Fit TipsFit Tipshttp://www.summerfitness.net/fit-tips/2011-10-02T21:40:15ZSquarespaceMonitor Your Hearthttp://www.summerfitness.net/fit-tips/2009/2/2/monitor-your-heart.htmlKristi2009-02-03T00:50:28Z2009-02-03T00:50:28ZLast Christmas my husband gave me a heart rate monitor. I wasn’t exactly enthused at first: do I really need one of these things? A nice watch or diamond tennis bracelet was more in line with my expectations  ... but instead I get a doohickey to tell me my heart is still beating. Well, at least it was small and a cute shade of baby blue. I would have to make the best of it.

Fast forward a year+, and it is now my favorite accessory ... with the possible exception of my engagement ring ;) I honestly don’t know how I worked out without it. So what's the big deal?

Keeping track of your heart rate is important because it helps you monitor how hard you are working and helps track your fitness progress. If you are not working in your target heart rate zone, which varies for everyone, then you are either working too hard or not enough. In addition, monitoring your heart rate helps you track your current fitness level and progress. The more “fit” you are the less time it will take to bring your heart rate down to resting level after a workout.

Ever see that movie Tron?

Not surprisingly, many people don't know what their target heart rate is or should be. The basic formula to figure out your target heart rate is 220 - age x the % of your maximum heart rate. To burn fat, it is ideal to stay around 60-80% of your maximum heart rate, although even working as low as 50-55% has proven to still burn fat as well. So for example 220 - 29 = 191 x .60 = 114.6, 220 - 29 = 191 x .80 = 152.8. This happens to be my target range 115-153. A heart rate monitor will keep track of this for you. You initially program your information, and it lets you know when you are working too little or too hard.

I love my heart rate monitor because it keeps my workouts challenging and fun. By keeping track of my heart rate and calories burned, you feel more satisfied when the workout is completed. While the machines at the gym supposedly keep track of your heart rate and calories burned, based on my own experiences these machines are not very accurate, and tend to be very kind in etimating the number of calories you supposedly burned (oh I know - that is such a downer isn't it? sorry).

Heart rate monitors range in price from your basic model for as low as $50.00 to as high as $500.00. Many different companies make heart rate monitors, but the most popular is Polar. I have a Polar F4- which was $90.00, and it works great. A small price to pay to work out safer and more effectively.

Stay Strong,

Kristi

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