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May 2, 20248 Reasons to Use a Heart Rate Monitor While Exercising
Technology has changed the way we approach fitness and exercise. Smart wearable heart rate monitors now track every detail, from steps to heart rate.
In the past, we were clueless about our activity levels and heart rate during workouts. But now, with these smart gadgets, we have a personal coach right on our wrists.
Nowadays most exercise machines, like treadmills and cycling bikes, come with built-in heart rate monitors. These machines equipped with heart rate monitors measure your heart rate electrical signals through your hands.
Heart rate monitors, like chest straps, directly measure your heart rate by reading its electrical signals. Wearable heart rate monitors, such as the Apple Watch and Oura Ring, use LED light to track changes in blood vessel size beneath your skin as your heart rate rises. These trackers are comfy to wear and super accurate, especially during sustained workouts.
While certain smartphone apps claim to measure heart rate. They may not be as precise as wearable monitors.
Ready to learn more?
Stick with us as we explore the multiple benefits of using a heart rate monitor. And how it level up your fitness routine to the next level.
Keep reading, we know for sure you won’t want to miss this!
8 Reasons to Use a Heart Rate Monitor While Exercising
You may ask, Why use a heart rate monitor while exercising?
Well, let’s find out!
When you’re on treadmills, cycling bikes, rowing machines, or ellipticals, having a heart rate monitor is your fitness coach right on your wrist. It tracks your heart rate in real time, helping you optimize every workout.
With it, you’ll know exactly how hard you’re working and if you’re hitting your fitness targets. Plus, by keeping an eye on your heart rate zones, you can tailor your workouts to match your goals perfectly.
It’s super easy to use—just strap it on and go. So, ditch the guesswork and level up your fitness.
Reason #1. Smart Tracking to Level Up Your Fitness
Tracking your heart rate isn’t just about numbers—it shows how your fitness is improving over time. As you get fitter, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard during workouts. It’s your body saying, “I’m getting stronger mate”
- Resting Heart Rate: This is how fast your heart beats when you’re not doing anything. Fit people usually have lower rates, and you can check yours when you wake up after resting.
- Recovery Heart Rate: This shows how quickly your heart rate goes back to normal after intense exercise. If it gets faster over time, it means you’re getting fitter.
- Maximum Heart Rate (HR Max): This is the fastest your heart can beat. It’s important for planning your workouts, but not all monitors show it.
- Heart Rate Training Zones: These are different heart rate ranges that show how hard you’re working out. They help you control your exercise intensity.
Reason #2. Tune Up Your Workout Intensity
Think of a heart rate monitor as your personal fitness guide. It helps you understand how hard you’re working during exercise.
Heart rate monitors show your heart rate in beats per minute and divide it into different zones, like low, moderate, aerobic, vigorous, and maximum intensity. These zones are based on your age and help you know how hard you’re working out.
Exercise intensity is directly related to your heartbeat. By tracking your heart rate, you can adjust your workout intensity. This helps you exercise more effectively, without any guesswork.
Heart Rate Zones Explained
| Zone | Heart Rate Range | Description |
| Zone 1 (Recovery/Easy) | 55%-65% HR max | Light workouts, warming up, or cooling down. |
| Zone 2 (Aerobic/Base) | 65%-75% HR max | Longer sessions where you can still chat a bit. |
| Zone 3 (Tempo) | 80%-85% HR max | Push yourself here to build speed and strength. |
| Zone 4 (Lactate Threshold) | 85%-88% HR max | Your body’s working at its peak to process lactic acid, helping you push harder for longer. |
| Zone 5 (Anaerobic) | 90% HR max and above | All-out effort, like sprinting to the finish line. |
Reason #3. Prevent Burnout & Keep You Safe from Injury
Heart rate monitors help you avoid pushing yourself too hard during workouts. Extreme workouts can be risky. Exercising too intensely can lead to longer recovery times and even hurt your performance. Your heart rate monitor acts like a safety gadget, telling you when to slow down.
By keeping an eye on your heart rate, you can find the right balance and avoid overdoing it. This helps prevent injuries and keeps your workouts consistent.
Reason #4. Smart Calorie Burn Tracking
Tracking calories burned is crucial for efficient fat burning.
Heart rate monitors estimate calorie burn by considering various factors like age, weight, gender, and workout intensity. Though not perfectly accurate, they provide a good estimate.
This helps you know if you’re burning fat or glucose for fuel. The goal is to exercise in a heart rate zone where you burn fat efficiently without burning too much glucose. This ensures you spend more time burning fat during workouts.
By monitoring your heart rate and staying in the optimal fat-burning zone, you can maximize the effectiveness of your workouts and achieve your weight loss goals more efficiently.
Reason #5. Personalize Your Exercise Sessions
Everyone’s fitness goals are different. Monitoring your heart rate helps you customize your workouts to match your fitness goals. Whether you’re aiming for endurance or speed, your heart rate zones can guide you along the way.
