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Used to be heart rate monitors were the sole domain of those in health care. Doctors and nurses seemed to be the only ones interested in monitoring heart functions on a regular basis. This has changed as fitness enthusiasts discovered the connection between heart rate and fitness levels. A heart monitor is basically an electronic device that can track heart functions as they are happening. The devices you find in hospitals and doctors offices are obviously the high end of heart monitoring technology. These high tech devices give physicians an instant feedback on any life threatening cardiac problems. On the lower end are the monitors that fitness buffs and athletes use. These smaller units allow them to place a numerical value on their fitness level based on their heart rate before, during, and after exercise. For those who are interested in using a heart rate monitoring device for fitness purposes there are several things to keep in mind when choosing which type will work best for you. The most accurate monitors use a chest strap to detect and transmit heart activity. The strap is strapped around the chest just below the breast bone. It works by detecting the electrical impulses of the heart which are transmitted to the receiver where it is displayed. The receiver is normally worn on the wrist and functions much like a watch. In fact many high end heart rate monitors are also multi-functional sport watches. Cardio specific exercise equipment such as treadmills, stair-steppers, and exercise bikes will also include heart rate monitoring technology with the receiver and display built into the control console. Heart rate monitors also have different features that can help meet your fitness goals. Of course the amount and type of features are dependent on how much you are willing to spend. Low end base models will normally only display heart rate and in some cases elapsed time you have exercised. Higher end models offer a wider range of features, for a higher price of course. You will find things such as heart rate zone alarms, timers, and number of calories burned. Many are also programmable to the point that you can pre-program workouts and targeted heart rates. All these bells and whistles are useless if the heart monitor you choose is less then easy to use. It’s a good idea to read reviews of various brands and models to see what actual users have to say about ease of use. Is it easy to read the display? What about low light or no light situations? Are the buttons easily accessible and labeled in a way that makes sense? For the fitness enthusiast a heart rate monitor can be the last piece of the fitness puzzle. It can help break through those fitness plateaus by allowing you to customize your workouts to meet specific goals and a faster rate. There is no better choice then a Timex Heart Rate Monitor when it comes to increasing the intensity of your workouts. To learn more about Timex heart rate monitors please Click Here.
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