How to choose a heart rate monitor and why you need it. Looking for the best sports heart rate monitor or cardio monitor for training! Chest heart rate monitor: device, principle of operation and the right choice

The availability of running predetermined its popularity among all groups and ages of the population. It belongs to the least traumatic sports. At the same time, do not forget about competent dosing of the load.

One way to determine the dosage is to maintain a pulse value within a certain range. But how to determine the pulse per minute as accurately as possible? Trying to grope while running is useless, and the error is huge. Therefore, especially for obtaining accurate indicators of the intensity of the work of the heart, heart rate monitors were invented for running and other cyclic sports.

Key parameters of heart rate monitors

Heart rate is measured to ensure the safety of the body during exercise. Today manufacturers sportswear and accessories offer many models of heart rate monitors designed to make training more comfortable and safer.

The main features specific to running versions:

• Ease. It is no secret that any extra gram on an athlete affects his speed, so in order to get objective training data, all equipment must have a minimum weight. Year after year, manufacturers are struggling with extra grams.
• Reliability and accuracy. Such devices should not break even in the event of mechanical impact and should not lose their accuracy class. This is especially important when working at peak load, when a large error can lead to negative consequences that affect the effectiveness of the test.
• Autonomy and high battery capacity. The scourge of all modern mobile devices! The operating time without recharging for pulse meters not yet combined with any devices is quite long. Some models use a battery that needs to be changed from time to time.
• Functionality. Almost all major manufacturers try to combine as many functions as possible in one device so that there is no need to purchase several different gadgets. The complex, which includes a heart rate monitor, is increasingly approaching the functionality of a “smart watch”. In turn, such watches learn to track human activity more and more efficiently.

Varieties of pulse meters

The heart rate sensor can be attached not only directly to the chest, but also on the arm or earlobe. For contact types of heart rate monitors, the ergonomics of the fastening is important, which should not create inconvenience and excessive pressure.

Definitely, latches and buckles should be excluded. Analog and digital signal transmission is possible. With the first method, the heart rate monitor sensor can be connected directly to simulators that have this function. A digital signal is more accurate when transmitted directly to a watch or smartphone.

Wireless transmission of data from the sensor to the instrument itself is distorted, but wired transmission is virtually obsolete. The most accurate measurement is the location of the sensor on the chest, and all professional heart rate monitors use these sensors.

Budget heart rate monitors for running

The most popular models of the inexpensive series of heart rate meters are bracelets from Xiaomi, among which the Mi Band 1S Pulse and Mi Band 2 have gained the greatest success.

The first Mi Band model has 2 release series - Mi Band 1S and Mi Band 1S Pulse. The difference between them lies in the presence of a second heart rate monitor. Therefore, if it is important for you that the gadget records changes in heart rate, then choose the second option, the first one does not provide such a function. The cost is from 800 to 1500 rubles.

The second model Mi Band 2 has got a small screen that shows the time, and while jogging measures the duration of the workout. This model has a built-in heart rate monitor, but it does not allow you to record changes in heart rate during exercise. It is possible to determine the frequency of strokes using Mi Band 2 only at rest. The cost is from 1490 to 2500 rubles.

The disadvantage of both models is the inaccuracy of measurements in relation to the number of strokes. As practice shows, bracelets can show significant jumps in heart rate at a relatively low pace. In some cases, during the warm-up, the gadget can show a rhythm of 200 beats per minute, which is an indicator of the maximum load.

It is possible that this error occurs due to the incorrect location of the gadget on the hand or when the pressure is not tight enough. Therefore, for maximum credibility of the testimony, it is recommended to fasten the strap as tightly as possible to the hand.

With the existing flaws in the heart rate meters during training in these models, it cannot be said that they are a priori of poor quality, since at rest the bracelet shows a pulse that corresponds to normal for a specific person.

GPS watch with heart rate monitor

Sports watch manufacturers in this moment use optical heart rate monitors that are not adjacent to the body, but have a small error. This disadvantage is offset by the great functionality of such devices: measuring location, distance traveled, calories burned and fixing all these parameters allows you to receive all necessary information. In this case, you should not buy a separate more accurate heart rate monitor.

