Heart Rate Monitor
A Heart Rate Monitor is a device that as the name signifies monitors your heart rate, which is the only accurate measurement of the intensity of your exertion level while you exercise. The main objective of this tool is to pace you, because if you exercise too hard, you will burn out and most likely give up even before you start losing the weight. Similarly if you exercise too slowly then you won't burn any calories and so no weight loss will occur.
What is a Heart Rate Monitor? Basically it consists of a wristwatch and a transmitter that you put on your skin and around your chest. The transmitter picks up the signals of your heart, and transmits them wirelessly to the watch. So it guides you through the entire workout.
How it works? It is based on target zones, which help you reach the right intensity. A target zone is a high and low heart rate range that is based on a percentage of your maximum heart rate. The heart rate monitor calculates these target zones using a formula based on your age, which is:
Max heart rate = 220-(Age)
For example if your age is 45 then
Max heart rate = 220-(45)
= 175
Key Target Zones for Weight Loss
60-70% = weight loss and building endurance
70-80% = weight management and improving cardiovascular fitness
80% and above = interval workouts
The top two recommended products by POLAR are:
Polar F11: This is any exercisers' dream device. The only heart rate monitor that generates a workout program for you to tell you how much, how hard and how long to exercise to achieve your weight loss goals. There are so many features in this compact device that one finds it hard to keep track of them. Polar OwnZone automatically computes your daily target zone, OwnCal calculates the calories and fat that you burn during the workout, OwnIndex establishes your fitness level and tracks your improvements. In short the F11 is just like having a very own personal trainer.
Polar F6: This heart rate monitor is an ideal choice for in door exercisers. It comes in three exciting colors and is the perfect exercise companion. It includes all the features of the F4, including OwnZone, which calculates your personal target heart rate zones, and OwnCal, which counts the calories and percentage of fat, that was burned during your workout.