Heart rate monitor with heart rate measurement on the wrist. Fitness bracelets with heart rate monitor. Frequently asked questions about sports bracelets

A wrist heart rate monitor is a medical device designed to monitor cardiac activity during sports or other physical activity. It is also used by those people who, due to disturbances in the activity of the heart, are forced to constantly monitor its condition.

What is a heart rate monitor and what is it for?

There are two types of wrist heart rate monitors: without a chest strap, which read the pulse from your finger, and with a chest strap in which the sensor is located. The first type of heart rate monitor is distinguished by great functionality, so you should carefully study all the available functions and choose a device exclusively with those that will be used.

Depending on the number of functions, there are three categories of heart rate monitors:

The simplest models include four functions: clock, alarm clock, timer and heart activity monitoring itself.

Improved models also have an energy consumption recorder and a counter for the amount of fat burned.

The most expensive heart rate monitors can be connected to a PC and have the function of detailed analysis of the body’s condition. Based on this data, the heart rate monitor subsequently creates an individual training program.

As a rule, medical heart rate monitors for the wrist belong to the first category.

Pedometer - what is it for?

A pedometer, like a heart rate monitor on the wrist, is used by people involved in sports. This device will be an excellent addition to your heart rate monitor and will help you mark out your workouts in more detail. The pedometer measures the number of steps taken.

It can also convert steps into kilometers and calculate how many kilocalories were spent. Experts say the recommended amount per day is 10,000 steps. At the same time, the average person loses about 400 kilocalories.

For the convenience of athletes, pedometers and heart rate monitors are equipped with a variety of additional functions, such as:

Radio;
Player;
Clock, stopwatch and timer;
Calculation of steps depending on the type of walking and running.;
Calculation of the number of meters covered in the pool;
Cadence calculation;
Built-in memory.

How to choose a heart rate monitor for your wrist?

First of all, you need to pay attention to the location of the sensor, as it directly affects the accuracy of its measurements.

Below are several ways to position the sensor:

Sensor built into a wrist heart rate monitor. This arrangement, although the most convenient, brings poor results. The data obtained from measurements of such a sensor is extremely inaccurate.
A sensor that attaches to your finger or earlobe. The result is also extremely inaccurate information, and the sensor gets in the way during training and can easily get lost.
A wireless sensor that is attached with a belt on the chest. Such a device will provide the most accurate data.

When choosing a heart rate monitor for your wrist, both for running and for other sports, you should pay attention not to the price, but to the manufacturer. There are companies that have been making these devices for quite some time and can afford to offer a really high-quality copy for a low price.

You should also pay attention to the type of heart rate monitor. There are models for running, for cycling, as well as hand-held heart rate monitors for skiers. The equipment for all heart rate monitors is the same: a bracelet and a sensor.

Also, when choosing a heart rate monitor, it is important to consider the following features:

Working hours.

If the model is not sophisticated and belongs to the first/second category, then it will consume approximately the same amount of energy from the battery as a wristwatch. Otherwise (if GPS and other similar functions are available), the charge will last for a maximum of 20 hours.

Encoding of the sensor signal.

An unencoded signal is transmitted with interference, while a coded signal is transmitted without it. Depending on the installed sensor, the price of the heart rate monitor will also fluctuate.

Depending on the functionality, reliability and accuracy of measurement, as well as on how much a hand heart rate monitor costs, below is a rating of hand heart rate monitors.

Top Five

Beurer PM18.

Country of origin: Germany. This model is representative of the budget class. It has a built-in sensor that measures the pulse through a finger placed on the display. This copy is two in one. It not only measures your pulse, but also counts your steps and measures your speed. Also equipped with a stopwatch, alarm clock and timer. Cost: about 100 dollars.

Garmin Forerunner 610 HRM.

Country of origin: Taiwan. This example is a heart rate monitor for running. The gadget is waterproof. The sensor is located on the chest, attached with a belt. Cost: about 300 dollars.

Polar FT4.

Country of origin: Finland. There is nothing superfluous in this model: a heart rate meter, burned calories, as well as a clock and calendar. Changes in the state of the body are displayed graphically on the display. Waterproof, backlit screen and speaker. Cost: about 100 dollars.

Nike FuelBand.

