When playing sports, the correct distribution of the load ensures the control of the heart. To accomplish this task, heart rate monitors are used.
Traditionally, chest strap models have been chosen, but their main drawback is the need to endure an uncomfortable strap. An alternative to these devices are gadgets without a chest strap that take readings from the wrist. The models have their advantages and disadvantages.
Comparative analysis of heart rate monitors with and without a chest strap
- Accuracy of measurements. The chest strap responds more quickly to heartbeat and accurately reflects heart activity on the screen. The sensor built into the bracelet or watch may distort the data somewhat. The readings are taken by the change in blood density after the heart has pushed out a new portion of blood, and it has reached the wrist. This feature determines the possibility of small errors in training with intervals. The heart rate monitor does not have time to respond to the load after a break in the first seconds.
- Ease of use. Devices with a chest strap can be uncomfortable due to the friction of the belt, which becomes especially uncomfortable in hot weather. The belt itself perfectly absorbs the sweat of the athlete during training, acquiring an extremely unpleasant odor.
- Additional functions. The strap device is usually equipped with a track recording function, supports ANT + and Bluetooth. These options are not available for most models without a chest strap.
- Battery. The gadget's own battery with a strap allows you to forget about recharging for several months. Representatives without a chest strap require charging the battery after every 10 hours of use, some models every 6 hours
Why is a heart rate monitor without a chest strap better?
Using such a gadget, provided it fits snugly to the skin, allows:
- Forget about additional devices in the form of a stopwatch, pedometer.
- Don't be afraid of water. More and more models are acquiring the function of water protection, continuing to work effectively while diving.
- The compact device fits easily on the hand without distracting or inconvenient for the athlete.
- Set the required rhythm for training, exit from it will be immediately announced by a sound signal.
Types of heart rate monitors without a chest strap
Depending on the placement of the sensor, gadgets can be:
- With a sensor built into the bracelet. Usually such devices are used as wrist gadgets in combination with watches.
- The sensor itself can be built into the watch, allowing you to get a new, more functional device.
- With a sensor on your ear or finger. It is considered insufficiently accurate due to the fact that the recording device may not fit tightly enough to the skin or even slip and get lost.
Classification based on design features is possible. According to this criterion, gadgets are distributed to:
- Wired. Not very convenient to use, they are a sensor and a bracelet connected by a wire. A wired device is characterized by a stable signal without interference. This heart rate monitor is especially useful for people with blood pressure or heart rhythm disorders.
- Wireless models provide alternative methods of transmitting information from the sensor to the bracelet. They are especially effective when you need to track your progress and general condition during sports training. The disadvantage of the device is its sensitivity to interference created by similar technical innovations in the vicinity. As a result, the data displayed on the monitor may be inaccurate. Companies that make such a heart rate monitor suggest that consumers familiarize themselves with models that can transmit encoded signals that are not distorted by other heart rate monitors.
The design also allows options for the appearance of the device. These can be ordinary fitness bracelets with a minimum set of functions, heart rate monitors built into the watch, or equipment that looks like a wristwatch with the additional function of telling the time to its owner.
Top 10 best heart rate monitors without a chest strap
Alpha Mio. Small device with a comfortable, durable strap. In idle mode, they work like a conventional electronic clock.
German budget model Beurer PM18 also equipped with a pedometer. The peculiarity is in the finger sensor, to get the necessary information, just put your finger on the screen. Externally, the heart rate monitor looks like a stylish watch.
Sigma sport differs in a modest price and the need to use additional methods for reliable contact between the sensor and the skin. It can be various gels and even ordinary water.
Adidas miCoach Smart Run and miCoach Fit Smart... Both models are powered by a Mio sensor. A feature of the gadgets is their appearance as a stylish men's watch, which they are outside of the training period. Accurate information is provided by the function of reading the heart rate without interruption, including during rest, work, which allows you to get the most accurate picture of the complexity of training, the body's response to it.
Polar M Heart rate monitor for runners. Especially recommended for beginners.
Basis peak affordable gadget, lightweight easy to use. The mount is durable. One caveat - first you have to "agree" with the novelty. The readings can differ by 18 beats, but it is not difficult to adapt to the work of the technique. Suitable for cyclists too.
Fitbit Surge draws its own conclusions about the runner's comfort zone, based on the analysis of information received from the sensor in control mode and active training mode.
Mio fuse features an additional optical sensor in the design. The heart rate monitor allows you to receive the most accurate information about the work of the heart. Suitable for use by cyclists.
Sounter is convenient, compact, has a bright design and good lighting. The model is popular with climbers and runners.
Garmin Forerunner 235 independently calculates the optimal load for its owner, taking into account his activity for several hours, draws up a sleep schedule. Additional functions include the ability to use the equipment as a remote control for your smartphone.
Operating experience and impressions
I run every morning. Unprofessional, just for health and pleasure. You must put on the chest strap in advance, the watch is always with you. It often happens that I finally wake up on the treadmill, so I often forgot about the heart rate monitor. Now he is always with me. Conveniently.
Vadim
I love to ride a bike, but the need to monitor my heart rate made me buy a heart rate monitor. Because of the constantly twisting belt, I decided to try the wrist one. The difference in the readings is 1-3 blows, which I think is quite acceptable, but how many pluses.
Andrew
It took me a long time to adjust to the wrist model. Now it slides out, then it does not fit snugly enough, then it shakes. In general, the technique should be adjusted, not the person. This is what they do to make it comfortable for us people!
Nikolay
I have a lot of weight, the cardiologist demanded to constantly use a heart rate monitor. I work as a cleaner, I have to constantly bend over, move a lot, lift weights, contact with water. The first two heart rate monitors had to be simply thrown out (mechanical damage to the case). For my birthday, my husband gave me a wrist model. My hands are full, but the bracelet turned out to be well adjusted. The heart rate monitor itself coped with my work, it did not distort the results even after getting wet. The girls from work also checked his results, counting them manually and in the cardiologist's office with a special machine. I'm glad.
Nastya
I try to take care of my body and I know that the wrong training can harm the heart. I am engaged in fitness, shaping, yoga, jogging. Wrist heart rate monitors allow you to see the reaction of your motor directly to each specific exercise.
Margarita
We constantly ride bicycles out of town. Replacing equipment from a chest with one without a sensor disappointed. From shaking, she sometimes "forgets" to receive information from the wrist or transmit it to the screen.
Nikita
I couldn't appreciate the advantages of the device. The screen is too pale, almost nothing is visible on the street, and it is stupid to stop running to look at the numbers. Although he squeaks really loud, I'm not sure about the reliability of his information.
Anton
The heart rate monitor without a chest sensor moves in the same rhythm with the athlete, without limiting his movements. It is light, simple, but with character. To receive reliable reliable information from the device, you will have to learn to understand it, take into account all the needs.
