How to Choose a Heart Rate Monitor

Choosing an HRM is not different for a beginner or any skilled athlete, it is similar for everyone! The most important thing to watch out while buying an HRM is its functions, specifications and features and help and support. My most favorites are Garmin Fenix, Polar RC3, and Suunto M2, but here are some major things that everybody should consider before getting your hands on these health gadgets.

Functionality

Heart Rate Monitors are tiny gadgets that track the distance you run or the calories that you burn during workout. Make sure you buy a monitor which lets you enter your height, weight, age, etc, to create specialized target zones that you can handle easily. HRMs like Garmin Fenix are packed with such functions which exactly lets you know how much you are burning, and how much you have achieved.

Specifications

The best gadget that you can buy should have sufficient memory to save all your data and should have enough battery time to track your full day training sessions. Don’t settle for anything less than 20 hours of memory and battery life. We prefer watches with at least a two-year battery life or the option to be recharged. Most of the heart monitor watches have the same measuring range of 15 to 240 beats per minute and are accurate to within one BPM – this consistency makes it easier to focus on other key elements. Different sizes of watch faces, strap lengths and color are available for men or women.

Features

Look out for features like GPS, Keylock, and a backlight. A GPS option is a must have for your long runs and to track your distance. Monitors like Garmin Fenix are best when it comes to GPS features. These watches connect to your computer and record all of the data from your runs. The best heart rate monitor brands even have training programs available that help you track your progress and tell you how to improve.

With a heart rate monitor like Garmin Fenix, Garmin 610 or Polar RCX3, you no longer need to stress about pace or distance. You’ve put in the hours and hours of training and now you’re ready to finish strong. Let the watch worry about the details while you enjoy the thrill of