Functions: LED screen, battery capacity indicator, Bluetooth 4.0, accelerometer, calorie burn meter. Moisture-resistant, shockproof. Cost: about 130 dollars.

Torneo H-102.

Country of origin: China. The sensor of this heart rate monitor is located on the chest, attached with a belt. There is a screen backlight, a speaker, and built-in memory. It has the function of calculating training time and calories expended. Built-in clock, alarm clock and stopwatch. Cost: about $125.

The pulse reflects the heart rate and, depending on the physical and emotional state of the body, reflects the level of physical fitness. An interesting fact is that the pulse can be used to determine at what point in a person’s sleep a dream occurs. At the same time, the pulse rate will show whether a person is dreaming of something calm, joyful or terrifying.

Of course, you can make a heart rate monitor with your own hands - assemble the hardware and program it, besides, the Internet is full of ready-made circuits for making a heart rate monitor with your own hands. But it will take quite a long time.

Therefore, it is much easier to buy a ready-made device. In this case, it is important to follow the recommendations listed above and pay attention primarily to the reputation of the manufacturer, and not to the offered price.

Because proven heart rate monitors can last 3-5 years, but products from an unknown manufacturer will fail within a year.

Cardio training from A to Z, video

In conclusion, we can say that it does not matter at all what device a person uses to measure heart rate, number of steps or calories burned. The fact of playing sports is much more important, because sport is life.

And gadgets such as a heart rate monitor or pedometer only help you achieve better results in a shorter period of time. Therefore, the more accurate the device, the greater the results you can achieve, and if you have already decided to buy a heart rate monitor, you should take the purchase seriously and choose a truly worthy model.

Otherwise, the device will harm rather than help, displaying data that does not correspond to reality.

Fedorov Leonid Grigorievich

The pulse meter allows you to detect any external changes in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This device is necessary for people suffering from heart pathologies to monitor its functioning. During sports, the devices allow you to monitor your heart rate and select the optimal load. If the meter shows deviations from the norm, action must be taken.

Why do you need a wrist device?

With the help of a heart rate monitor, its owner will see the intensity with which the heart muscle contracts. Such meters are simple and compact. They borrowed the principle of operation from an electrocardiography apparatus.

During myocardial contractions, electronic signals are generated, which are perceived by the sensor and transmitted to the receiving device. After the call is processed, its results will appear on the display. Information obtained in this way is saved if necessary.

At first, the heart rate monitor was used by people involved in sports to evaluate how effective their workouts were.

The use of such devices is also practiced in medicine. They are recommended for patients with cardiac pathologies who are in the rehabilitation period. In such situations, you need to constantly monitor your heart rate, since as a result of excessive stress, heart function may deteriorate. When the first signs of abnormalities appear, you need to visit your doctor.

The use of heart rate monitors is necessary for:

Obtaining information about the response to physical activity.
Controlling the frequency of contractions of a vital organ at rest and in any other conditions.
Preventing excessive stress on the heart and preventing complications that may arise for this reason.
Track the progress of training or exercise therapy.
Adjustments to the individual active load program.

The choice of heart rate monitors is huge; everyone can choose a suitable device for monitoring the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Types of meters

There are a huge number of similar devices. You can find out at what frequency the heart contracts using:

