A running heart rate monitor is a device that monitors your heart while you run. Today on sale you can find a variety of devices equipped with additional functions, for example, built-in gps navigator, calorie counter, clock, mileage counter, exercise history, stopwatch, alarm clock and others.
Heart rate monitors are distinguished by the type of attachment to the body - wrist, chest, headphones, fixed on the finger, forearm or ear. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, for example, the Polar chest strap heart rate monitors are very high quality, with a bunch of chips, but not every athlete can afford them due to the high cost.
What is a running heart rate monitor for?
A little later, we will select the best heart rate monitor for running on the arm and chest, and also give our own TOP-5 of the best models. Now let's find out what this device is for and whether runners really need it so much.
- It measures your heart rate while you run;
- With it, the athlete will be able to maintain the required heart rate and control the load;
- Many models are able to calculate the number of calories burned;
- Using the device, you can monitor your heart rate so that it is in the desired zone. If suddenly the values rise above the set ones, the device will notify you about this with a signal;
- Due to the competent distribution of the load, your workouts will become more effective and also safe for the cardiovascular system;
- With a running heart rate monitor, an athlete will be able to regulate his progress, see the result;
But for those who prefer more sophisticated gadgets, we still recommend staying on a running watch. Their functionality, as a rule, is wider, but they also cost several times more.
To understand which heart rate monitor is best for running, we need to figure out what functions it performs:
- Measures heart rate;
- Controls the location of the pulse in the selected zone;
- Congestion notification;
- Calculates average and maximum heart rate values;
- Shows time, date, mileage, calorie consumption (depends on the functionality of the device);
- Contains built-in timer, stopwatch.
Types of heart rate monitors for running
So, we continue to study heart rate monitors for running - which one is better to choose and buy, so as not to regret and not throw money down the drain. Let's explore the device types:
- The chest instruments are the most accurate. They are a sensor that is attached directly to the chest of the athlete. It connects to a smartphone or watch and transmits information there.
- Wrist or wrist heart rate monitors for running are the most comfortable, although they are inferior to the previous type in accuracy. Most often, they are built into watches with a gps navigator, which also contain a lot of other options. They are convenient because there is no need to put additional devices on the body, and also, they are compact and stylish.
- Finger or earlobe heart rate monitors are more accurate than wrist ones and are recommended for people with a pacemaker. With the device, a person will be able to control the work of the body in a calm state. The device is put on a finger like a ring, and is attached to the ear with a clip.
- The device on the forearm is fixed with a strap and works in the same way as the wrist models;
- Wireless headphones with a heart rate sensor are in great demand today - they are stylish, accurate, miniature. One of the most popular models is the Jabra Sport Pulse, which costs $ 230. As you can see, these devices are not cheap.
How to choose the right one?
Before we give our rating of heart rate monitors for running, let's look at what to look for when choosing:
- Decide which type of device suits you best;
- Think about how much you are willing to spend;
- Do you need additional options, and which ones. Keep in mind that additional functionality affects the price tag;
- Devices can be wired and wireless. The former are cheaper, while the latter are much more convenient.
Think about the answers to these questions and you can narrow down your choices.
We recommend considering models from trusted brands, they have long proven themselves for quality and long service life. If you have to choose a heart rate monitor for running among Chinese counterparts, we advise you to carefully read reviews of real buyers.
Who will definitely need a heart rate monitor for running?
So, we found out that there is a wrist heart rate monitor for running, as well as a chest strap built into headphones, etc., but did not tell who really needs the device:
- Those who want to lose weight with cardio loads;
- Athletes seeking to increase their endurance level without harming the body;
- Athletes opting for high-intensity interval running training;
- Runners who have heart problems;
- People who keep track of the calories burned.
Running heart rate ratings
So, our review includes both a budget heart rate monitor for running, and a device from the more expensive segment - we hope our selection will be useful to everyone interested. According to Yandex Market data, the most popular brands today are Garmin, Polar, Beurer, Sigma and Suunto. Here are the models included in our running heart rate review:
Beurer PM25
Beurer PM25 - 2650 RUB This is a waterproof wrist device that can count calories, the amount of fat burned, calculate the average heart rate, control the heart rate zone, turn on the stopwatch, clock. Users praise its accuracy, reliability and stylish looks. Among the shortcomings, they noted that the model's glass is easily scratched.
Suunto Smart Sensor
Suunto Smart Sensor - 2206 р. Chest model with a built-in heart rate sensor, fastened to the chest with a belt. It connects with a smartphone based on Android and IOS, there is a function of moisture protection and calorie counting. From the pros, people noted its accuracy, small size and low cost. But among the minuses, they highlighted that the strap is too hard and presses on the chest, and also, the rapid consumption of the battery.
Sigma PC 10.11
Sigma PC 10.11 - 3200 RUB A wrist device with all sorts of built-in options. It looks very elegant and neat. Among its advantages are simple and intuitive settings, connection to a smartphone, exercise equipment, accurate readings, pleasant signal sounds. Cons: English manual, strap and bracelet leave marks on the wrist.
Polar H10 M-XXL
Polar H10 M-XXL - 5590 p. This model entered our top running heart rate monitor due to the overwhelming number of positive reviews. The chest strap is equipped with all the options available today that can be inserted into the heart rate monitor. Its high accuracy has not been denied by any buyer. Everyone writes that the device is worth its money. Its main advantages are a well-known brand, ease of wearing, accuracy, holds a charge for a long time, connects with all devices (smartphones, watches, exercise equipment). Cons - over time, you will need to change the strap, but it is expensive (half the cost of the gadget itself).
Garmin HRM Tri
Rounding out our top reviews is the Garmin HRM Tri running heart rate monitor - 8500 r. Breastplate, waterproof, reliable, accurate, stylish. The strap is made of textiles, does not press and does not interfere with running. Its advantages are that it is a really very good and accurate device that justifies all its characteristics one hundred percent. And the minus is the price tag, which is above average. However, there are appliances that are twice as expensive.
Well, our article has come to an end, we hope the material is clear and comprehensive. Play sports safely!
