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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The field of heart rate monitors is not unlike many other electronics, in that the features included with some of the current monitors are fitting into smaller and smaller packages that can fit seamlessly into your workout. But which heart rate monitor is right for you? The answer may depend on what activity you will be using for your workout. The tricky part comes if you will be using a variety of workout techniques, such as running on a treadmill or biking, for your regular exercise.

Perhaps the most common type of heart rate monitor makes use of a strap that goes around your trunk, next to your heart, and a wireless receiver on your wrist. The strap sends signals wirelessly from your chest area to the receiver on your wrist, which resembles a watch. The strap get the most accurate reading available, as it is generally placed on bare skin. The wireless receiver, or watch, displays your critical data in large numbers that make it easy to see while working out.

Additional features are included in today’s heart rate monitors to meet the needs of today’s workout enthusiasts. For those that enjoy hiking or biking, a GPS or Global Positioning System can help pinpoint your location, in addition to displaying your heart rate information. This is used by many of today’s professional bikers to determine where they are in relation to the course. Some athletes even calculate what their heart rate should be at given portions in the course in order to maximize efficiency.

Another feature that is gaining in popularity is the ability to calculate the amount of calories burned during a workout. This is especially useful if the main goal is weight loss. These types of heart rate monitors can help determine an ideal heart rate range, as a result of information the user puts into the monitor. The input data includes height, weight, age, etc.

Another welcomed feature is the ability to capture information from the heart rate monitor and to upload this data into a computer. This ability gives the user visibility into a history of their heart rate. In addition, this information can be shared with a health care provider or workout coach to track an athlete’s progress.

As you can see, heart rate monitors are evolving to fit into the lifestyle of the user. As a result, we can monitor our workouts to ensure we are maximizing the benefits of our workouts. As the heart rate monitors continue to evolve, more of us can enjoy the benefits of healthy regular exercise in a way that fits your workout routine.

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