Heart rate monitor
Heart rate monitors are used to measure the heart rate of an individual. They can range from the basic machine which just measures the heart or pulse rate to some so elaborate they measure the amount of calories you burn up during your workout. Some of the monitors can be strapped on to the chest itself. Other types can be used to measure the pulse rate and use elaborate sensors. We will discuss the different types below.
The most accurate heart rate monitor is the one that you strap onto your chest. It works by strapping the monitor onto your chest close to where the heart is located. You then use straps to attach it to the chest and it then sends signals to a display which can either be worn like a wristwatch or in the ears like earphones. The wearer sets the heart rate parameters that they feel comfortable in. The monitor then alerts the wearer if the heart rate goes above or below those parameters. These monitors run from basic models to detailed giving options such as timers, stopwatches, and even the amount of calories burned during a workout. It is important to note that this type monitor must be in contact securely with the skin at all times for it to monitor the heart accurately.
The next type of heart monitor we will discuss is the pulse type monitor. This works usually by placing a finger over a sensor. These are akin to the types of pulse monitors that one sees at the doctor’s office or at the hospital. One of the drawbacks of these types of monitors is they do not give you a constant reading so the person would have to monitor their pulse from time to time to find out what their heart rate is at that time. These monitors can sometimes give you a false reading as well. If you have really cold fingers for example you can get an inaccurate reading.
So what are some things that a person should look for when shopping for a heart monitor. First you need to decide what type of monitor that you want. Do you want constant monitoring? If so, then you need to purchase the chest strap monitor. Second what features do you want on the monitor. Do you want just basic features? Do you need more elaborate readings such as a stopwatch or the amount of calories burned during your workout? If so, those are factors you need to think about before shopping for a monitor.
Next you need to think about the monitor itself. The display on the monitor needs to be large and easy to read. This is especially true if the person who is using it is not young or has any visual impairments. Check to see if the monitor has a back light as well. This is important if you are doing your walking or workout in low light. Next look at the monitor and make sure that it is easy to work.
Do you feel that you can figure out how to work the monitor pretty easily? Or does it have so many features on it that you feel it will take you six months to figure it out? If you are not technologically savvy it might be best to get a more basic model. Next look at the buttons on the monitor. Can you tell what each button is for? Are they easy to use? Some things with really small buttons can be very frustrating to use and may not be for you!
Next it is time to consider pricing of monitors. Heart monitors start below $100 and go up from there. It is time to think about what price you had budgeted for your heart monitor. Remember that these things are frequently on sale and that you can probably find a sale in a few days or weeks if not immediately if you are patient!
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