Of course, this applies to the amateur and semi-professional level. For professional athletes, measurement accuracy is extremely important, so only models with a separate sensor have to be considered. They also have more advanced software that allows you to build a workout plan.

Professional heart rate monitors

Below will be presented professional and semi-professional models of heart rate monitors, the cost of which starts from 9990 rubles.

Polar RCX5 SD Run

Polar, one of the most famous manufacturers of devices for professional athletes, could not ignore the niche of heart rate monitors for running. In addition to a chest sensor, the professional RCX5 also features a leg-mounted motion sensor for the most accurate distance and speed tracking.

The training computer in the form of a watch transmits information to the PC in real time for building a training schedule and subsequent analysis. This gadget can be seen on many athletes around the world. It can be used not only for running, but also for cycling, triathlon and others.

Professional GPS watch with heart rate monitor. They allow you to control the process of training, connect to a smartphone, monitor progress. Their advantage is versatility, so there is no need to have a separate heart rate monitor and smart watch. One device on the wrist performs both of these functions.

Suunto Quest GPS Pack

The sensor can be attached both to the chest and to the arm. GPS allows you to track additional training parameters. All elements of this set are compatible and replaceable. Thanks to the analog signal, the sensor can also be connected to a cardio machine to display the heart rate on them. The GPS tracker is a separate module that communicates with the watch and transmits data to it.

Simple assembly of the previous model. Only a heart rate sensor and a sports watch are available here. When the heart rate exceeds the set value, the computer warns the runner, demanding to reduce the pace and intensity of the workout.

Cielo WT010

Initial model for tracking heart rate. It consists of a watch and a chest strap with a belt. Provides basic set functions that will be useful for amateur athletes.

For the first time, it is better to get by with a not very expensive model, which simply helps not to overload the body. With the growth of fitness, a more functional model will be needed that will allow you to set training zones, manage the warm-up and become almost a personal trainer.

Additional physical activity sensors allow you to link the heart rate with the movements of the athlete, which will give the most complete picture of what is happening in the training. Often, models of different price segments differ in the presence or absence of such sensors. It is enough to purchase an additional sensor so that the device expands its functionality.

In conclusion, I would like to wish you good luck with your choice. Strong loads on the body are able to lead to the opposite effect, and instead of healing, you can get the opposite effect. For this reason, when acquiring equipment, you should not neglect useful devices.

If a runner has appeared in your environment, then it is likely that you will one day find yourself at the start of some kind of race. Amateur sports are contagious, everyone is engaged in them every day more people: someone to lose weight, someone to finish the marathon. Some people just want to be healthy.

Any training in cyclic sports is built around the duration, frequency and intensity of the load. But if everything is clear with the first two, then how to evaluate the intensity so as not to accidentally break your fiery motor and get the best result? by the most accessible way is the measurement of the pulse.

Why do you need a heart rate monitor?

Primarily used by athletes to control heart rate. But today, wearable electronics are becoming very popular. Therefore, sometimes such gadgets are bought by people who do not play sports.

What is it used for?

• determination of going beyond the heart rate zones;
• determination of heart rate zones;
• determination of allowable loads.

This device allows you to control the work of the heart.

Purpose of heart rate monitors

Gadgets are classified according to their purpose of use.

• for cyclists;
• for weight control;
• for fitness;
• for runners;
• for swimmers.

How are gadgets different?

• signal transmission method. As a rule, the signal is transmitted via the Bluetooth protocol.
• Sensor type.
• Hull design, etc.

For running

For running it is used with a chest strap. The chest sensor has a significant advantage - they accurately count the pulse.

For fitness

Regular ones are suitable for fitness. These gadgets are very popular.

For cycling

Cyclists use heart rate monitors that are attached to the handlebars of a bicycle. Such gadgets may show other indicators. For example, average speed.

Types of heart rate monitors

• wireless;
• wired

Wired

Consider the principle of operation is very simple: the connection between the gadget and the sensor is carried out using wires. This is an old technology that is not used today.

Main disadvantages:

• can only be used indoors;
• inconvenient to use.

Wireless

Most models on the market are wireless. The signal is transmitted over a special radio channel.

The signal can be transmitted in two modes:

• digital;
• analog.

The best heart rate monitors

Consider the most popular models that are on the market

Polar H7

This is a combined heart rate sensor that you can use while exercising.