Pedometer. This is a simple device that works thanks to a spring with a weight that swings like a pendulum. Each movement of the leg causes the gears to move one tooth, causing the dial hand to move, allowing the person to see how many steps they have taken. There are also electronic-mechanical tonometers that transmit body vibrations with each step. The operation of the device is based on the transfer of heat to a sensor, which converts it into electrical impulses. The results obtained are recorded on the screen. Thanks to an electronic pedometer, steps are counted using complex mathematical formulas. Some models have a satellite communication function. Such devices allow you to accurately determine the number of steps taken and, if necessary, adjust physical activity. They have additional functions in the form of a heart rate monitor and calorie counting. The use of the device stimulates a person to improve his own health, but some errors may be observed in the measurements. Also, some models cannot perform their functions while in a pocket or bag. If necessary, select a wrist pedometer with a heart rate monitor.
Heart rate monitor. Devices are recommended for determining the optimal training regimen. They are used to measure the heart rate. During myocardial contraction, an electronic signal occurs, which is captured by a sensory sensor. After this, the pulse is processed in the receiving device and displays the results. There is a heart rate monitor for medical purposes, as well as for sports activities. Using the device, you can monitor the work of the heart, analyze the effectiveness of training, prevent excessive muscle strain, and create a safe exercise regimen. A wrist heart rate monitor or device is quite inconvenient to use. To obtain accurate information about your heart rate, you need to measure in a stationary position. If the sensor is located near the heart, it may affect its functioning.
Pulse oximeter. The device is used to measure heart rate and the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is produced in the form of a clothespin, which you need for measurements. The product has more of a medical purpose. Hemoglobin absorbs light of different wavelengths. The level of absorption is related to the percentage of oxyhemoglobin in the blood. The information can be seen on the device screen. Thanks to the device, you can check blood for oxygen saturation without taking biomaterial. Data can be obtained even if a person is asleep or unconscious. Such devices are characterized by shock resistance and measurement accuracy. Among the disadvantages: reaction to bright lighting and movement, the need for precise placement of the sensor.
Heart rate monitor/pedometer. This model combines the properties of heart rate monitors and pedometers. It is used to check the number of steps and heart rate. Such devices are universal, and therefore have a higher cost.
Sports tactical watch. Outwardly, they resemble regular ones, but they have built-in sports and navigation functions. The device consists of a heart rate monitor, barometer, and altimeter. During physical activity, it is used to monitor vital signs, and in everyday life it is worn as jewelry. Some of them are classified as smart watches.
Heart rate sensor. For such a device to start working, it must be connected to another device. Externally, the design is similar to a sensor. It is designed to measure heart rate. The device is small in size, easy to use and does not require movement restrictions for measurements. But it depends on other devices and is only attached to the chest.

Reading time: 21 minutes

A heart rate monitor is a measuring device that measures your heart rate. It is also called a heart rate monitor.

Heart rate monitor is used to monitor heart function, analyze loads, determine heart rate zones and go beyond these zones. A large number of different models for heart rate monitoring are sold on the sports paraphernalia market. Let's figure out what a heart rate monitor is for, what its advantages and benefits are, how to choose one, and also look at the most popular models of heart rate monitors on the market.

Heart rate monitor: what is it for and what are the advantages

If you need information about how your heart works during exercise, then a device like a heart rate monitor is a must-have. During training, the heart rate monitor helps maintain the desired heart rate, measures the number of calories burned and monitors heart function and workload. Most often, a heart rate monitor is used during interval and cardio training, but it will also come in handy during strength training. In addition, the heart rate monitor can be used during daytime activities to monitor heart function.

Who might need a heart rate monitor?

For those who do cardio training to lose weight or develop endurance.
For those who do high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
For those who have heart problems and need to control their heart rate.
For those who want to control the number of calories burned during training.
And also for those who want to regularly improve their results without harm to their health.

Why is it even necessary to measure your heart rate during exercise? Depending on your pulse or heart rate (abbreviated HR), your body will use different sources of energy. Based on this, there are several load zones that determine the effectiveness of your workout:

The indicated percentage is taken from the maximum heart rate value. To calculate it, we use the formula: Maximum heart rate = 220 – age.

Accordingly, in order for the body to use fatty acids as a source, it is enough to keep the pulse in the zone of 60-70% of the maximum heart rate. For example, if your age is 30 years old, then the following calculations will be used to calculate the possible range of your heart rate:

Lower threshold = (220-30)*0.6=114
Upper threshold = (220-30)*0.7=133

With such a pulse (114-133 beats per minute) you can practice for a long time, maintaining a continuous pace. In this case, the exercise will be aerobic, that is, using oxygen. Such cardio workouts help burn fat and train the heart.

If you are doing high-intensity interval training (for example, training according to the Tabata protocol), then at the peak moments your heart rate should be in the anaerobic zone, i.e. 80-90% of maximum heart rate:

Lower threshold = (220-30)*0.8=152
Upper threshold = (220-30)*0.9=171

The heart rate monitor helps you monitor your heart rate and keep it in the zone that meets your requirements. If your heart rate monitor model allows it, you can set the heart rate zones you are interested in, and you will be notified when your heart rate leaves the specified zone.

