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Looking to take your training to the next level? You may want to consider a heart rate monitor as a way to enhance your training. Heart rate monitors are becoming increasingly more popular in the running and cycling communities. They are generally composed of a watch that keeps track of and displays the heart rate, and a chest strap that reads the pulse while you work out.
When looking for a heart rate monitor, there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll want to find a chest strap that fits snugly around your chest. This can sometimes pose a problem for women, as many of the chest straps are designed to fit a man’s chest. To combat this problem, many companies have developed sports bras that actually have a separate pocket for the heart rate monitor to fit into. Some of these models include the Heart Bra, made by Polar, as well as a sports bra designed by Numetrex. These items range in price from $35-50.
Another thing to look for in a heart rate monitor is the watch. Does it have a nice, big, easy-to-read display? What about the buttons – are they easy to find a press while running? If you’ll be cycling with it, is the display large enough to read when mounted to the handlebars? These are some things you’ll want to consider when investing in a heart rate monitor.
There is a wide range of features that can be added to a heart rate monitor watch. Some of the more basic models will simply tell the heart rate and the time, and will be fairly easy to use. Models like the
At the other end of the spectrum, there are models that have built in GPS units, and can track with great precision your exact location, speed, and distance ran/biked. These models are usually upwards of $400, such as the Suunto t6c, Polar RS800sd, or the Garmin Forerunner 405. In addition to tracking speed and distance, these watches are more like mini computers. They are able to log training programs, and the information on the watch can then be uploaded to a computer.
Heart rate monitors are often sold at sporting goods stores, specialty running shops, or online at websites such as amazon.com. Websites that sell this equipment will generally have lots of user reviews, which can be useful in deciding which heart rate monitor to get.
The most important aspect of purchasing an item like this is to decide what you would like to get out of the heart rate monitor. If you simply want to know what your pulse rate is, then a simpler model may be right for you. If you’re generally into electronics and gadgets, you may want to spring for the higher priced models that will offer lots of functions and training tools.
A heart rate monitor is a great way to keep track of your health and your training goals. They also make good gifts for the runner in your life, or just a nice treat for yourself!
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