One reason I love my heart rate monitor is learning how many calories I burned during a workout session. The number is always so gratifying.
A heart rate monitor is also great fitness tool, especially if you're training for an endurance race. Many training schedules include easy, long runs to build endurance while not pushing the body to move quickly. I find slowing down for my long runs difficult, but my heart rate monitor keeps my effort in check. You should take easy runs at 70 to 75 percent of you maximum heart rate. Many heart rate monitors have a zone setting along with an alarm to let you know when you are out of the designated zone. I like to push myself, but chilling out on the longs has helped me increase my distance. I have also found listening to a podcast rather than a playlist filled with driving beats helps me keep the run nice and easy too.
Not sure of your heart rate zones? Check out my calculator to help you figure out your target heart rate zone.
Dwell
Lola Cruz
D&G
True!
1I just got the Polar F11 yesterday but I need to do the "test" where you lay quiet for 5 minutes with no distractions so it can get your resting heart rate - 5 minutes of quiet is kinda impossible with 2 kids! I'm excited to use it though. And I agree about podcasts - I'm actually listening to a book for my long runs now, The Shack, and it really helps!
2Ooh, I've been considering getting a HRM; the one in the picture looks sweet! I like that it shows a chart. What's the Polar model?
3Is the Polar F11 a good first time heart rate watch? I want to get something Polar but maybe a little less expensive too and just as good.
4i need one!
5I love my Polar HRM. I use it every time I go to the gym. It is essential for spin class where it is easy to over do it. The HRM keeps you honest and from burning out.
6Heart Rate Monitors are sweet for making sure you do get "active" rest days. So many athletes work out too hard, too often and don't time the active recovery days. A heart rate monitor lets you guage this very well and with the new technology that allows you to download your workout data directly to your computer it really allows you to customize your program.
HEARTRATEMONITOR
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