Benefits of a heart rate monitor:

A heart rate monitor protects your heart from overload during exercise because you monitor your heart rate.
You will exercise in the heart rate zone you need - for fat burning or endurance, depending on your goals, and therefore train more effectively.
With a heart rate monitor it is easy to track your progress, analyze the level of load and its perception by the body.
You will know exactly how many calories you burned during your workout.
You can use the heart rate monitor during your normal daily activities to assess your body's performance or monitor your stress levels.
The heart rate monitor is indispensable when running or walking fast on the street, when there are no other sources for determining the level of exercise.

Many cardio machines already have a built-in heart rate monitor. But firstly, such heart rate monitors show inaccurate data, which is better not to rely on. Secondly, to record data you need to hold the handles while running or walking, which is not always convenient. Therefore, if you want to receive the most accurate data on heart rate and calories, it is better to purchase a heart rate monitor.

You can also use manual heart rate monitoring. To do this, you need to stop and count the beats, recording the resulting values. However, additional manipulations during training are not always convenient, and the obtained values will have a strong error. In addition, constant stopping lowers your heart rate, which disrupts the rhythm of the activity. This is why a heart rate monitor is indispensable: it will record data instantly throughout the entire workout.

Main functions of the heart rate monitor:

Heart rate (HR) monitoring
Setting your heart rate zone
Notification of heart rate zone changes by sound or vibration
Calculation of average and maximum heart rate
Calorie counter
Time and date display
Stopwatch, timer

Some heart rate monitors have additional functions: GPS navigation, alarm clock, pedometer, training history, automatic calculation of training zones, fitness test, heart rate calculation for a single lap (useful for runners), synchronization with applications and computer. The more functions a device is equipped with, the more expensive it is.

Types of heart rate monitors

Heart rate monitors can be divided into 2 large groups: breastplates(using a chest strap) and carpals. Heart rate monitor with chest strap used O more popular among practitioners, but thanks to new technologies, models have appeared that allow you to accurately measure your pulse without a chest sensor.

A chest heart rate monitor is a sensor with electrodes that is worn under the chest and transmits data to a receiver watch or mobile application. There are two types of chest heart rate monitor models, which differ in configuration:

Heart rate monitor without watch receiver. In this case, the data is transferred to the smartphone via Bluetooth Smart technology. The sensor is synchronized with special applications on the smartphone, where all the necessary information about heart rate and calories burned is automatically stored. This is convenient for training analysis, since the application stores the entire data history. Most often, heart rate monitors are synchronized with applications on Android and iOS operating systems.
Heart rate monitor with watch receiver. In this case, the sensor sends data to the receiver watch, where it is processed and you can see it on the screen. Such models are more expensive, but also more convenient. You do not need to additionally use a smartphone; all information will be displayed on the watch. For example, it is more convenient to use such heart rate monitors outdoors.

If you purchase a heart rate monitor with a watch, then also pay attention to the type of data transmission. There are two types of data transfer from the chest strap to the watch:

Analog (uncoded) type of data transmission. May be subject to radio interference. It is considered less accurate, but if there is an error, it is very small. The analog heart rate monitor can sync with cardio equipment, picking up heart rate data from your belt. But if someone in your immediate vicinity (within a meter) is using a heart rate monitor with the same type of data transmission, for example in a group training session, then interference may occur.
Digital (encoded) type of data transmission. A more expensive and accurate type of data transmission, not subject to interference. However, a digital heart rate monitor cannot be synchronized with exercise equipment.

Both analog and digital heart rate monitors are quite accurate, so The type of data transfer does not play a key role when choosing a heart rate monitor. There is no point in overpaying additionally for digital data transmission.

Wrist heart rate monitors

The convenience of wrist heart rate monitors is that you don't have to wear a chest strap with the sensor. To measure the data, you only need a watch that is worn on your wrist. However, this version of heart rate monitors also has a number of features and disadvantages, so despite the apparent convenience, wrist heart rate monitors are still less popular.

