If a runner has appeared in your environment, then there is a high probability that one day you will find yourself at the start of a race. Amateur sports are contagious, more and more people are engaged in it every day: someone to lose weight, someone to finish in a marathon. And someone just wants to be healthy.
Any training in cyclic sports is built around the duration, frequency and intensity of the load. But if everything is clear with the first two, then how to assess the intensity so that, by chance, not to break your fiery motor and get the best result? The most affordable way is to measure your heart rate.
Why do I need a heart rate monitor?
First of all, heart rate monitors are used by athletes to monitor their heart rate. But wearable electronics are becoming very popular today. Therefore, sometimes such gadgets are bought by people who are not involved in sports.
What is it used for?
- determination of going beyond the heart rate zones;
- definition of heart rate zones;
- determination of permissible loads.
This device allows you to monitor the work of the heart.
Purpose of heart rate monitors
Gadgets are classified according to their intended use.
Categories:
- for cyclists;
- for weight control;
- for fitness classes;
- for runners;
- for swimmers.
How do gadgets differ?
- Signal transmission method. Typically, the signal is transmitted using the Bluetooth protocol.
- Sensor type.
- Body design, etc.
For running
A heart rate monitor with a chest strap is used for running. The chest strap has a significant advantage - it accurately counts the pulse.
For fitness
For fitness activities, a regular watch with a heart rate monitor is suitable. Such gadgets are very popular.
For cycling
Cyclists use heart rate monitors that are attached to the handlebars of the bike. Such gadgets can show other indicators. For example, average speed.
Types of heart rate monitors
There are two categories of gadgets:
- wireless;
- wired
Wired
Let's consider the principle of operation is very simple: the connection between the gadget and the sensor is carried out using wires. This is an old technology that is not used today.
Main disadvantages:
- can only be used indoors;
- inconvenient to use.
Wireless
Most of the models on the market are wireless. The signal is transmitted via a special radio channel.
The signal can be transmitted in two modes:
- digital;
- analog.
Best heart rate monitors
Consider the most popular models on the market
Polar H7
This is a combined heart rate sensor that you can use during your workouts.
Sports:
- run;
- fitness,
- bicycle rides.
It communicates with a smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0. By using various applications in your smartphone (iOS and Android), you can monitor your heart rate. Thanks to this, you can train effectively.
To work with the transmitter, you need to install the application on your smartphone. It can be any app that works with heart rate transmitters, or it can be your own Polar app. Polar H7 only operates on one frequency. The working time is 300 hours.
MioFuse
MioFuse is designed for sports and a healthy lifestyle.
Benefits:
- monitors daily physical activity;
- monitors the pulse;
- can be used for cycling.
Contents of delivery:
- tracker;
- magnetic dock;
- booklets.
The device is available in two colors.
Sigma
Today we will get acquainted with the entry-level heart rate monitor - SigmaSport PC 26.14. Despite the fact that there are already more or less reliable ways to take the pulse directly from the hand, most manufacturers continue to use a more accurate and proven method - a chest heart rate monitor.
- it is more reliable;
- quickly responds to the load;
Sigma doesn't experiment and comes in a box with Sport PC 26.14 there is a classic sensor. The signal is digital, so in a crowd at a competition you won't have to worry about interference from other competitors. You should not be afraid of such a sensor. If you adjust the belt correctly, then on the second run you forget about it.
SigmaSport PC 26.14 looks like a fun wristwatch. With a certain amount of "do not care" you can use it in this role in everyday life. Sport PC 26.14 is available in three color options. But the most popular, as expected, is black, moderately diluted with red buttons and inscriptions.
The strap, at first glance, seems too long. Having tried to put on the device in winter, you immediately understand why it is like this. A lot of holes are aimed at hand ventilation. SigmaSport PC 26.14 is very light, it is practically not felt on the hand. There is still no Russian interface language. You will have to learn a dozen English words.
When you turn on the heart rate monitor for the first time, it will ask you to set your parameters:
- floor;
- growth;
- weight.
He will also ask you to indicate the maximum heart rate. All this is needed to calculate training zones and a rough estimate of the calories burned. If you have a similar gadget for the first time, then the pulse can be left blank. The device will calculate it by itself and define the zones itself.
