If you're trying to lose weight, a heart rate monitor is an excellent way to monitor your intensity and burn the most calories. Whether you want something basic or a HRM with bells and whistles, you'll find the perfect heart rate monitor for your needs. Below are the top five heart rate monitors, from the most basic model for beginners to the most complicated models for athletes and coaches.
1. Polar A1Heart Rate Monitor
At around $39-$49, this HRM is a practical choice for the beginning exerciser. This heart rate monitor comes with a strap and displays a continuous heart rate reading while recording your total exercise time and time spent in target zone. There's nothing fancy about the A1, just basic features for a good price.
2. LifeSource XC300
I have this brand and have been using it for years. This intermediate-level HRM is perfect for the fitness enthusiast. Includes a programmable target heart rate zone and displays calories burned, great for those trying to lose weight. The monitor Also has advanced features such as a stop watch and a 20-hour countdown timer. At around $99, you get lots of bang for your buck.3. Polar M52
A step above the LifeSource XC300, The Polar M52 offers a few more advanced features including a triple LCD that displays heart rate, lap time, elapsed time or time of the day. It also tells you when you are above, below, or within your THR and stores info for more than one user. You can also set reminders based based on date, time, or workout schedule. At $150, it's more expensive but worth it.4. Polar S-610
If you're a gadget freak or pro athlete (and you have some cash), this HRM is for you. It gives feedback about VO2 max and calorie expenditure while predicting maximum heart rate. You can program five different workouts, three different target heart rate zones, program intervals into your workout, view your time in target zone and upload the info to your computer. It also tells time, just like a real watch. Wow5. Polar S-810
At $400, this watch is not for the casual (or poor) exerciser. However, for coaches, elite athletes or gadget freaks, this HRM has everything the S-610 and more. Advanced features include: the ability to test your stress levels and detect overtraining, ability to store up to 99 files and lap splits. Polar is known for their high quality products.