There are two types of wrist heart rate monitors, which differ in the principle of heart rate monitoring:

Pulse is measured upon contact of fingers and sensor on the front side of the device. You simply place the heart rate monitor on your wrist, touch it, and the device gives you your heart rate readings. The disadvantage of such monitoring is that you will measure your pulse not for a certain period of time, but on demand, only after contact of your fingers and electrodes on the body. This heart rate monitor is more suitable for tourism, mountaineering, or for those who, due to health restrictions, are forced to periodically monitor their heart rate zone.
Pulse is measured via tracking behind blood vessels. The principle of operation of such heart rate monitors is as follows: you put the bracelet on your hand, the LEDs shine through the skin, the optical sensor measures the narrowing of blood vessels and the sensor displays the obtained values on the watch screen. But the disadvantages of such devices are also obvious. For data accuracy, the belt must be tightly tightened on the wrist, which is not always convenient during training. Additionally, heavy sweating or rainy weather may interfere with the sensor's performance.

Of course, a watch is a more common piece of equipment than a chest strap. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable wearing a belt under your chest, we recommend purchasing a second version of a wrist heart rate monitor. But discomfort and inconvenience are perhaps the only argument in favor of a wrist heart rate monitor. Most trainees still opt for a heart rate monitor with a chest strap because of the convenience and accuracy of the data.

Prices for a heart rate monitor are determined by the following parameters:

Manufacturing company
Heart rate monitor type: chest or wrist
Contents: is there a watch receiver, replaceable straps, cases, etc.
Data transmission type: analog or digital
Moisture protection
Belt, its width, quality, ease of fastening
Quality of the watch receiver case
Availability of additional functions

Heart rate monitors: a selection of the best models

We offer you a selection of heart rate monitor models with a brief description, prices and pictures. Based on this review, you can choose the right heart rate monitor for yourself. Prices are indicated according to Yandex Market data as of September 2017 and may differ from the cost of the heart rate monitor in your store.

Sigma heart rate monitors

Popular models of Sigma heart rate monitors are developed by a Taiwanese manufacturer. Among heart rate monitors, Sigma is considered one of the market leaders; their models are almost ideal in terms of price and quality ratio. They mainly offer heart rate monitor models with a chest strap and a watch:

Sigma PC 3.11: the most primitive model with a basic heart rate counting function. There is no calorie counting.
Sigma PC 10.11: the optimal model with all the necessary basic functions, including calculation of average and maximum heart rate, calorie counter, sound signal when the target heart rate zone is violated.
Sigma PC 15.11: This model is suitable for running enthusiasts, as it adds functions such as lap counter, average and maximum heart rate per lap, number of calories burned per lap, lap time.
Sigma PC 22.13: This heart rate monitor uses digital data transmission, so the price is a little more expensive. The model is offered in several body colors. Standard functions: calculation of average and maximum heart rate, calorie counter, zone indicator, sound signal when the target heart rate zone is violated.
Sigma PC 26.14: model similar to the previous one, but with the addition of new functions. For example, this device has a lap counter, an automated function for calculating the target zone, memory for 7 training sessions, totals per week.

Polar heart rate monitors

Polar is one of the most famous brands in the heart rate monitor market. Polar produces high-quality devices, but their prices are much higher. You can purchase a chest strap with a sensor that will transmit data to your smartphone, or a set of strap and watch receiver for easier data tracking.

Chest straps with sensor:

Polar H1: GymLink communication interface, Android and iOS support, moisture protection.
Polar H7: GymLink and Blutooth Smart communication interfaces, Android and iOS support, moisture protection.
Polar H10: a new generation of heart rate sensors, replacing the H7, one of the popular heart rate monitor models.

Chest heart rate monitor with watch included:

Polar A300: in addition to the standard functions, this device also has many additional features: pedometer, sleep monitoring, reminder function, goal setting, accelerometer. It is also possible to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
Polar FT60: this model includes a calorie counter function, as well as a number of auxiliary, but very convenient and useful functions, such as: alarm clock, second time zone, low battery indicator, locking buttons from accidental pressing.
Polar M430: Another very multifunctional gadget, waterproof, with GPS navigation and backlight. Added notification function for incoming calls, received messages and notifications from GPS social networking applications.

Beurer heart rate monitors

This brand offers models of heart rate monitors with a chest strap and models in which you need to touch the sensor of the device to measure data. For training, we recommend choosing heart rate monitors with a chest strap; it is more convenient and practical.

