Getting the Most Out of Your Heart Rate Monitor

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Heart Rate Monitors can be very useful. If you are trying to loose weight, a monitor can help you workout within your fat burning heart rate zone. A monitor can also help you if you are training. It can help you perform each specific workout in the proper heart rate zone. Keeping track of your heart rate at various effort levels over time can keep you aware of your progress and help you adjust your workout programs so you can continuously improve. It is a great tool in tracking your fitness.

The most common problem with monitors however, is that many people do not know how to use them properly. The first step in understanding your monitor is to take the time to read the entire directions manual that comes with the monitor you have purchased. It is worth taking the time to understand the basics of your monitor and you do not miss out on its full use potential. There may be helpful features that is has that you could miss out on.

There are two basic parts to all monitors. The transmitter is contained within a strap worn around the chest. The transmitter reads your heart rate and feeds the information to the other basic part- the display unit. The display unit is usually worn as a watch and gives you a readout. The simplest units have only a stop and start button. Many units also contain a stopwatch. There are also many units with dozens of more features. Before you use your monitor become familiar with it. Before you purchase a particular one, ask a salesperson to show you how to use it or ask someone who currently uses a monitor.

The sensor pads on the chest strap must be moistened before you put them on your skin to ensure a proper reading. Special gels can be purchased that work best since they are specifically formulated to conduct electrical currents and they are more viscous. They can be purchased where monitors are sold. If you have ever tried a monitor and could not get a reading, it may have been because you did not properly wet the sensor.

The chest strap should fit snug around the ribs but feel comfortable- for women just under the breasts, and for men right under the pectoral muscles. Center the sensor over the sternum. Some find the chest strap constraining or uncomfortable. It is normal at first but you will get use to wearing it over time. If you can not get use to it, try another model or manufacturer. Some have fabric chest straps, which may be more comfortable then plastic ones.

Now that you understand how to use your monitor and how to put it on properly; it is time to try it out. At first do your normal workout. Get use to wearing it and check the display often. See how your reading changes based on your level of exertion. After a few test runs, you are ready to use the monitor to help your workouts.

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