Hit Your New PR With The Best Heart Rate Monitor

The new focus today in the endurance sports world is on targeted training. Using a heart rate monitor is one of the keys to this type of training. The best heart rate monitors vary from person to person based on individual need, but have a few essential parts in common.

During your workout you can easily track your heart rate using a high quality heart rate monitor. Monitors help you train within a certain target zone. Zones range from Easy to Moderate, to High Exertion. You can even train in the Fat Burning Zone. Each monitor out there has a wide selection of different features that you can use to help you train.

The different ranges of training are usually expressed as a percentage of your maximum heart rate (MHR). This number is generally considered to be 220 minus your age. 80-90% of your MHR is considered to be the maximum level you want to go during a workout. A moderate level might be 50-70% of your MHR. Using the 220 minus your age calculation for MHR may not be the most accurate if you are sedentary or very fit.

First, there are those devices with an EKG chest strap. These are by far the most accurate models even though they may be a little uncomfortable and a bit complicated to program. These types of monitors are completely wireless, feeding data from the chest strap to the wrist monitor. If the strap does not maintain adequate contact with your body, you can get wide-ranging and incorrect readings.

Pulse rate monitors are another kind that you may be interested in. You have to put your finger on the monitor to get a heart rate reading. This can be kind of a pain right in the middle of a workout. This kind is less expensive though, so they are a good option if you are on a budget. They are typically shaped to be worn like a watch, as well.

You can certainly find a monitor to suit your budget as advanced and budget monitors vary significantly in price. With basic monitors you'll find features like your average, low, and high, heart rates shown on the watch screen. What many people are interested in is the instantaneous rate, which tells them whether they need to increase their level of exertion or lower it in order to be within their 'zone'.

Advanced heart rate monitors will include record how far you traveled during your workout and other helpful information. You can even connect most advanced models to your computer and download your important training data for further analysis later.

Fancy types may provide GPS capabilities in order to accurately record your distance traveled. You can even look at information on how fast you are going so that you can adjust your pace as needed. You may not get as great a reception with the GPS in wooded areas. If you don't want a GPS device, there are also pods you can use that attach to your bike or foot that will provide you with accurate pace, speed, and distance data.

The best heart rate monitors are the ones that work for you - for your needs, for your budget, and for your desires. If you're just starting out and you don't want to spend a lot then a pulse monitor is probably the way to go. For more advanced workouts and training though, you'll probably want to look at a more advanced HRM. Before you go shopping make sure you decide what you want and what best suits your needs.

To learn more about the best heart rate monitors to improve your overall fitness level check out HeartRateMonitorAdvisor.com. You can also read in-depth heart rate monitor reviews and learn all about what features you should be aware of before you go shopping.