If you have ever been in one of my boot camp classes, you have probably completed the dreaded treadmill test. This means that you have worn a heart rate monitor. If you haven't, you might wonder what is a heart rate monitor and what it does.
A heart rate monitor is a simple device that measures your heart rate while you are exercising. There is a strap that is worn around your chest and a corresponding wrist unit, similar to a watch that receives the signal from the strap.
A heart rate monitor can be a helpful device when training for weight loss, marathons or anything in between. We are all on time schedules. Heart rate monitors can help you train in the optimal zone during your limited workout time. For example, when you are trying to burn fat, the optimal training zone is between 60 to 70 per cent of your maximum heart rate (220 minus your age). Using a heart rate monitor, you can stay in this zone for the entire time you are exercising without having to stop and check your heart rate manually. Also, many monitors have a function that will beep at you when your heart rate gets too high, or too low.
Some heart rate monitors will also count calories burned for you while you work out. Depending on the investment you are willing to make some monitors will keep track of your workouts, provide summaries of your weekly workouts and calories burned. High end monitors also come with a computer data transfer function and may even act as a built in personal trainer.
Heart rate monitors help you exercise more efficiently. They can be used indoors on cardio equipment and during weight training. They can also be used outdoors during exercise or activities such as yard work. A heart rate monitor will keep you from working out too hard or too light. If you are striving towards a specific goal, or you have hit a plateau, I would highly recommend making an investment into a heart rate monitor.
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