First, this Polar model is quite accurate, so you can be sure it will monitor your heart rate without fail, no matter the type of exercise you do. It also tells you how many calories you burn every time you exercise and how much time you exercise in your target zone.

If you want to keep track of your progress, the RS100 can help you compare the time you spend in your target zone with the total amount of workout time and determine the efficiency of your workouts. Every time you get out of your target zone, the watch lets you know with the help of its warning feature that is pretty loud, so there is little chance you will not hear it.

However, you have to pay attention to the fact that the monitor calculates totals for a single run at a time, so if you want to see your progress in time, it might be better to create your own database with totals and target zone times.

The RS100 heart rate monitor displays all the necessary information on the screen: lap number, time, and heart rate. It also has a backlight, so reading the displays is fairly easy, no matter the conditions.

The monitor is quite comfortable, although it might seem a little bulky for smaller wrists. The same goes for the chest strap, which can be easily adjusted, and doesn’t incommode you during workouts.

Using the monitor is not difficult, once you get the hang of it. At the beginning, you might have a hard time getting used to the settings, because they are not exactly intuitive. However, you can use the manual and, in time, you will learn the sequencing, and change between settings with ease.

Overall, this heart rate monitors is quite reliable, and it also comes with a 2 year warranty. With the Polar RS100, you can enjoy all the basic features of a durable heart rate monitor, plus a stopwatch function and the stylish aspect of a wristwatch.

However, among the features it includes, the most useful one is the personalized training program, the Polar Star. This program allows you to create target zones depending on your age, physical condition, sex, and so on. With the help of this program, you can design a fitness routine that gradually increases the intensity of the workout, so you can exercise efficiently and never lose motivation. That is why this monitor will act as your own personal trainer that encourages you to try harder, without exhausting yourself. Furthermore, because the Polar FT60 stores your personal data, you receive constant feedback on your progress, so you can evaluate how far you have come.  You can also find out how many calories you have burnt, and you can also keep track of weight loss and create weight loss plans. If you upload all this information to the website, you can have an overall view on all your training sessions, progress and workout efficiency.

The chest strap is large enough to fit wider chests, and picks up your heart rate with accuracy. However, you should avoid washing it in the washing machine, because it might wear off. You must also be aware of possible disturbances: televisions, cell phones, high voltage power lines and other appliances might interfere with the transmitter and cause inaccurate heart rate readings.

Displays are easy to read, and so is navigation. The backlight can help you read displays even in the darkness. There aren’t any problems with the buttons, but the screen can be easily scratched. Another plus for the FT60 is the fact that it is a very stylish watch that looks considerably better than most other heart rate monitors on the market. You can wear it with casual clothes, and nobody will notice it is a heart rate monitor and not a simple wristwatch.

Although it is slightly more expensive than other Polar models, the FT60 offers a priceless feature that will considerably improve your trainings: the customizable program. With the help of the Polar FT60 heart rate monitor, you can set short and long term goals and evaluate your progress without having to ask a fitness trainer for advice.

Besides offering you information on your peak and average heart rate in a training session, it also calculates how much time you have spent exercising in your target zone, what your total workout time was, and how many calories you have burnt during the workout. All this information is stored in the monitor, so you can keep track of your training sessions and see how much you have progressed. It stores the information for 14 workouts, but, unfortunately, you cannot download it on your computer to your personal training file.

Another great thing about this monitor is the fact that it acts like a personal trainer. Once you input your age, sex, weight and height, it will calculate your target zone, and every time you are below or above the limits of your zone, it will let you know.

The FT4 heart rate monitor is probably one of the easiest to use heart rate monitors on the market. Setting the monitor and changing between different settings is straightforward, and you will not need a manual in order to do that. However, you should pay attention to the fact that the monitor has several setting languages, and if you mistakenly choose one that is not English, you might have a hard time undoing the error. If you are not a native English speaker, having the controls in your native language might be a big plus.

Because the watch is small and lightweight, it is very comfortable to wear. The strap is also comfortable, because it is made of fabric, not plastic, like other models are. However, you have to remember to wash and rinse the strap regularly, or else it will lose accuracy. Another plus for the FT4 is the fact that you can change the batteries yourself, without having to send the monitor to the manufacturers for replacement. Furthermore, the display is really easy to read, even in dim light, because it is backlit.

As you can see, the Polar FT4 has everything you might need for an efficient training: ease of use, comfort, accuracy, and a great price.