It also prevents you from overtraining, which can lead to fatigue and injuries, by giving you real-time feedback on your exercise intensity.
Reason #6. Stay Motivated with Real-Time Feedback
Ever wonder if you’re really pushing yourself or if you could be doing more?
With a heart rate monitor, you get real-time feedback on your effort levels. Seeing your heart rate climb during a tough workout can be just the motivation you need to keep pushing.
Plus, reaching new milestones, like hitting your max heart rate during a sprint, can be incredibly rewarding and keep you coming back for more.
Reason #7. Track Your Progress Like a Pro
Forget guesswork and unclear estimates. Your heart rate monitor gives you concrete data on your progress. By tracking your heart rate over time, you can see how your fitness improves.
Whether it’s by running faster, lifting heavier, or lasting longer during workouts. This solid evidence of your hard work is incredibly motivating and helps you stay committed to your fitness goals.
Reason #8. Smarter Rest & Recovery
Rest and recovery are equally important as the workout itself. Your heart rate monitor isn’t just for tracking during exercise. It’s also a valuable tool for gauging your recovery.
By monitoring your heart rate post-workout, you can see how quickly your heart returns to its resting rate. This can help you determine if you need more rest days or if you’re ready to tackle another workout.
Plus, by staying in tune with your body’s signals, you can prevent overtraining and keep your progress on track.
2 Types of Heart Rate Monitors
1st Type. Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are wearable devices worn on the wrist like a watch.
They monitor various activities such as steps, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. With features like sleep tracking and stress monitoring, they provide a holistic view of health. They’re convenient, affordable, and popular for tracking daily activity levels.
Features
- Track and monitor steps taken, distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
- Monitor sleep patterns and stress levels.
| Pros | Cons |
| 🟩 Convenient and easy to wear | 🟥 Slightly less accuracy as compared to chest strap monitors. |
| 🟩 Affordable price range | 🟥 Some models may not be comfortable for all users. |
2nd Type. Chest Strap Monitors
Chest strap monitors consist of 2 parts:
- A chest strap
- A wrist-worn receiver
They’re great for accurately monitoring your heart rate during workouts, which is helpful for serious athletes. While not as comfy as wrist trackers. Electrical chest strap monitors are known for giving reliable data, making them a top choice.
Features:
- Offer continuous and accurate heart rate monitoring.
- Some models include additional features like GPS for tracking distance and speed.
| Pros | Cons |
| 🟩 Offers high accuracy in heart rate tracking | 🟥 Less comfortable to wear, especially during intense workouts |
| 🟩 Ideal for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. | 🟥 Typically, more expensive than fitness trackers |
Heart Rate Monitor Comparison Table
| Feature | Fitness Trackers | Chest Strap Monitors |
| Comfort | ✔️ Convenient and easy to wear | ❌ May be less comfortable |
| Accuracy | ❌ Slightly less accurate | ✔️ Highly accurate |
| Price | 💲 Affordable | 💰 More expensive |
| Additional Features | Sleep tracking
Stress monitoring |
GPS tracking
Speed & Distance monitoring |
6 Tips to Choose the Best Heart Rate Monitor
When deciding between fitness trackers and chest strap monitors, consider the following:
- Budget: Choose a monitor that fits your budget while meeting your needs.
- Accuracy: Consider how important precise heart rate data is for your fitness goals.
- Comfort: Decide which type of monitor feels most comfortable for you during workouts.
- Read Reviews: Check online reviews to see what other users have to say about the accuracy and reliability of the device.
- Look Beyond the Basics: While heart rate monitoring is important, consider what other features are important to you, such as sleep tracking or GPS.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, test out different models to see which one feels most comfortable.
Best Heart Rate Monitors | 3 Top Picks
- Fitbit Charge 5: A sleek and stylish fitness tracker with advanced heart rate monitoring features.
- Garmin Forerunner 945: A high-performance GPS watch with accurate heart rate tracking and built-in workout tracking.
- Polar H10 Chest Strap: Known for its accuracy and reliability, this chest strap monitor is a favourite among serious athletes.
Get Fit with Smart Heart Rate Monitors
From fine-tuning your workout intensity to preventing burnout. A heart rate monitor is a valuable tool for anyone interested in fitness.
So, whether you’re a beginner or a regular gym-goer, consider strapping on a heart rate monitor and taking your workouts to the next level. With this simple gadget, you’ll be sweating smarter and reaching your fitness goals faster than ever.
Get Smart about Your Workouts with Trojan Fitness
Get the most out of your workouts
Invest in Trojan Fitness’s smart built-in heart rate monitors exercise equipment. Track your heart rate while you exercise, helping you optimize your fitness routine and achieve your goals faster.
With real-time feedback on your heart rate, you can push yourself just the right amount and make every workout count.
Built-In Heart Rate Monitor Exercise Machines ─ Shop Here
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The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice. We make every effort to ensure the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle. We are not responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided on this website.
