitor. The alarm is used to alert you when your heart rate goes below or above your targeted heart rate.
Many of the more advanced monitors will keep track of your workouts as well as monitoring your progress over a long period of time. This allows you to compare your results and fine tune your workouts. It’s a great motivator when you can see how much you’ve progressed from month to month.
One feature that is especially appealing to many athletes is the personalized training program. With this feature, you have access to a special website maintained by the company. By uploading your training records you can get some suggestions to enhance your workouts.
Some monitors are suitable for use in conjunction with exercise equipment like exercise bikes or treadmills. But if a lot of your workouts are in a gym, be sure to get a coded monitor, so you don’t get interference from other monitors that are in the vicinity.
Runners or cyclists will enjoy the GPS feature. A Global Positioning System lets you track distance as well as speed. And if you decide to take an alternate route, you can easily plan a return route home.
Elite athletes may want more detailed data. There are features that will give you all the information you want to track. For instance you can get a monitor with an altimeter, barometer, and even a temperature gauge, features that may be used by a distance runner. You can get a monitor to calculate respiratory rate as well as oxygen consumption. These are crucial endurance metrics.
Choosing to use a heart rate monitor is a smart decision. It’s an important piece of fitness equipment that will enhance a workout, so be sure to choose one that has all the features you need.
Whether you are a serious athlete or a casual exerciser, heart monitor watches can help you boost performance and improve fitness levels. Although monitors can be worn by anyone, women may find it more comfortable wearing a wrist heart rate monitor.