The monitor includes a personal training zone that I absolutely love, because it allows me to set my own goals. This heart rate monitor lets me know every time my heart rate exceeds or falls below the limits I have previously set. It also calculates the time I spend exercising in my target zone. If I want to find out how effective my training is, I can compare this time with the total time I spend exercising. These customizable features are really useful because I can set my own goals, depending on what I want to achieve and what my personal limitations are.

The device keeps track of my last 16 training sessions, which is quite I lot, in my opinion. This data offers me valuable information on my progress and the efficiency of my workout. I didn’t buy this product because I wanted to become a professional athlete, but because I wanted an accurate feedback on my weekly training. The monitor really helped me reach my targets, so I never take it off when I exercise.

The monitor looks good, and the chest band is comfortable and has a detachable transmitter. I like the monitor because it is not difficult to use or adjust, although you might have some problems reading the screen, because the display is not extremely clear. However, if you have the patience to read the displays carefully, you can find out a lot of information on your training session, a lot more than you could read on other heart monitor screens.

Probably the best advantage of this heart monitor is its high accuracy. The device displays my heart rate accurately no matter the type of workout I do. Overall, the Polar RS300X has a durable construction, great customizable features and offers very accurate monitoring of calories burned and heart rate.

The Polar FT7 is a great accessory for my training sessions. With it, I can monitor my heart rate no matter what type of workout I do (fitness, aerobics, jogging or walking), and the best thing about it is the fact that it also shows me how many calories I burn every time I exercise. This way, I can set goals and evaluate my progress easily. Furthermore, because the monitor stores all my training files, I find it very easy to keep track of my workout time and burned calories. If you asked me, this is the best way to motivate yourself to try harder, because you have a clear feedback on your training.

Another thing I like about this heart rate monitor is the fact that it is very easy to use, considering my complete lack of skills in setting and adjusting electronic devices. The buttons are easy to understand, so I can change between settings effortlessly. I also didn’t have any problems reading and understanding the data displayed on the screen, especially because it only displays the basics, so there is no unnecessary information you have to decipher.

I also appreciate the design of the model, because it allows me to it with any type of outfit. Being discrete, it doesn’t stand out at all. Neither the watch, nor the band incommodes me during workout. I have tried other larger heart rate monitors, but I didn’t like the fact that they felt really heavy on my wrist.

Another plus for this heart rate monitor is that it uses regular batteries that can be changed easily. With other monitors, you have to order custom batteries from the manufacturer, which can turn out to be a waste of time and money.

Considering the fact that the Polar FT7 offers me everything I need at a very affordable price, I warmly recommend it to anyone who is searching for an efficient, accurate heart monitor that is neither expensive, nor too sophisticated.

The Polar heart rate monitor allows you to improve your fitness, maximize your workout performance, and become more active when you exercise. When your trainer or doctor tells you to exercise and focus on your cardio, you will need the heart rate monitor to see if you are making enough progress.

For example, if you want to lose weight fast, you must maintain a heart rate of at least 100 beats per minute for over 40 minutes. You can do this by jogging or walking. The Polar heart rate monitor is designed to let you know when you are increasing or decreasing your heart rate.

It also has an alarm to let you know when you have already passed your time limit during which your heart rate was within the specified beat per minute. You can also use the Polar heart rate monitor as a regular wrist watch when you are at home. You will find that it has a sleek and sporty design that you can wear anytime anywhere without looking awkward.

You can wear the Polar Heart rate monitor all day if you are serious about getting active. Pump up your cardio by walking to work instead of taking the cab, especially if you live near your office. You can dramatically increase your calorie consumption when you increase your cardio.

Increasing your cardio activity is the best way to improve your metabolism and burn more calories. People with high levels of metabolism are also those that are able to live the good life. These people absorb nutrition faster, and are more efficient at burning fats. The Polar heart rate monitor will help you increase your metabolism significantly without added risks.

The Polar heart rate monitor has several features that allow you view your calorie expenditure, VO2Max fitness level tests, maximum heart rate, average hear rate per lap, and more. You can even set a time limit or time zone for your workout sessions to help you avoid the risks of overworking or overexerting yourself.

The most popular Polar heart rate monitor is the FT4, which features automatic age-based targets. The FT4 is a fitness heart rate monitor that shows your improvement according to your heart rate. It also shows how much calories youve burned. The FT4 features a fabric transmitter and a coded heart rate transmission system to avoid cross-talking between other users of the Polar heart rate monitor.