Beurer PM25: a simple and convenient model, there are all the important functions, for example, a built-in calendar, clock, alarm clock, stopwatch, calorie counter, alert when leaving the training zone.
Beurer PM45: The set of functions is similar to the PM25 models, but adds interchangeable straps, a bike mount, and a storage case.
Beurer PM15: This is a wrist-based heart rate monitor with a touch sensor, the device monitors heart rates, alerts you when you go beyond the training zone, but does not count calories. Price: 3200 rubles.

Suunto heart rate monitors

Another well-known company in the sports equipment market, which produces a series of sports watches with the ability to measure heart rate. Suunto offers chest straps and chest straps included with your watch:

Suunto Comfort Belt: Chest strap suitable for all T-series sports watches and computers that can be used as a heart rate monitor.
Suunto Smart Belt: Chest strap with Bluetooth Smart technology. Compatible with Suunto's Movescount app.
Suunto M2: a chest strap with a watch that has all the basic functions, including heart rate control, calorie counting, automatic selection of the desired heart rate zone.
Suunto M5: This heart rate monitor comes with additional features to help you determine the best training regimen for your individual performance, as well as get reliable speed and distance information during your running workouts.

Sanitas heart rate monitors

Sanitas does not have many models, but they are notable for their low prices, so we also mention them.

Sanitas SPM22 and SPM25: Heart rate monitor with chest strap that includes all the basic functions and is perfect for regular use.
Sanitas SPM10: You don't need a chest strap to measure your heart rate with this model. You simply place the device on your wrist and touch the sensor on the front of the device with your finger. This device is suitable for people who do not want to wear a chest belt or, for example, for tourism.

Other models

Nexx HRM-02. A budget option for a chest strap with a sensor, which is suitable for those who are not ready to seriously spend money on fitness gadgets. The device has built-in Bluetooth Smart and is compatible with almost all mobile applications that support the function of transmitting data from a wireless heart rate monitor. Counts heart rate and calories burned.
Torneo H103. Chest strap with watch receiver. Equipped with all the basic functions: heart rate calculation, calorie counter, setting heart rate zones, measuring time in the target zone, stopwatch, calendar and alarm clock, water resistance.
Wahoo TICKR. Another option for a chest heart rate monitor that transmits information via Bluetooth to a smartphone. In addition to heart rate, such characteristics as steps taken and calories burned are recorded.

Which heart rate monitor to choose:

If you want to purchase a heart rate monitor with an optimal price-quality ratio, then buy the Sigma or Beurer models.
If you want to purchase the most reliable and accurate device, then buy Polar or Suunto models.
If you want to purchase the simplest and most inexpensive option for a heart rate monitor, you should pay attention to the models offered on the Aliexpress website (review below).

Heart rate monitors: a selection of the best models on Aliexpress

We offer you a selection of heart rate monitors that can be purchased on Aliexpress at an affordable price. All heart rate monitors have similar functions and are in approximately the same price range, so we suggest you focus on customer reviews, the average product rating and the total number of orders for this product.

Chest strap without watch

If you purchase a chest strap without a watch, your heart rate data will be sent to an app on your smartphone. The chest straps are compatible with all Bluetooth Smart (4.0) and ANT enabled devices. The presented sensors are quite accurate in measuring heart rate.

We suggest you pay attention to the following chest sensors:

If you play sports, want to lose weight, or simply carefully monitor your health, then the topic of heart rate monitors should be of interest to you. The first such gadgets for household use began to be produced back in the 80s. Since then, they have been actively used by athletes who want to monitor the work of their own heart, because this is important both from the point of view of health and for achieving maximum training efficiency. Today we’ll try to figure out how to choose a heart rate monitor, what to look for, and also find out which are the best heart rate monitors on the market.

Why do you need a heart rate monitor?

The name of this device tells us one obvious thing. A heart rate monitor is needed to measure your pulse, i.e. monitor the heart rate in real time, record peak loads and react to them in a certain way. For each type of physical activity, there is an optimal heart rate, and if you want your training to be beneficial, not harmful to your health, and lead to the achievement of your goals, then your heart rate must not go beyond certain values. The range of these values is usually called target zone.

Target zones and maximum allowable heart rate are calculated using the method of Martti Karvonen, a Finnish physician. According to his method , maximum heart rate(MHR) = (220 – age). If you are 20 years old, then the MHR will be 200 contractions/min, if you are 40 – 180 contractions/min, etc.

