Friday, September 25, 2009

Are Heart Rate Monitors Accurate?

By Henry Calhoun

One of the biggest concerns about using heart rate monitors for exercising is that they may not be very accurate. That is actually more a myth than fact. The accuracy of the heart rate monitor depends on many factors and it is usually up to you to ensure the accuracy of the device. If you use the device correctly you should be able to get very accurate results.

In 1977 the first modern heart rate monitor made for personal use was invented. This device was modeled after the standard EKG and was also designed to be that accurate. This first time a personal heart rate monitor was used was to assist a cross country skiing team with training.

Ever since that first heart rate monitor was used, all monitors made afterwards have aimed for accuracy, since it is an essential feature of any monitoring device. It is easy enough to determine if a heart rate monitor is accurate or not since the pulse rate can also be taken manually, although this is less convenient.

A heart rate monitor simplifies the whole process of monitoring your heart rate and ensuring that you are working to your full potential and not over exerting yourself. The whole point of the device is to save you time and to make things easier on you. If it is not accurate then you will have no use for it.

Based on the fact that heart rate monitors area a top selling fitness device, you can conclude that there must be something good about them and if they were really inaccurate as some claim then nobody would be wasting their money on purchasing these devices. There have been some reports of results being wrong, but these reports are always used to improve on the heart rate monitors so that they are more accurate.

One of the biggest problems with early models was that electromagnetic waves from other electronic equipment would interfere with the heart rate monitor. This would result in readings that were not accurate. However, this is not an issue anymore since almost all newer models have a built-in feature capable of blocking this interference.

Another common issue is user error. If you are not using the monitor correctly or not putting it on right then you could end up with inaccurate results. It is important to read all literature that comes with the monitor so you understand how to properly use it.

You should also watch what type of monitor you buy. Typically the chest band models will give you the most accurate results. There are a range of styles on the market and you might find that one works better for you than others. You might consider trying out monitors at a local gym or asking if there is a display model in the store that you can try out before buying so you can find the most accurate model for you. After all accuracy is very important when it comes to heart rate monitors. With the many options on the market you can easily find an accurate heart rate monitor that will offer you many benefits.

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