Happy Monday! Today’s topic is a reader request!
I’ve never talked about heart rate monitors before, just my BodyMedia (which tracks calories burned among many other things).
I used to have a Polar heart rate monitor, since I hate how inaccurate the machines at the gym are, plus I wanted to track my heart rate while I was lifting weights.
I’m not sure whether I had a dud or not, but mine never worked properly. Majority of the time, my chest strap and watch weren’t communicating with each other. Perhaps there was too much interference at the gym with all the machines? Not sure. I know its a device typically used by runners. I’m not a runner, but I know most runners use it for tracking their pace, progress and distance.
I still think its a great tool, for the following reasons:
1) Helps you find your zone
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults should exercise at moderate intensity (50–70 percent of maximum heart rate) for at least 30 minutes five days a week, or at a vigorous intensity (70–85 percent of maximum heart rate) for 20 minutes three days a week. Using a heart rate monitor can help a lot with this.
2) Makes you get the most from your workouts
If your short on time, it helps you ensure you get the most from your time at the gym. I’m a big fan of circuit training with weights. You get the strength aspect plus the cardio.
3) Prevents over or under training
You’ll soon find out that if you go on the elliptical at level 2, your not getting much of a workout at all. Monitoring your heart rate will tell you how hard your working and prevent you from slacking! You also can work out too hard, or too often, so its a great tool to ensure your not over-training.
4) Enjoyment / extra motivation
Some find it enjoyable to watch their progress while doing a workout, and find it motivating to keep pushing yourself.
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All this talk is making me want another heart monitor… and hopefully not a dud this time!
Question: Do you have one, and do you use it regularly?
