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.