You can buy a Polar heart rate monitor online. It is one of the hottest items this holiday season. Four out of five users are very satisfied with their Polar heart rate monitors.

• Casual walkers and joggers – those who engage in recreational exercise will benefit from using heart rate monitor watches in basically the same way that athletes do. By aiming to reach aerobic and fat-burning zones with maximum heart rates, casual walkers and joggers will be able to get the most out of their exercise.
• Runners – a heart rate monitor watch acts as a reminder so runners can stay within their peak target zones for intense training days and lay low on easier sessions by keeping within their aerobic base. Higher-end heart rate monitor watches also have functions that alert you if you’re nearing dehydration so you can train safely while pushing yourself.
• Cyclists – heart rate monitor watches can keep track of performances during various rides, whether you are actually on the road or a stationary bike. It depends on the model but tracking may be done via foot pods or cadence sensors.
• Climbers, hikers, and skiers – for the climbers and hikers, as you make your way up, you put your body to work more so your heart will be doing a lot of pumping as you ascend. A heart rate monitor watch will be keeping a close eye on the condition of your heart to ensure that you are not only getting the workout you need but that you also don’t overexert yourself. For the skiers, some heart rate monitor watches can also be programmed to track how far along you’ve skied.
• Weight loss enthusiasts – heart rate monitor watches keep everything in check so you know exactly how hard your body is working. Knowing this is helpful for those who are looking to lose weight because it tells them how much more they should be working out or if they are reaching their goals. Specifically, heart rate monitor watches ensure that you stay within your maximum heart rate, which is essential in tapping into fat stores in your body for energy. There are also heart rate monitor watches that are capable of displaying the number of calories you have burned while working out so you can keep within your caloric goals.

The American Heart Association came up with a comprehensive chart to guide people as to the kind of heart rate they should be aiming for to make the most of certain activities. Before that though, it is important that you know your maximum heart rate. A heart rate monitor watch won’t be able to measure this for you, rather just telling you your heart rate at the moment. The simplest method for measuring your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. For weight loss and endurance programs, aim for 60% to 70% of your maximum heart rate. For aerobic fitness, stay within the 70% to 80% zone of your heart rate while interval workouts should have your heart rate at within 80% to 90% of your maximum heart rate. For speed training, athletes have been reported to get the most out of their workout when they are within 90% to 100% of their maximum heart rate.

Your Heart Rate

According to the National Institute of Health or NIH, the normal heart rate of a person is 60 to 100 beats per minute. The normal target maximum heart rate of a person is approximately 220 beats per minute minus the persons age. When a person exercises, the heart rate should reach 50 to 80 percent of the maximum heart rate.

Advantages of Using a Garmin Heart Rate Monitor

Using an efficient heart rate monitor would bring a lot of benefits that can help improve various aspects of your health.

• Your very own personal coach – Having a Garmin heart rate monitor is like having a personal training coach. As you monitor your heart rate, you can find out if you need to increase or decrease the intensity of your work out. You can check whether youve reached your target heart rate so you can adjust your activities and exercise routine.
• Customized and easy training – The Garmin heart rate monitor has a built-in feature that allows you to select the exercise mode or activity that you are currently doing. It may either be biking / cycling, running, hiking, or others. The mode button also makes it easier for you to transition from different exercises.
• Keeps track – Your heart rate progress is recorded by the device so you can analyze the data for better planning. The device also allows you to conveniently store the data in your hard disk so you can easily and simply monitor and keep track of all your activities and the progress that you are making.
• Safe workout sessions – A heart rate monitoring device like Garmin lets you know whether you are exerting too much effort in your workout. By knowing this, you can easily adjust your plan so as not to overwork your heart and you can reach the health goals that you set through aerobic exercise.

There is a wide range of Garmin heart rate monitors that are specially designed to conveniently and efficiently monitor your heart rate as you undergo an exercise routine. There are even devices that are GPS enabled to boost its performance. Other features also include wireless sharing and storage. With all the features and advantages of a Garmin heart rate monitor, you can be assured that you can safely conduct your aerobic or workout session by monitoring your heart rate. When you use a heart rate monitor, your overall health can be greatly improved. So if you want to get your heart and body pumping for better health, you should make the Garmin heart rate monitor your new workout buddy.

The Benefits of Using a Heart Rate Monitor

These are some of the advantages that you’ll get when you use a heart rate monitor to measure your fitness levels. What’s even better is that is if you choose the best heart rate monitor for your fitness routine, you can certainly get these benefits allowing you to be fit faster than you ever thought you could be.

