Heart Rate Monitor: Use This Device To Gain Max Results From Gym Exercise

It has become almost mandatory for top sportsmen and fitness experts to use a heart rate monitor regularly. The heart rate monitor – of the basic type – includes a receiver device worn like a wrist watch and a sensor strap to be tied around the chest during an exercise session. As you work out on the treadmill or otherwise, the strap sensor sends heart rate data to the watch. Using a heart rate monitor is one of the best way to improve the results of your fitness training.

A heart rate monitor helps measure aerobic endurance that is a major factor in one’s overall state of fitness and health. These devices give a more accurate reading that the one you may get by counting your pulse. In fact, if you pause during a workout to measure your pulse, you actually lower your heart rate by pressing the carotid artery in the wrist and do not get an accurate rating.

A heart rate monitor must be used to prevent strain and stress. If you can keep track of your heart rate properly during an exercise session not only can you maximize the results of the training but also lower the risk of injury and undue stress on your body. Many people work out so heavily on a single day that they end up fatigue for three more days. A heart rate monitor can help prevent this. On the other hand, the device will tell you if you are under-training as well.

When using a heart rate monitor, you will need to set two ‘limit-markings’ for your heart rate. These are calculated as the maximum heart rate (MHR) and the resting heart rate (RHR). As evident, the MHR gives you the max heart rate you can achieve with intense exercise and the RHR gives you your heart rate when you are relaxing.

For calculating the MHR, men must subtract their age from 220 and women from 226. This is the formula to be used for a person who is just beginning to exercise. For those who have already been exercising, both men and women, the MHR works out by subtracting half their age from 205.

The MHR is used to divide your exercise routine into sessions of maximum burn and rest. Your trainer will be able to help you prepare a suitable chart for this or you can check some excellent website on the Internet for scheduling your fitness routine. The aim of tracking the heart rate is to reach a level of faster and intense exercise at a lower heart rate.

Some of the latest heart rate monitors come with highly advanced features like a memory bank, better backlight, complex formula calculations, altitude measurement, calorie burner meter etc. The latest heart rate monitoring devices may cost more but are more convenient to use than the basic units. Some monitors can be hooked to your computer to maintain a log book of your progress as well.

When buying a heart rate monitor do check if it has coded signals. This is essential because if you’re in a gym and the person working out next to you is also using a heart rate monitor then some interference may take place in the data transmission from the sensor strap.

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