Finding one’s target heart rate can mean the difference between an effective workout routine, over exertion, or a wasted afternoon in the gym. By using a heart rate monitor, you can determine with relative certainty if you are within the recommended range. By knowing this information, you can determine if you are exercising enough to truly make a difference or possibly working out too hard to the point of risking serious injury.

One method to determine your target rate involves no equipment at all. If you are unable to carry on a normal conversation while working out, you may be pushing your body a bit too hard. Workout fanatics in this scenario may find themselves gasping for air to a point where their workout partners may not be able to keep up with what is being talked about. Clearly, having a heart rate monitor is a more accurate method of measuring your upper limit.

Many of the newer heart rate monitors will calculate your target rate, as a result of inputting information about your age, weight, and height. However, the older monitors may not have that ability, so it is a good idea to calculate the rate that is right for you. One method is to subtract your age from 220 in order to determine your maximum heart rate, which is a good starting point for determining your target range. In other words, if you are 40, your maximum heart rate will be 180. From there, multiply this number by .85 to get your high end target heart rate. For the low end of the spectrum, multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.60.

As we have discussed, there are a couple of different ways to determine your target heart rate. Some are a bit more scientific than others. Speaking with your health care provider is always recommended when starting a new routine to help determine what exertion level is right for you. The goal of monitoring your heart rate is to determine the range that will be both effective and safe.

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Many of us know the benefits of a heart rate monitor. But with the ever increasing amount of features available, it is easy to get lost in a sea of features when shopping for the perfect heart rate monitor. There are a few characteristics of a heart rate monitor that you will want to search for when finding the right monitor.

First, the unit must be easy to use. It is recommended to look over the manual when you first receive the unit to familiarize yourself with the features and functions of the unit. However, it should not be necessary to drag out the manual each time you want to use the unit.

Next, the display on the unit should be easy t read. While working out, most of us are far from stationary. Therefore a large display with large digits can make it much easier to transfer the collected information in order to make an impact on our workout. Certainly, one should not have to stop in order to read the heart rate monitor. The unit should fit seamlessly into the workout routine.

As many of us will be using the monitor for an extended period of time, the unit should be somewhat comfortable. In particular, if your heart rate monitor includes a chest strap that takes a reading from your heart, this should not poke or irritate the skin, especially during exercise. Also, some of the higher end units may include features that make the unit a bit more bulkier than the traditional units that only measure the heart rate. Therefore, you may want to skip features such as a GPS, if you will only be using the unit at the gym.

The heart rate monitor should be your partner to help you achieve your fitness goals. Just like you should find the heart rate range that is right for you, it is important to find the heart rate monitor that fits your needs. Therefore, it is recommended to find a heart rate monitor that works with you and has the features you need to maximize your workout routine.

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There are several benefits to having a monitor to keep track of your heartbeat during your workouts. Information is king and by having information regarding your heart rate, you can custom tailor your workout to get the most from the time you spend in the gym. A heart rate monitor is more reliable than a friend you are supposed to meet at the gym and will help keep you on track with a workout level that is right for you.

Meeting people at the gym can be more trouble than it is worth. First, people can be unreliable at times, as obstacles in their daily life can interfere with their ability to meet you at the gym. Secondly, once you are working out with someone, there is a tendency to match the pace of the person working out with you. For example, if a person you are working out with is on a treadmill, there is a tendency to match the pace of your gym buddy. This could mean slowing your pace, which could result in a workout that is not as effective as it could be. Conversely, it could mean working out harder than the effective rate for you. Although this may seem beneficial on the surface, it may lead to over exertion or an inability to workout for an extended period of time. Clearly, the heart rate monitor is a more effective workout coach.

What the heart rate monitor does deliver is the ability to maintain a healthy workout rate. For many, this helps to maintain an exertion level that is within the range for healthy weight loss. Some runners find themselves actually slowing down to maintain within the proper heart rate range for a healthy exercise.

In summary, the heart rate monitor is a dependable workout partner that helps to maintain an exertion rate that is right for you to reach your goals. This can mean increasing or decreasing your workout rate. The result is an effective exercise rate that maximizes efficiencies, while avoiding over exertion and reducing the likelihood of injury.

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