- Find the many benefits to having a
heart rate monitor and how you use them to improve your training
to meet your
fitness and health goals. More training
tips. If you already know you need one go to step 2.
- Learn and understand the different features available for different
heart rate monitors. Use the search function to find more info
on any applicable word or model name.
- Go to our many comparison charts and compare the models from brand
to brand. They are also grouped in categories. Once you
have it narrowed down study the pages of the monitors you are
interested in then click on Order.
Comparison Charts
Heart Rate
only; this group compares monitors that have just heart rate
and maybe a few other features.
Target Zones (click for target zone comparison)
By Adjusting your personal target zones, the heart rate monitor will
beep if you go below your minimum or above your maximum. This
gives you instant feedback about your workout and allows you the freedom
to adjust/change your personal target zones for a particular workout.
Stop Watch with time in Zone
(click for stop watch comparison)
Measuring the time you spend in your target zone gives you the quality
time of each workout. This way you can compare your total time
and your quality time. As you fine tune your training you can
narrow the target zone especially on harder days to ensure that you are
spending enough time going hard. For example set your zone from
155 to 180 when running or cycling and make sure you spend 15-25 minutes
in the training zone. On easy days set the zones from 112 to 140
and make sure most of your time is spent in the target zone.
Time below, In and Above your
target Zones (click memory comparisons)
These monitors allow you to further fine tune your workouts allowing you
to divide your workouts into three zones instead of two. For most
workouts I set the zones so that the workout is divided equally in three
target zones. The time above, below and in the zones will be
equal. At the end of your workout you can compare your projected
work out
Weight Loss
This group has a calorie counter that helps you keep track of how much
weight you will lose. They are generally accurate to within 10
percent
Computer Download.
This group allows you to save all your workouts to your computer were you
can save and print the data. You also have the ability to compare
the same workouts to see if you are improving.
Additional comparison charts; Women Triathlon
Cycling Running
Cardiac Rehab
The Following charts compare heart
monitors from the same manufacture
Polar A Series M Series
designed for the entry level exerciser. These models are generally
less expensive and have less features making them easier to use. The
Polar Fitness line are older
units in the same class that are still available and at closeout
prices.
Polar S Series designed for more
advanced athletes looking to be competitive or people that are analytical
and like to have a lot of data. These units offer a lot of great
features for the money. The Polar
Achiever line are older units in the same class that are still
available and at closeout prices.
Cardiosport ; this manufacture offers a wide selection of
products at great prices. Generally you will get more for your
money, a bike mount and a 2 year warranty. Comparison
Acumen; well designed
products at a reasonable price. They offer heart monitors that are
especially designed for Women. Comparison
Mio Cardiosport
Impulse
Heart rate monitors
with no chest strap
Fitsense; Offer a heart
rate monitor that is also an accurate pedometer that downloads to a
computer
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