Why You Should Use A Heart Monitor

By Author: gareth hoyle
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Heart rate monitors are handy little portable devices that you can purchase at most sports retailers such as DW Sports. They measure your pulse while you are exercising, and are available as chest straps, or watches.

Heart rate monitors are useful in many ways. Not only do they detect your pulse and display your heart rate on a digital display, they also can store that information and include programmable alarms, work outs and timers.

Heart rates are measured in beats per minute. Your resting heart rate will indicate how fit you are naturally, and if you are in good shape it will beat less per minute while you are resting. To find out your average resting heart rate, take a look at your heart monitor when doing ordinary activities throughout the day and then take an average of the readings.

Why is working out with a heart monitor beneficial?

A heart rate monitor can help you exercise smarter rather than harder. This is because when you are in an optimum heart rate zone, you are getting the best and most efficient exercise for your efforts. By monitoring your heart rate, you can make sure that you ...
... are in the right heart rate zone.

To calculate your ideal rate you can use a simple equation. For men, take the number 220 and subtract your age from it. Women should subtract their age from the number 230. That is your Maximum Heart Rate. In order to burn fat at maximum efficiency, you should be working within 60-70% of this Maximum Heart Rate number. 70-80% will put you into the Aerobic Zone, where you are building cardiovascular strength. However, don't go any higher than 80-90% of your Maximum Heart rate as this can be dangerous. If you get confused, ask any of the staff at a fitness store like DW sports, as they will be able to explain how it works to you.

Danger Zone Warnings

Wearing a heart rate monitor can also let you know when you are getting close to your maximum heart rate, which is a sign that you should slow down so that you don't over exert yourself.

Choosing a Heart Rate Monitor

Most fitness stores such as DW sports offer a selection of heart rate monitors. It is important to choose one that meets your needs so that it will be easy and practical to use. Some find the chest straps more comfortable, but others find that they don't fit well on their bodies. As the staff at DW sports to let you try one on if you are not sure. Another option is wristwatch style heart monitors, which are quite stylish and easy to use. DW sports also have an online store, where you can view your heart monitor options.

Once you have your heart monitor, you are ready to start exercising at your optimal heart rate and efficiently lose weight!

Most stores like DW Sports sell heart monitors for exercise purposes, but how do they work and what are their benefits?