How to Choose a Heart Rate Monitor

A heart rate monitor is an electronic device that measures the rate of heart beat of the user and displays the results. This information is very useful for the serious as well as casual athletes and exercisers. Heart rate monitors are available in sporting goods stores. They can also be purchased online. Heart rate monitors come in a variety models and configurations depending on the purpose for which they are to be used. There is also a huge variation in the price; the more the number and advanced features the higher the price. Due to this wide variation buyers must know how to choose the right heart rate monitor best suited for their purpose.

Buyers must be informed about of all the features available in heart rate monitors so that they can choose the exact features they require. There is no point in buying one that has many advanced features only to find that the particular feature required by the buyer is missing. Apart form the features heart rate monitors are mainly of two types: those worn on the chest with chest traps and the strapless ones worn on the wrist. For measuring the heart rate continuously you have to use the chest strap variety. Strapless varieties are more convenient but they require you to stop to measure your heart rate. They are also useful for swimmers.

Then you have to decide whether you will need a basic or pro level heart rate monitor. If you are a professional athlete or training for competitive events then you will need a pro level monitor, but if are a casual exerciser then you will need one with only the basic features. Size is an important factor when choosing heart rate monitors. They also come in female versions that are lighter. Even if you are not female you may choose one because it is lighter and more convenient for use while running. The more features there are the bulkier it becomes. A GPS heart rate monitor can be really bulky.

Many heart rate monitors come with calorie calculations but they are usually not very accurate. Still they are great for motivating you to keep on, when you are trying to lose weight. The latest models of heart rate monitors not only measure your heart rate they can also measure your speed and the distance you have covered. These use either GPS or footpod technology. GPS monitors may not work when you are running under a canopy of trees, between tall buildings or indoors. Likewise footpod monitors are only useful for running but they can be used both indoors and outdoors. Heart rate monitors are also available with bikepods for cyclists.

There are also many other features that you can choose from, but the one of the most important factors is battery life as they all run on batteries. Find out about the type of batteries used and about the life of the batteries. Batteries can be quite expensive. Finally you have to consider the cost of the heart rate monitor. More features mean more cost. The basic monitors cost as little as $30 ad the pro ones may cost hundreds of dollars. If you are working on a budget then you have to select a heart rate monitor with only those features you need now and those you are likely to need in the immediate future.