Can Help in Weight Loss and Exercise Regimens

What’s so great about heart rate monitors is that they can help you check whether you’re burning off excess weight or not. When you are hitting that ideal heart rate (220 minus your age), you can really burn off those excess pounds in your body, so that you can be fit and lean in the long run.

Can Give an Almost Accurate Calorie Count and Heart Rate Levels

Unlike a watch, a heart rate monitor will not start to measure your fitness levels as soon as you strap it on. You have to input your height and your weight so that it can give an accurate, if not, a close to accurate heart rate that you can use as your guide. With the use of the best heart rate monitor that you could buy, you can get a workout that is really worth breaking a sweat into. You can surely get into that leanest figure in your physique so that you can have the best body that you can ever have.

How to Choose the Best Heart Rate Monitor for Your Fitness Needs

Picking the best among the many heart rate monitors in the market is not based on what looks or feels best, but is really based on what really works for you. Here are other factors that you need to consider when choosing a heart rate monitor:

Find the Type that Suits You Best

There are different types of heart rate monitors around. There are some which can be connected to a main device, while others can be worn around the body. There are some where the information can be uploaded to a computer, and some which can stand alone. No matter what your preference is, you should always make sure that the heart rate monitor of your choice can give you an accurate reading so that you can make your workout worth it.

Choose According to Workout Routine or Sport

Just as there are different kinds of sports, there are also different kinds of heart rate monitors for each sport. There are heart rate monitors that can take on the impact of contact sport, and heart rate monitors for water sports. There are even multi-sport heart rate monitors. What you need to remember, however, is to make sure that the best heart rate monitor will work for your respective sport, or sports.

It’s never too hard to pick out the best heart rate monitor for you, but it can do wonders if you chose the right heart rate monitor for your preference and technique. When you have these things all set up, you can just set your monitor, strap it on, workout at your best, and see the pounds melt away right before your very eyes.

Learn the basics of a heart rate monitor

Target zones are ranges of percentages based on maximum heart rates. There are different kinds of measurements developed in calculating for maximum heart rates but the simplest equation is: max HR = 220 your age. To guide those using heart rate monitors, the American Heart Association has come up with a chart for the target zones. Still, it is better if you undergo a stress test first under the supervision of your doctor to determine what your actual maximum heart rate is.

Which heart rate monitor is best?

There are different brands and models of heart rate monitors in the market today, all of which work by measuring the electrical signals that the heart sends out, displaying the reading on the unit. Typically though, there are two heart rate monitor types: chest strap models and finger sensor models.

Of the two, chest strap models are more common. Chest strap models are made up of two component: first there’s the chest strap that wraps around the chest and transmits wirelessly to measure continuous data for heart rate through a wristwatch-type of receiver. There are different models for chest strap heart rate monitors, ranging from basic to advanced depending on functions.

Basic models of chest strap heart rate monitors are designed to simply time your workout and relay continuous heart rate data in the process. Advanced models of chest strap heart rate monitors, on the other hand, have a more elaborate way of transmitting signals since most have a coded feature to keep other heart rate monitors from interfering with the data you are transmitting. Depending on the exact model, accessories may be paired with heart rate monitors, like a pedometer or a GPS device, that tell you how far you’ve worked out and where you are exactly. Those with GPS functions may also record where you’ve been to help you keep track of your progress.

Chest strap models are great because they let heart rate data be continuously transmitted without having to stop mid-exercise just to take a measurement or view the information. Measurements are also more accurate, and there are more options as to what will be measured, like distance with the help of GPS devices. The downside is that all these functions will come with a heftier price tag than the finger sensor models. There’s also the issue with comfort since the heart rate monitor is strapped around you.

As for finger sensor models, you’re looking at simply a heart rate monitor that comes in a style reminiscent of a wristwatch. To activate finger sensor heart rate monitor models, all you have to do is to press the touch-pad sensor. Once activated, the heart rate monitor gets to work transmitting data, which is estimated to be at least 95% accurate.

Those who like the finger sensor models rave about the simplicity of using this heart rate monitor and comfort it affords since there are no straps to worry about. And because it is a relatively simpler model, finger sensors are also more affordably priced than chest strap models. The only downside is that you have to stop during exercise so you can take a measurement. If you can live with the maximum 5-second interruption, then finger sensor models should work just fine with you.

The best thing you can do before buying a heart rate monitor is do plenty of research before making your decision.