Heart Rate Monitors

Heart Rate Monitors (HRMs) come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Some attach to the earlobe, others around the chest. Some HRMs even use a fingertip sensor on the watch. Prices for HRMs range from under a hundred dollars (for a simple clock and heart rate display) to hundreds of dollars (for models that are basically personal sports research facilities at your fingertips).


So for the triathlete, where do you begin? Which model is best? Here are some features to consider before looking at specific models:

• Make sure you get a waterproof model if you plan to use it for swimming. It’s hard to check your heart rate when swimming, but it can be done. To do so though, you’ll need a waterproof model.

• Get a separate cycling computer. Don’t try to mix worlds with a cycling computer and heart rate monitor all rolled into one. It’s too difficult to check your RPMs, and then switch back to your heart rate. You’ll find yourself looking too much at your computer rather than the road.

• Find a display with large numbers and big buttons. If your eyes are like mine, trying to read something that’s at your wrist is tricky – unless you’re looking at big numbers. Also, big buttons are easier to push when moving.

• Find a HRM that has a chest strap. Make sure the strap fits snug (if it doesn’t fit well, the readings won’t be accurate). Trying to mess with holding your finger on a sensor or contending with an earpiece is frustrating. Since you’ll be moving when taking your HRM, go with the chest strap versions.

The chest strap actually rests around the sternum (for women, just under the breasts and bra). Usually, chaffing isn’t a problem, especially if you wet the contacts on the back of the chest strap. Wetting these contacts will help make a good contact with your skin.

In addition, some sports bras now provide a lip to hold HRM chest straps.

You can find all these features (and more) in models retailing around $100 or less. Some HRMs do provide the ability to also test stress levels, detect over-training, program target heart-rate zones, and connect to a computer through a serial port (to upload data). Of course, these models jump up in price to around $300 or more.

Staying within a specific zone -- be it fat burning, aerobic or anaerobic -- is a snap with a heart rate monitor. Just plug in your bpms (beats per minute), and the monitor will signal when you\'ve strayed off the mark. It\'s the perfect training partner, so take the pulse of the latest heart rate monitors:

Polar M52 is a cool gray-faced monitor is packed with cardiovascular goodies. It tests fitness, prescribes training zones, and determines calories burned per workout. It even begs you to use it, beeping if it\'s ignored for three days. The thin band is great for a small wrist and the ergonomically crafted sensor strap is comfortable enough for everyday wear.

Freestyle Circuit Seven is tough enough to withstand being crushed against rocks and other outdoor hazards. Big buttons make setting heart rate zones a snap, even with gloves on. The woven-nylon wristband is the bomb, but doesn\'t have enough eyelets to fit a small wrist. Large numbers are easily seen from a bicycle handlebar, and the rubber mount is included.

Schwinn HRM-II is a bike-friendly heart rate monitor. Big numbers, simple display, and a bright light make heart rate training a breeze. The touch of a button reveals average heart rate and time of day. The Velcro band stays secure, and it can be worn on your wrist or bike (handlebar mount included).

About the author:

Jon Robinson has been a personal trainer for over 10 years. He has a master’s degree in sports medicine and runs his own successful gymnasium. He has written numerous articles for leading fitness magazines for the past 5 years. You can find further information about the pro’s and con’s of the different types of heart rate monitors available from his following website click here