Heart Rate Monitors

Information Revolving Around Heart Rate Monitors

 

 

To achieve optimum fitness, it is not just the amount of exercise that counts but also the intensity. This means that one should strike a balance for the exercise, which is not too low and not too high. It is for this purpose that heart rate monitors are used. These are made to help a person stay within the heart rate optimal zone.

 

The first use of these devices can be traced back to the year nineteen seventy seven. They were first used by a team of cross country skiers in Finland. As intensity training gained popularity over the years, by the year nineteen eighty three personal devices were already being sold on retail.

 

The devices that are in use today comprise of two parts, a receiver worn on the wrist and a transmitter worn on the chest. For best performance a liquid or water was required for the plastic straps. Then the models were improved to include a smart fabric meaning it had microprocessors built in responsible for analyzing the electrocardiogram signal thus determining the heart rate.

 

Strapless monitors have been improved to include a display that is sensitive to touch. This means that all one has to do is press on the sensors after which in a matter of seconds it displays the heart rate. Other than the fact that they are not as accurate those with chest devices, they are comfortable to wear and easier to use.

 

These devices are made for a general purpose to all that use them. They are commonly used by athletes such as runners who use HRM to ensure that they run within their targeted zone in intensive training. Casual joggers can also use these monitors to help them achieve desired results. Some HRM are made in such a way that they can alert someone when they start to run out of nutrients and when the body starts to suffer dehydration.

 

For cyclists HRM are simply for tracking performance when they are training for tempo, endurance and in interval rides. In order to get more feedback, HRM with food pods are used which are fitted on the exercisers leg. The devices are also used by skiers, climbers and hikers to help make a peak ascent. Skiers use HRM to monitor thrills during a descent.

 

HRM can also be used during weight loss exercises. They are made to show the exerciser just how much calories they are burning from their exercise helping them set targets on how they are going burn fat more efficiently. Heart rate monitors are also used by doctors in patients that are being rehabilitated from cardiac problems.