Timex Heart Rate Monitors

Posts Tagged ‘target heart range’

The heart rate monitor is certainly a valuable device for athletes or anyone who exercises. The monitor essentially does what it says: it monitors the heartbeat rate. The device is actually reasonably simple. The user wears a strap around the chest that has electrodes to detect the heartbeat and send it to a monitor that is worn like a wristwatch.

This monitor subsequently displays the transmitted information and calculates other information that has been entered into it. The heart rate monitor is a portable device that allows the athlete to carry it anywhere and make use of it for any form of exertion.
To get the maximum out of a workout, people must keep within their target heart range. If the heartbeat is not fast enough, adequate physical change does not occur. If the heart beats too rapidly, lactic acid is released, slowing the fat burning process and causing sore muscles.

This monitor helps the athlete achieve this objective. The monitor makes it a possible for the athlete to perform at his or her optimum level. This piece of equipment was initially developed for swimmers. Since monitoring the heart for its fitness is crucial, the heart rate monitor is an indispensable tool for athletes.

While using the monitor, ensure that the chest band is on the right spot and fits comfortably and is not overly tight. Radio and other electronic feedback can cause interruptions in sending the signal from the heart rate monitor, so be alert to the presence of such things. For those who work out vigorously, it would be wise to buy a silicone glass cover that fits over the monitor to avoid damage during a workout.

As mentioned, getting the most out of his or her workout is a great advantage to athlete. They are able to keep track of their heartbeat rate and stay within the optimal range. Being able to save information from one workout to another is also a great benefit. For users who would like to be able to save multiple workout statistics to their computers, there are more advanced models. This would allow a user to track the progress toward his or her goal.

Accuracy and convenience are realized when the monitor is used during exercise, allowing the user to determine which particular exercises bring the heartbeat rate to the maximum target zone. To make the most effective use of the monitor, keep this in mind. The heart rate monitor will prove to be the most invaluable electronic device that and athlete can use.

Summary:

Accuracy and convenience are realized when the heart rate monitor is used during exercise, allowing the user to determine which particular exercises bring the heartbeat to the maximum target zone. Unproductive exercise can be eliminated so that the athlete can concentrate on the ones that maximize their optimum heartbeat zone. The heart rate monitor is a portable device that allows the athlete to carry it anywhere and make use of it for any form of exertion.

Since the 1970’s top athletes have been using heart rate monitors to get 100% out of their training. Now everyone can maximize their limited exercise time by using one of the many different heart rate monitors that are on the market starting at under $50.

Using a heart rate monitor is simple. A digital display will let you know what your current heart rate is. Ideally we want to have our heart rate in the target zone for at least 20 minutes to get the most our of our workout. Your target heart rate is generally between 70% and 85% of your working heart rate.

The working heart rate is the range that your heart rate falls in. This can be determined professional or you can get an approximate range by finding your resting heart rate and using an age guide for your maximum rate.

To calculate your maximum heart rate subtract your age from 220 for men or your age from 226 for women.

Your resting heart rate of course is what your heart rate is when you have done no physical activity. A good time to check this would be first thing in the morning before you even get out of bed.

I am a 37 year old male. My maximum heart rate would be 220-37 = 183.

I have measured my resting heart rate at 70. Therefore my working heart range is 113.

My target heart rate for exercising is between:

Lower target range = (113 * .7) + 70 = 149 Upper target range = (113 * .85) + 70 = 166

Most of today’s heart rate monitors will figure all this out for you. In fact the monitor that I use on my treadmill beeps when I am below – or over – my target heart range.

The main advantage to using a heart rate monitor is that you are measuring the effort that you are exerting during your workout. Often are perception is that we are working much harder then we are. You can usually go faster and further then you think!

What is a heart rate monitor? These gadgets are a very wonderful tool to have for both those who have heart related problems and those who are looking to improve their workouts. The goal of these devices is to monitor your heart rate at all times during the day. While exercising to lose weight, your goal should be to maintain your heart rate in the ideal ‘zone’ for fat burning. But, too much of a good thing is not good either. The monitor allows for accurate measurement of the heart during these periods so that you don’t exceed the recommended levels for your age/fitness level. The heart rate monitor makes this process a lot easier.

But, choosing a heart rate monitor can be tricky. We’ve cut through all the hype and reviewed some of the best on the market:

The Polar F11: Polar is an excellent brand no matter what but this model is a great all around version. You can use the program “Keeps U Fit Workout Program” to meet your personal goals. OwnZone is another feature which allows you to monitor your target heart range and it tells you how many calories you are burning during it. It uses a coded transmitter to find your heart rate and you will not have interference from other monitors.

Polar A3: If the Polar F11 looks good but is too expensive, go with the stepped down version in this model. It works as a personal trainer in its ability to allow you to track the previous workouts. It’s easy to use and very accurate.

Garmin Forerunner 301. Okay, if you are a gadget lover, this is the heart rate monitor for you. It uses GPS to help you throughout your journey through health fitness. If you are a runner, use this monitor to track how far you have gone what your heart rate is during that time as well as allow you to download it all to your PC to track and monitor. And, as your heart rate improves this monitor will adjust your target zone to keep pushing you to the next level.

Acumen Eon Basix ES: In this model, you get beginner tools. It’s easy to use and has the functions that you want. It has a target zone function that you can program.

For something different, go with the Mio Shape. In most heart rate monitors, a chest strap is used to monitor your heart’s beat. But, in this unique model, it uses a finger sensor instead. Although some have found difficulty in using this accurately, it is worth mentioning.

We hope you find something that fits your style and needs and you use it to take your fitness to the next level.