Should I get a Heart Rate Monitor?
I'm always looking at ways to improve my workout experience. Most recently I researched HRM's (Heart Rate Monitor's). A HRM is a device, in it's simplest form, that provides constant monitoring of your heart rate. Why would you need something like this? A HRM is not necessary for exercising, but it gives you a clear picture of what you are doing at any moment during your workout.
Training Zones
To better understand why you might want a HRM, you need to understand training zones. There are three basic training zones. Training zones correspond to the number of BPM (Beats Per Minute) at which your heart is working. Each zone provides a different benefit. Before you can calculate your training zones, you must determine your maximum heart rate, or the maximum number of times your heart can beat in a minute. A widely accepted method of doing this is to subtract your age from 220. For example, I am 29 years old. To calculate my max heart rate, I would take 220 - 29 = 191. My maximum heart rate is 191BPM. Training zones are based on a percentage of your maximum heart rate. See the chart below for more information:
From Polar's Website
60-70% - Lose Weight or Recover
70-80% - Improve Aerobic Fitness
80+ % - Increase Athletic Performance
Depending on your specific goals, you will want to raise your heart rate to the appropriate level. In my case, if I want to lose weight or recover from a strenuous weight training exercise, I would want to exercise in the 60% to 70% range. I would take 191 (my MAX HR), and multiple it by 60% to get the lower end of my training zone. In this case, 191 X .6 = 114BMP. Calculating the upper end would be 191 X .7 = 133BPM. With this information I would know that I need to work to keep my heart rate between 114BPM and 133BPM for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The length of time will depend heavily on your current level of fitness. If you're over 35 or have general health issues, I suggest you consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
POLAR F6 - Basic Features
The Polar F6 watch is designed with general fitness and weight management in mind. The features I looked for were specific. I wanted my average HR, and the number of calories burned during my workout sessions. I also wanted the watch to alert me when I moved in and out of my target zones. A unique feature Polar offers is the OwnZone. The watch guides you through a 5 minute warm up and calculates your training zones for you based on your current mental and physical condition. These are not the only features of the watch. A full list of features can be found here.
The Transmitter
You may be wondering how the watch knows your heart rate. Polar provides a comfortable, easy to wear chest strap that transmits your heart rate to the wrist watch unit. I was really concerned about having to wear a chest strap. Comfort was my main concern. I was pleasantly surprised with how well it fits. The transmitter is made of soft plastic, that attaches to an elastic band. It crosses right through your diaphram area. The transmitter is also 'coded' so that it doesn't interfere with other watches. I was also happy to find out that the transmitter works with my local gym's equipment. When I wear the transmitter on the treadmill, it shows my heart rate on the treadmill display!
SonicLink
Polar provides a small software package that gives you the ability to transmit watch data to a personal web portal on Polar's site. Each time you exercise, the watch records your heart rate and stores the information. It stores your maximum and average heart rates during the session. It also stores the amount of time in each of your zones; light, moderate, and hard. Finally, it stores the number of calories burned. This information can be transferred to your personal web portal where you can track your progress. The watch generates tones which sound much like a fax modem. You use the microphone on your computer to 'listen' to the tones. The software does the rest. It's very simple and works quite well.
Conclusion
If you are serious about fitness or want to add another dimension to your routine, I would highly recommend getting a HRM. The watch retails for $109.00, but you can find it cheaper. I purchased mine through eBay and paid $91.06 shipped. It's been worth the investment. Your health is very important, and the HRM provides motivation to work harder, and the right amount of historical data to show how far you've come.
October 19, 2005
Polar F6 - My Initial Thoughts
Should I get a Heart Rate Monitor?
I'm always looking at ways to improve my workout experience. Most recently I researched HRM's (Heart Rate Monitor's). A HRM is a device, in it's simplest form, that provides constant monitoring of your heart rate. Why would you need something like this? A HRM is not necessary for exercising, but it gives you a clear picture of what you are doing at any moment during your workout.
Training Zones
To better understand why you might want a HRM, you need to understand training zones. There are three basic training zones. Training zones correspond to the number of BPM (Beats Per Minute) at which your heart is working. Each zone provides a different benefit. Before you can calculate your training zones, you must determine your maximum heart rate, or the maximum number of times your heart can beat in a minute. A widely accepted method of doing this is to subtract your age from 220. For example, I am 29 years old. To calculate my max heart rate, I would take 220 - 29 = 191. My maximum heart rate is 191BPM. Training zones are based on a percentage of your maximum heart rate. See the chart below for more information:
From Polar's Website
60-70% - Lose Weight or Recover
70-80% - Improve Aerobic Fitness
80+ % - Increase Athletic Performance
Depending on your specific goals, you will want to raise your heart rate to the appropriate level. In my case, if I want to lose weight or recover from a strenuous weight training exercise, I would want to exercise in the 60% to 70% range. I would take 191 (my MAX HR), and multiple it by 60% to get the lower end of my training zone. In this case, 191 X .6 = 114BMP. Calculating the upper end would be 191 X .7 = 133BPM. With this information I would know that I need to work to keep my heart rate between 114BPM and 133BPM for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The length of time will depend heavily on your current level of fitness. If you're over 35 or have general health issues, I suggest you consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
POLAR F6 - Basic Features
The Polar F6 watch is designed with general fitness and weight management in mind. The features I looked for were specific. I wanted my average HR, and the number of calories burned during my workout sessions. I also wanted the watch to alert me when I moved in and out of my target zones. A unique feature Polar offers is the OwnZone. The watch guides you through a 5 minute warm up and calculates your training zones for you based on your current mental and physical condition. These are not the only features of the watch. A full list of features can be found here.
The Transmitter
You may be wondering how the watch knows your heart rate. Polar provides a comfortable, easy to wear chest strap that transmits your heart rate to the wrist watch unit. I was really concerned about having to wear a chest strap. Comfort was my main concern. I was pleasantly surprised with how well it fits. The transmitter is made of soft plastic, that attaches to an elastic band. It crosses right through your diaphram area. The transmitter is also 'coded' so that it doesn't interfere with other watches. I was also happy to find out that the transmitter works with my local gym's equipment. When I wear the transmitter on the treadmill, it shows my heart rate on the treadmill display!
SonicLink
Polar provides a small software package that gives you the ability to transmit watch data to a personal web portal on Polar's site. Each time you exercise, the watch records your heart rate and stores the information. It stores your maximum and average heart rates during the session. It also stores the amount of time in each of your zones; light, moderate, and hard. Finally, it stores the number of calories burned. This information can be transferred to your personal web portal where you can track your progress. The watch generates tones which sound much like a fax modem. You use the microphone on your computer to 'listen' to the tones. The software does the rest. It's very simple and works quite well.
Conclusion
If you are serious about fitness or want to add another dimension to your routine, I would highly recommend getting a HRM. The watch retails for $109.00, but you can find it cheaper. I purchased mine through eBay and paid $91.06 shipped. It's been worth the investment. Your health is very important, and the HRM provides motivation to work harder, and the right amount of historical data to show how far you've come.
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