Heart Rate Monitor

A heart rate monitor is a device that allows a person to monitor their heart rate. A heart rate monitor is usually used when a person is waking, running, or exercising. The original heart rate monitor was invented by an Australian physicist and consists of a chest strap transmitter and a receiver which is worn on the wrist.

Heart Rate Monitor Usage
A heart rate monitor is primarily used for you to track your performance while exercising. Prior to the availability of the heart rate monitor for example, people tracked performance by how many miles they ran in a certain period of time and perhaps manually checking heart rate periodically. With the heart rate monitor, you can check your heart rate at any instant and tailor your exercise program to optimize performance. Some important factors to track while exercising are:

Target heart rate (in relation to your target, based on age and physical condition)
Duration of hear rate
Fluctuation of heart rate
Over exertion prevention (heart rate beyond target for exercise)

With a heart rate monitor, rather than tracking performance based on how many miles you run, you can now track by the length of time you keep your heart at a certain rate. This allows you to vary your exercise routines but still get the same or better cardiovascular performance. Additionally, with a heart rate monitor, you are constantly aware of your heart rate so that you don’t over exert yourself

Buying a Heart Rate Monitor
There are many heart rate monitors in the market today. The most accurate heart rate monitors are ECG accurate and use a chest strap. The signal is then relayed to a wristwatch type of device or even to a set of earphones. There are other heart rate monitors without a chest strap and require you to place your fingers in the monitor. These typically can not give you constant measurements.

Another factor to look at is how will you be using your heart rate monitor? Make sure that you get a heart rate monitor that is easily integrated to your workout routine, both from a vital signs measurements and size and convenience point of view. Several of the popular brands include Polar, Reebok, Cardiosport, Timex, Nike, Ekho, FitSense and Mio.

The Internet is a good place to begin your research on the features and price points you are looking for. As with any medical or health related device, always check with your doctor prior to purchasing or using a heart rate monitor.