The following target zones are distinguished:

50-60% of MHR is the zone of light loads that help improve physical fitness and recover after training;
60-70% of MHR is the “therapeutic zone”, light loads for poorly trained athletes. At this heart rate, a morning warm-up or a brisk walk takes place. Loads with such a pulse can improve endurance and burn fat;
70-80% of the MHR is the “fitness” zone. This heart rate is typical for jogging and climbing stairs. Training in this target zone promotes fat burning and weight loss;
80-90% of MHR is the “aerobic zone”. With such a pulse, not only fats are burned, but also carbohydrates, and maximum results are achieved. This pulse is typical for sports dancing;
90-95% of MHR is the “anaerobic zone”, carbohydrates are consumed and endurance is trained. This target area hosts cycling, ice skating, skiing and other active sports;
above 95% of MHR is the maximum load zone, intended only for professional athletes. For ordinary people, these are too high and very dangerous loads.

Heart rate monitors usually count your heart rate in real time, report the transition from one zone to another, and show maximum heart rate values.

Types of heart rate monitors

All heart rate monitors on the market, and there are many of them, can be divided into two types:

with remote or external sensor;
with built-in sensor.

The first group includes heart rate monitors, which collect information about heart rate and transmit it for processing to another device(smartphone, fitness bracelet, computer). These include the following types of heart rate monitors:

An external sensor can transmit analog type signal, thanks to which the data can be read by the simulator or smartphone. But during group training, the reading device can pick up a signal from someone else’s heart rate monitor, and near a power line, the heart rate monitor can completely fail. Sensor digital type will not be able to transmit data to the simulator, but it is not afraid of interference and transmits more accurate data.

Most sensors today use data communication technology Bluetooth. Technology may be found in more expensive devices ANT+, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, and this technology also wins in terms of efficiency.

Eat gadgets with built-in heart rate monitor. They measure the pulse themselves and process the data received. This option is not very suitable for regular training - rather for one-time measurements, but there are exceptions. This group of devices includes a fitness bracelet and a heart rate monitor ring.

Additional functions of heart rate monitors

In addition to measuring heart rate, heart rate monitors, depending on the model, may also have a set of additional functions, including the following:

calculation of speed and distance covered;
counting calories. Carried out based on heart rate data, i.e. with a large degree of convention, but still interesting;
maintaining training history;
laps, lap time and average heart rate. The function will be of interest to those who drive or run the same distance during a workout and want to monitor the results;
target zones. The simplest model will calculate three target zones based on your age and gender, more expensive models – 5-6 zones;
beep or vibration when moving from one zone to another. The function is necessary for those who do not want to go beyond certain heart rate values;
fitness test. An interesting feature for those who have just embarked on the training path. This is something like an introductory test by a fitness trainer and determining your shape;
recovery mode. Allows you to measure the time during which your heart rate returns to normal after exercise. Interesting for those who do interval training and sprinting;
the function of displaying time, current heart rate, as well as an alarm clock, timer and stopwatch are available in all heart rate monitors with a screen;
Most models have synchronization with a smartphone, fitness bracelet and computer. Some can even synchronize with action cameras;
The built-in GPS module will allow you to accurately determine the distance traveled, speed, slopes, ascents and descents.

Separately, we note the waterproof models, which will be useful for training in pools. As a rule, heart rate monitors are powered by their own batteries, but there are models with disposable batteries. You will have to change them less often than recharge the battery.

The best heart rate monitors

POLAR H10

Company POLAR is a pioneer in the field of household heart rate monitors. Since the release of the first
More than 30 years have passed since such a gadget, and today the manufacturer can boast of an impressive range and a number of its own developments. Among the new products we can highlight the POLAR H10 chest heart rate monitor. It replaced the POLAR H7, which was a great success.

The sensor is attached to an elastic band made of polyamide, polyurethane, elastane and polyester. Silicone dots on it prevent slipping, a convenient clasp allows you to securely fix the gadget, and built-in belt additional electrodes reduce measurement error by preventing interference. The sensor itself weighs 21 g, the belt weighs another 39 g. Total 60 g, which is 20 g less than POLAR H7. At the same time, the company managed to integrate a twice as capacious battery into the sensor. Now it's enough for 400 hours of training. The sensor operates in the temperature range from -10 to +50 0 C, allows you to dive to depth up to 30 meters.

