Monday, September 7, 2009

Heart Rate Monitors Help You Keep Pace

By Henry Calhoun

Heart rate monitors are among the latest products to come on the market when it comes to health and fitness. The heart rate monitor is simply a device that can help someone monitor the rate at which their heart beats while exercising. This way it is possible to know when you are exercising at the right intensity to get the most out of your workout. These devices are practical and easily attached to your body.

There are a variety of types of heart rate monitors. Each has different qualities and characteristics. The basic types include a watch style and chest band.

A watch style heart rate monitor basically looks like a wristwatch and is just as easy to wear. It is comfortable and small enough to not get in your way. This type of monitor measures the pulse rate of your wrist in order to measure your overall heart rate. This is very easy to use and many find this style to be the preferred one. However, there is also controversy as to how accurate this type of heart rate monitor is, since it is rumored that this style is not as precise as the chest band types.

The chest band style of heart rate monitor uses a band that goes across your chest. It usually has some type of read out which may be in a wrist watch style or a clip on style that displays the information about your heart rate. Many people say that chest bands can be uncomfortable or slip during a heavy workout. However, there are many different styles on the market and some are made to be comfortable and non-slip. The main advantage of this style of heart rate monitor is that it is the most accurate type of heart rate monitor outside a hospital setting.

Using a heart rate monitor has become very popular. Fitness experts agree that each person has a specific heart rate level that, if reached, will allow them to maximize their workout. This maximum heart rate level can be found manually, but using a heart rate monitor makes the process much more simple and convenient.

The use of a heart rate monitor is also simple. After the right type has been chosen, all you have to do is wear it while exercising. Just by looking at the measured rate you will know if you are working out at your maximum or not. Using this information means you will easily improve your fitness level without having to over-exert yourself.

Another advantage of training with the help of a heart rate monitor is that it has the same function as a personal trainer since it tells you if you are working out with the right intensity. This way you know which exercises are being trained properly and which are lacking in intensity.

Overall, heart rate monitors are great assets when it comes to staying physically fit. They let you know if your workout is being done right or if you can train more intensely to achieve the desired results.

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