If you're trying to lose weight, a heart rate monitor is a great way to monitor your intensity and ensure that you're burning the maximum number of calories. The number of choices, however, boggles the mind; should you get a simple heart rate only monitor or something with lots of bells and whistles? What kinds of features should you look for? Relax! Here's what you need to know before you buy a heart rate monitor.
Determine Your Goals
If you're trying to lose weight, consider a HRM that provides information about calories burned. If you're just getting started, a simple heart rate only monitor is your best bet. They're easy to program and there are no buttons to push. If you're an athlete who enjoys competition, consider a HRM that provides feedback from your workout. These advanced HRM's memorize your workouts (heart rates, lap times and time spent in your THR zone) and allow you to monitor your progress.
Consider Your Future Needs
While you may be interested in a simple heart rate monitor now, consider what you'll be doing a year from now. You may be into racing or triathlons and you'll wish you'd gotten a HRM with more features. LifeSource offers an intermediate HRM for those wanting to monitor more than just heart rate but don't want to spend a ton of money. Try not to fall for fancy models that offer more than you need during your daily workouts. Most people are happy to have heart rate and calories burned.
What Is Your Budget?
Price is always a consideration when it comes to HRM's. You can easily go to Target and purchase a $40 HRM, but consider the quality. Buying a HRM is an investment and you get what you pay for. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a high quality HRM, but you do want to make sure that it will last a long time. When buying a HRM go for trusted brands such as Polar, LifeSource, or Mio. Some of the cheaper models won't fit as snugly and may be heavier than higher quality brands.
Ease of Use
Another thing to consider when buying a HRM is how easy it is to use. The more complicated HRM's will have more buttons to push and will require more effort in getting to the screen you want and, in the middle of a workout, that might be a problem. Some HRM's, such as the MIO, don't require a chest strap which may appeal to some people. To get your heart rate, you place your fingers on a button so you won't have continuous access to your heart rate.
For the Multi-Sport Athlete
If you're a gadget freak, you might like the most advanced HRM's out there which allow you to track a variety of activities. Polar offers a comprehensive line of these types of HRM's, such as the RS800G3, which tracks multiple sports including rowing, mountain biking, canoeing, Nordic skiing, and running.
