Heart Rate Monitor Suggestions

[Luigi]

I'm currently a student in college, and I don't have much time to dedicate to exercise. I've been running about twenty miles a week since this semester started, and I've noticed that my gains have stagnated. I don't have any sort of exercise plan except to just go out and get in a thirty minute run.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with heart rate monitors and how they've benefited you. Do you have any sort of exercise plan where you strive to keep your heart rate above a certain level? Have you worked out doing HIIT before? What do you find you like most about running with a heart monitor vs. running without one?

If you have regularly used a heart rate monitor and you really like it, what's your favorite model?

Thanks for the help guys!

Luigi

[Frans]

I have a Polar A5 that I bought in May 2002 (almost 5 years old) and I wear it almost daily during cardio.

[Jessica Adlin]

I also recommend a Polar HR monitor. There are several models to choose ranging from a relatively inexpensive model that only displays HR to more expensive models which have more bells and whistles. I think the least expensive model is more than adequate.

There are a couple of reasons to use a HR monitor: 1) Is makes your workout more entertaining (for someone who would rather lift weights than do my cardio, this is a big plus ), and 2) using your heart rate as a tool to monitor/modify your workout will more effectively and efficiently improve your cardiovascular fitness level.

There are few good books on heart zone training that are worth reading:
The Heart Rate Guidebook to Heart Zone Training by Sally Edwards
Total Heart Rate Training: Customize and Maximize Your Workout Using a Heart Rate Monitor by Joe Friel

Sally's book is a great one from beginners. Joe's book is a bit more advanced.

[Luigi]

Thanks for the help! I went ahead and purchased this heart rate monitor right here.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[richardtc]

Nice choice!

Take some time to find your exercise heart rate range. Be careful with the 220 - age x 60-80% formula. It is at best accurate to plus or minus 12 beats per minute for about two-thirds of the population and less accurate for the other third. Start with the formula but use a perceived exertion scale to check out your range.

6
7 very very light
8
9 very light
10
11 fairly light
12
13 somewhat hard
14
15 hard
16
17 very hard
18
19 very very hard

When your perception of exertion is "fairly light" you are at the low end of your aerobic range. As you approach and pass "hard" you are moving beyond your aerobic range. Check your heart rate at both points and compare to a range of 60 to 80 percent using the formula.

Congrats on the purchase!

Best always,

Richard