Everyone knows what an exercise heart rate monitor is. If you don’t, just go out there and see what most jocks wear on their arms or on their chests these days. These simple yet extremely useful devices became very popular in the mid 90’s when most people wanted to make sure they were actually training effectively within their target heart rates. Today, it is still an important part of any sportsman’s tool, although it has become more diversified. Today, it is not only seen on people, but also on exercise equipment.
Because these monitors are becoming popular with serious athletes and fitness buffs alike, they’re now becoming more widely available (and much cheaper). In addition to improving its innovative features such as watches, calories burned, specific heart rate, speed, distance, and one-touch buttons, its functions have also changed dramatically over the years. No more boring black straps; no more boxy layouts. Now, they come in a host of trendy colors designed to fit the aesthetic needs of the consumer. No wonder these gadgets have never lost their appeal, even until now.
With all the things it can do, what are the pros and cons of an exercise heart rate monitor?
advantages:-
First, it can be a motivating factor in your training. There’s nothing better than having a machine strapped to your arm reminding you that you need to run faster.
Second, it’s a valuable tool to make sure you’re training at your target heart rate. While this sounds so simple, it is an important aspect for any patient with heart disease or someone recovering from illness. This is because overtraining the heart can be very dangerous for these people.
Third, it helps an athlete to be more in touch with his body and heart rate. There are some who have used these devices for so long that they have now become experts in their heartbeat. In fact, they’ve gotten so good at it that they don’t even wear their heart rate monitors anymore.
Fourth, you can record your progress so you can make any necessary adjustments to your training.
Fifth, you can ensure that you accurately measure your resting and maximum heart rate. This can help you stay within your normal training zone, which can help you avoid unwanted injuries and minor accidents during your workout.
Disadvantages:-
Sometimes too much data can confuse you, instead of guiding you. Some people give up early on in their training, because they feel intimidated by all the details.
Second, monitors can be expensive, especially if you want them to be as accurate as possible.
Third, the beeps can be quite distracting, especially when you are on highways and other public places. Accidents sometimes happen because of this.
A heart rate monitor for exercise can be an added bonus for anyone, although the level of improvement can be different, depending on each person’s situation. The best thing you can do is weigh how well it can help you achieve your fitness or health goals, because in the end, your improvement is what really counts the most.