After all the settings, the only thing left is to force yourself to go for a run. The most correct way to use the heart rate monitor is to train in the target zone.
By default, Sigma offers two zones:
- Fat;
- Fit.
If the topic of fitness "goes" for you, then you can use SigmaSport PC 26.14 for a wide variety of workouts according to a plan that a trainer or one of the many online services will create for you.
SigmaSport PC 26.14 can be used:
- for running;
- for bicycle;
- for any cardio workout.
Despite the protection from water, it is still not recommended to swim with it. Moreover, the data of the heart monitor under water will not be transmitted anyway.
With all its advantages, SigmaSport PC 26.14 has disadvantages:
- lack of a timer;
- lack of a special scheduler.
You cannot create a predefined workout configuration. Therefore, you need to measure by hand. Well, remember, this is still a heart rate monitor, and an unsportsmanlike watch with GPS. Can't measure distance.
Alpha 2
This is the second generation of heart rate monitors. Alpha 2 is used to monitor heart rate.
Benefits:
- waterproofness;
- wireless sync;
- the display is backlit;
- knows how to count calories;
- data is transmitted via Bluetooth;
- durable silicone strap.
Croise
Consider the CroiseBand. What is used for:
- sleep quality;
- sleep duration;
- physical activity (number of steps taken and calories burned);
- heart rate.
CroiseBand is equipped with a special infrared thermometer.
Beurer PM 18
Thirty minutes of exercise a day is recommended for a healthy lifestyle. Beurer offers the ideal device for monitoring your daily exercise.
The built-in activity sensor will allow you to receive complete information about your movements throughout the day, including:
- number of steps;
- time spent on exercise;
- distance;
- speed of movement.
If you don't like using a chest strap or need to constantly monitor your heart rate, then a heart rate monitor with a finger sensor is just what you need. Just place your index finger on the heart rate monitor to get an accurate heart rate measurement;
Garmin Forerunner 610 HRM
The heart rate monitor allows you to track the data you need. Garmin Forerunner 610 HRM is sold in two configurations:
- without sensor;
- with sensor.
Gadget functions:
- comparison with previous results;
- control over the state of the heart
- tracking deviations.
Benefits:
- Specialized software.
- Gps receiver.
NikeFuelBand
NikeFuelBand is sold in four colors:
- classic black;
- hot pink;
- red-orange;
- light green.
Characteristics:
- The bracelet is more flexible.
He considers:
- Steps;
- jumping;
- waving hands, etc.
The NikeFuelBand lasts over a week.
Which shows:
- glasses;
- time;
- progress track;
- load time;
- calories;
- Steps.
Torneo H-102
Torneo H-102 is a heart rate sensor and wristwatch. This gadget will help you not to overload your heart. Now your workouts will take place in a specific heart rate zone.
The user needs to adjust the upper and lower heart rate limits. If you go out of this heart rate range, the gadget will beep.
Other features of the Torneo H-102:
- time spent in a certain area;
- counting calories.
Prices
The cost varies from 2 to 34 thousand rubles.
Torneo H-102
- TimexTx 5k575 costs 18 thousand rubles;
- Polar RC 3 GPS HR blue costs 14 thousand rubles.
Where can one buy?
Where can you buy gadgets:
- in specialized stores;
- in household appliances stores;
- in sports stores.
Reviews
I have been using the Beurer PM 18 for two years now. He counts his pulse accurately. I really like.
Ksenia, Khabarovsk
Bought MIO Alpha 2 for running. An excellent heart rate monitor at an affordable price.
Victor, Krasnodar
I bought a Polar H7 heart rate monitor for weight loss. I train at home. The pulse shows exactly.
Sergey, Krasnoyarsk
Always wanted to buy a heart rate monitor. Last weeks I bought MIO ALPHA 2. Now my pulse is under control.
Victoria, Samara
I am using Garmin Forerunner 610 HRM for fitness. I have minor heart problems. Therefore, the heart rate monitor helps me monitor my heart rate.
Elena, Kazan
I've been running in the morning for two years now. But in recent days, the effectiveness of training has decreased. So I bought a Torneo H-102 for heart rate monitoring. Now, while jogging, I follow my pulse.
Nikolay, Yekaterinburg
I got a NikeFuelBand for my birthday. I don’t go in for sports. I use my gadget to count calories.
Irina, Makhachkala
