Throughout the years, we have moved from bulky technology to handheld tools that help us on a regular basis, whether it is an iPhone or a key fob.
Did you ever think that a little handheld device would tell us if we had an effective workout? Today, many are using heart rate monitors while working out. These monitors have the ability to tell you what your heart rate is, how many calories you burned, tracks your past workouts…must I go on?
Heart rate monitors are meant for anyone and everyone, whether you enjoy going for easy walks or are a marathon runner.
Benefits of a Heart Rate Monitor
Safety First
A heart rate monitor helps you track your heart rate before, during and after exercise. The average heart rate for a male is about 60 to 80 beats per minute. The average heart rate for a female is 70 to 90 beats per minute.
Tracks your progress
If you haven’t worked out for consecutive days, don’t worry. The monitors have the ability to track your information so you can help yourself.
Motivation
Heart monitors have the ability to tell you if your workout was sufficient. Some monitors can tell you if you need to work out more or if it was adequate enough. One way to measure your workout is to check your maximum heart rate. You can do this the old-fashioned way by subtracting your regular heart rate from 220, but most monitors tell you what it is.
Numbers Don’t Lie
We are all concerned about the number of calories we burned, and the heart rate monitor can do just that for you. Trying to burn those calories you had from that burger from lunch? Well, here’s an easy way for you to determine if you did.
Tailor Made
Everyone is built differently, but there are different target heart rates for everyone. Most people have a goal and timeframe to achieve it, and this monitor can definitely help by tailoring a workout for one’s age, gender and goals.
Efficiency
Heart rate monitors keep you in the correct training zone. If you have excelled in a zone, then you should be moving forward. There is no reason as to why you should not be challenging yourself. If you are doing a workout that is not beneficial to you, then you are just wasting your time – and no one has any time to waste.
Help with tempo runs
Tempo runs should always be added to your workout, but heart rate monitors can help you with them by getting you to stay within your personal limits. Never turn your tempo runs into a race. Stay steady.
Recovery Mode
Heart rate monitors help with recovery time, which is dependent on where you are in your training cycle. You should only be moving on to the next interval of your workout when your heart rate has recovered to an easy level. Not only does your body need to recover, your brain does, too. Be sure to go for a short, easy run after a strenuous race.
Looking for Some of the Best Heart Rate Monitors?
Most smartphones come with built in health apps that track your everyday movements, but if you want something that gives a little more information, check these out.