The model does not have its own screen - it transmits all data to a smartphone (to a special application) or fitness bracelet using Bluetooth, at a frequency of 5 kHz. Moreover, she got the opportunity transmit heart rate data to camerasGoPro. Now you can overlay heart rate data on videos of action scenes - it will turn out even more impressive and entertaining. Another feature of the model is the built-in memory for one workout. If you don’t have a smartphone with you or it’s not possible to take it with you to training, the sensor will record everything in its own memory. You can buy the gadget for 6,390 rubles in the Inspector Gadgets store using the link.

POLAR OH1

Another interesting gadget from a famous company. The device is intended for Mounts on forearm, hand or wrist, equipped with a 6-diode optical sensor, does not have its own screen - all data is transferred to a smartphone in a special application via Bluetooth. The heart rate monitor is very comfortable to wear, it does not restrict movement, and the belt adjustment is smooth.

Fits in a small sensor memory for 200 hours of training, operating time without recharging is 12 hours. The model can be safely recommended to those who go swimming, since it is waterproof at a depth of up to 30 meters. The model costs about 5,600 rubles.

Garmin Hrm Tri

A very high-quality heart rate monitor from a company that knows a lot about fitness gadgets. The tracker is attached to the chest using a comfortable strap and transmits data to the paired watch using ANT+. Supported synchronization with most watch modelsGarmin. Since data transmission via ANT+ is impossible in water, the sensor stores all the data in its own memory, and then, when the workout in the pool is completed, transmits it to the watch. The memory is enough for 20 hours of recording.

In addition to heart rate, the sensor measures cadence, vertical sway and ground contact time. The capabilities of the standard application are quite extensive. This is not only collecting your own results and planning workouts, but also the ability to share your achievements with other users. Costs about 7500 rubles.

Sigma PC 15.11

One of the most popular analog heart rate monitors. The kit consists of a watch, which has a waterproof case, and a chest sensor with a belt, which takes heart rate data and transmits the information to the watch in an analogue way.

The gadget measures the average, normal and maximum heart rate, immediately displays the data on the screen, and if something happens, gives sound or light warning signals. The heart rate monitor can count target zones, training time, laps and calories. A bonus is the function of a regular clock, stopwatch and date. To ensure that information can be viewed in the dark, backlighting is used. The model costs about 4000 and evokes only positive emotions among athletes.

Wahoo Fitness TICKR X

The new series of heart rate monitors from Wahoo Fitness turned out to be perfectly balanced in all respects. The sensor in TICKR X on the chest strap allows you to analyze heart rate and movement patterns, drawing conclusions not only about the intensity of the workout, but also about its correctness. Data can be transmitted either via Bluetooth and via ANT+.

The gadget records heart rate and counts the number of calories burned determines the duration of the workout, as well as a number of other indicators important for athletes, including cadence in cycling, vertical oscillation and ground contact time for running, etc. The sensor has built-in memory, but can sync with a smartphone and send data to popular fitness apps. There is also its own application that helps you choose the right workout to achieve your goals. Another advantage is that it is waterproof, although it is only 1.5m deep, so it is not an option for swimmers. This functional heart rate monitor costs about 4,700 rubles.

Nexx HRM-02

One of the best deals on the market. The model is perfect for those who are just starting to play sports. Too extensive functionality of a heart rate monitor will only get in the way, and this gadget has minimal capabilities. The sensor is attached to the chest with an elastic strap and transmits data to the smartphone. gadget Compatible with most popular fitness apps. The downside of the model is that it does not work with Samsung devices based on Android 5.1, but even this does not make this workhorse any less attractive, especially considering the price of 1,500 rubles.

Ozaki O!Fitness Fatburn

Another inexpensive chest heart rate monitor. Manufactured in China, transmits data via Bluetooth, and can count calories burned and steps. In addition, the model can notify the user when the heart rate becomes high. An interesting feature of the model is the presence of a voice fitness instructor. The gadget has its own application, with which you can create an individual training plan. The downside of the model is its heavy weight (140 g), when compared with analogues, but the price is not bad - about 1050 rubles.