In her uniquely conversational style of writing, Sally Edwards presents excellent information and advice on choosing which heart rate monitor to buy. Her essay is an organized and thoughtful method designed to make your shopping easier and more rewarding. Sally is an avid heart monitor user and an accomplished athlete. We found her advice thoughtful and informative.

Purchasing a heart rate monitor can be a lot like choosing a computer. When you first begin to shop, you may not know exactly which features you'll need.

However, you don't want to limit yourself in the future just because you weren't originally familiar with some of the potential benefits. Like any other purchase you need to consider 3 basic factors: What features do you need now? How might your needs grow? What is your budget?

Currently, there are about 50 different heart rate monitor models available and that number is growing. Choosing the right one can be a confusing experience if you are not clear about your needs or the capabilities of the monitors. I encourage you to take the following simple "HRM Buyers Test." The results will narrow your choices and increase the chance that the one you select has enough heartpower and horsepower for your needs.

Five Decisions to Buying or Upgrading Your Heart Rate Monitor

Decision #1. There are 4 different categories of monitors. Which category has the features which are most important to you?

Basic heart rate monitors - Heart Rate Only

These heart rate monitors are the simplest to operate and least expensive to purchase. They are easy to recognize because they have no buttons to push. The only thing they do is display your heart rate in beats per minute. The numbers are big and easy to read and the "watches" are durable. They are ideal for beginners who are participating in any aerobic activity; swimming, walking, aerobics, cycling, etc. They range in price from $49-$99.

Class 2 Monitors - Target Zone / Time / Heart Rate

These monitors are very popular because the are a combination sports wrist watch and heartmonitor.   They allow you to program in your exercise Target Zone,  display time of day and stop watch.   Some models will calculate heart rate recovery time.  You can wear these heartmonitors as sports wrist watches even when you aren't exercising.  These monitors begin at $59 and range up to $149. 

Class 3 Monitors - Memory to review your Workout

This type of monitor has all the features of Class Two monitors plus more memory to give you summary information on your workout.   This includes average heart rate, and time spent in / above / below your target zone.  Most of these memory heart rate monitors also have timers so you can really fine tune your workouts.  Some models even have a calorie calculation based on your body weight and exercise heart rate and will display your total calories burned for the exercise session.  Prices range from $125 to $209.

Class 4 Monitors - Computer Download for Complete Workout Analysis

These are the most sophisticated type of heart rate monitors and are usually called  "downloadable" monitors. They are for the person who loves numbers or needs precise training information for coaching or competition,  and wants to store and analyze the information they receive. These monitors allow you to manually recall the data on the face of the watch or   download it into a computer. They usually sell for $225 and up.  Computer software and download boxes are accessory items.

Decision #2. Are you willing to make the commitment to use one?

Continuous read monitors are the most user friendly. They are like the speedometer or better yet the tachometer of your car. All you have to do is look at it and it only tells you one thing, how often your heart is beating in beats per minute.

If you think you may use your HRM as a training tool, a fitness management device, a stress-reduction instrument and/or fat control technology you will need a monitor that gives you more data than a continuous read one. However, it may take a week or so for you to program and understand it properly. This is one of those times when you'll definitely want to read the manual.

If you are committed to training less time but more intelligently, you may want to invest in a downloadable monitor. Purchasing a book on how to use the information will allow you to maximize the benefits it has to offer. It is up to you to decide how much of the information you wish to work with. There’s lots of data there and interpreting it can be easier with a downloadable monitor.

Decision #3. Is maintenance and repair important to you?

Some HRMs allow you to change the batteries yourself. Others require sending it back to the factory, which can take 2-3 weeks. Sports gear eventually suffers from wear and weather. You may want to know the process for having a repair done in the eventuality that it is necessary.

Decision #4. What features in a HRM do you want?

Do you want the additional features that a watch offers? How about the ability to register recovery time or time spent in multiple heart zones? Do you want a sampling of heart rate intervals? Keep in mind what your eventual goals are. Just because you do not need or understand some of these features now, doesn't mean you don't need them. Try and project what you may want 6 months down the road.

Decision #5. $$$ How much bang do you want and how many bucks do you have?

Sometimes people set budgets because they think that's how much they should spend on something, other times it's because that's all they can really afford. You may want to figure out what is important to you in fitness hardware and then set your price range accordingly. In 1983 HRMs cost almost $500. Today they range the same as athletic shoes. It's up you to figure out whether saving $50 dollars today is going to be a smart move or a later regret.

Selecting a HRM can be a confusing process. You can research the feature-benefits to the point of nausea. You can get frozen into never making your purchase, out of fear and not desire. But now that you have answered these questions, you are ready to make an informed decision. Talk to a knowledgeable sales professional. Find out what HRM references they have available. Ask them if they will be able to answer some of your questions (or direct you to someone who can) once you acquire some data.

Make your purchase, read the manual, read a heart rate monitor book, and make your HRM a part of your life. It’s a great addition and a great fit.

Choosing a Heart Monitor courtesy of Sally Edwards

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