How to Choose a Heart Rate Monitor

Heart rate monitors are popular with serious athletics but are also useful for the casual exerciser. It prevents the need to stop and count your heart rate while you are exercising. Monitors can be purchased in various types of stores including sporting goods stores or bought directly from the manufacturer or online. Because heart rate monitors can vary greatly in functions and costs, follow the steps below to select the best monitor for your situation.

Instructions

1. Decide on the type of monitor you want. Professional athletes or those who are serious about training for various events such as marathons may want a pro-level monitor. These types of monitors may have various additional features. The casual exerciser may only need a basic monitor.

2. Determine what additional features you need. Some heart rate monitors do more than monitor heart rate such as monitoring distance traveled and calories burned. Some monitors have downloading capabilities. Alarms are also a feature for some monitors. An alarm will go off if you are out of your targeted training heart rate.

3. Keep cost in mind. Heart rate monitors vary greatly in cost. Basic monitors that don’t have additional features may run as low as $30. Pro-level monitors may cost several hundred dollars.

4. Look for a monitor that is easy to use. Heart rate monitors that have several features may be complicated to use. Look for a monitor with easy to read numbers. This will allow you to check your heart rate and other factors at a glance. Straining to look at the numbers will get frustrating and cause you to have to stop your workout.

5. Consider comfort. Some heart rate monitors use a chest strap to monitor the heart rate. Other strapless monitors are worn on the wrist. Monitors come in various sizes. Consider the activity you will be doing while monitoring your heart rate and decide what will be the most comfortable monitor to wear. For example, a runner may find a monitor worn on the wrist to be the best option because it is the least cumbersome.

6. Ask about battery life. Heart rate monitors run on batteries. Determine the type of batteries needed and how long they usually last. Keep in mind that some batteries can be expensive.

Tips & Warnings

• Read all the directions to ensure accurate use.

• Be sure it fits properly. If you select a monitor with a chest strap, be sure to follow directions and wear it correctly. If the monitor does not fit right, it will not give you accurate information.