Best Heart Rate Monitor – Which Monitor to Select

Your activity level and your knowledge on the functionality and features of heart rate monitors are the main factors that will influence on how to choose the best heart rate monitor that defines your needs. Otherwise, you might be spending a fortune to nothing but a toy.

Entry-level Heart Rate Monitor

For starters, it is highly recommended to opt for a heart rate monitor that has few buttons with an interface that is easy to read.  The features are really simple, they count your heart beats per minute, the time elapsed during training, and sometimes, an alarm that sets off when you are off the target heart rate that you’ve calibrated prior to exercise. Typically, simple devices as these costs no more than $100, which is good since you are just starting out you don’t have to invest much.
Weight Loss Heart Rate Monitor
For beginners to intermediate users whose goal is to lose weight should look for a heart rate monitor that does more than count the beats, but also measures the calories burned at a certain period of time. Optional features may include an alarm, timer, and a stopwatch.
Exercise Heart Rate Monitor
Whether you are training for a race, competing for an ultra marathon or simply want to get and stay fit, a full range of heart rate monitors are available specifically for your activities. Some units are designed for activities that may require special features. GPS and foot pods are great for the measurement of the exact distance traveled, the time elapsed, speed, and the number of steps made for activities like cycling and running. It is also possible to monitor the heart rate while swimming. New products like the Aqua Pulse are a great option for monitoring your heart rate while swimming. The device can be clipped to the ear. It utilizes infrared sensors to detect and calculate the pulse. The data is then transmitted to the user audibly through bone conduction in the ear.
Before buying a device, I suggest that you will take some time to read about brands, product reviews, and their features so that you can decide what is really necessary for you. Finally, another thing is whether to go for strapless types or units with chest straps.
Strapped or Strapless Heart Rate Monitor?
Heart rate monitors that have chest straps are designed to read your heart rate continually during workouts. This is the type that you might want to use constantly during gym workouts, rowing, jogging, and running. They give you an update of you current heart rate while on the move. On the other hand, strapless units provide the heart rate only when demanded by the user since there will be a need to pause for a few seconds to hold or touch the sensors on the device in order for the heart rate to be displayed on the screen. Simply put, strapless types are ideal for casual monitoring.