Sports:

• fitness,
• bicycle rides.

It communicates with the smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0 protocol. Using various applications on your smartphone (iOS and Android), you can monitor your heart rate. Thanks to this, you can effectively conduct training.

To work with the transmitter, you need to install the application on your smartphone. This can be any app that allows you to work with heart rate transmitters, or it can be Polar's own app. Polar H7 only works on one frequency. The operating time is 300 hours.

MioFuse

MioFuse is designed for sports and healthy lifestyle life.

Advantages:

• tracks daily physical activity;
• monitors the pulse;
• can be used for cycling.

Contents of delivery:

• magnetic dock;
• booklets.

The device is available in two colors.

Sigma

Today we will get acquainted with the entry-level heart rate monitor - SigmaSport PC 26.14. Despite the fact that there are already more or less reliable ways to take the pulse directly from the arm, most manufacturers continue to use a more accurate and proven method - a chest heart monitor.

• he is more reliable;
• quickly responds to the load;

Sigma does not experiment and is boxed with Sport PC 26.14 there is a classic sensor. The signal is digital, so you won't have to worry about interference from other competitors in crowded competitions. You should not be afraid of such a sensor. If you adjust the belt correctly, then on the second run you forget about it.

The SigmaSport PC 26.14 looks like a fun wrist watch. With a certain amount of "indifference" you can use it in this role in everyday life. The Sport PC 26.14 is available in three color options. But the most popular, as expected, is black, moderately diluted with red buttons and inscriptions.

The strap, at first glance, seems too long. Having tried to put on the device in the winter, you immediately understand why it is so. A lot of holes are directed to the ventilation of the hand. SigmaSport PC 26.14 is very light, it is almost not felt on the hand. There is still no Russian interface language. You have to learn a dozen English words.

When you turn on the heart rate monitor for the first time, it will ask you to set your parameters:

• growth;

It will also ask you to enter your maximum heart rate. All this is needed to calculate the training zones and an approximate estimate of calories burned. If you have such a gadget for the first time, then the pulse can be left empty. The device will calculate it itself and determine the zones itself.

After all the settings, it's up to the small thing - to force yourself to go for a run. The most correct way to use the heart rate monitor is to train in the target zone.

By default, Sigma offers two zones:

If the topic of fitness suits you, then you can use SigmaSport PC 26.14 for a wide variety of workouts according to the plan that your trainer or one of the many online services will make for you.

SigmaSport PC 26.14 can be used:

• for running;
• for bicycle;
• for any cardio workout.

Despite the protection from water, it is still not recommended to swim with it. Moreover, the data of the heart monitor under water will still not be transmitted.

With all its advantages, SigmaSport PC 26.14 has some disadvantages:

• no timer;
• lack of a special scheduler.

It is not possible to create a predefined workout configuration. So you have to measure manually. Well, remember, this is still a heart rate monitor, and a non-sports watch with GPS. Can't measure distance.

Alpha 2

This is the second generation of heart rate monitors. Alpha 2 is used to control heart rate.

Advantages:

• water resistance;
• wireless synchronization;
• the display is backlit;
• knows how to count calories;
• data is transmitted via Bluetooth;
• durable silicone strap.

Croise

Consider the CroiseBand bracelet. What is used for:

• sleep quality;
• sleep duration;
• physical activity (number of steps taken and calories burned);
• pulse rate.

CroiseBand is equipped with a special infrared thermometer.

Beurer PM18

Thirty minutes of exercise a day is recommended for a healthy lifestyle. Beurer offers the ideal device to control your daily workload.

The built-in activity sensor will allow you to receive complete information about your movements throughout the day, including:

• number of steps;
• time spent exercising;
• distance;
• movement speed.

If you don't like using a chest strap or don't need to constantly monitor your heart rate, then a finger-sensor heart rate monitor is just what you need. Simply place your index finger on the heart monitor to get an accurate heart rate measurement;

Garmin Forerunner 610 HRM

The heart rate monitor allows you to track the necessary data. GarminForerunner 610 HRM is sold in two configurations:

• without sensor;
• with sensor.

Gadget features:

• comparison with previous results;
• control of the heart
• deviation tracking.

Advantages:

• Specialized software.
• GPS receiver.

NikeFuelBand

NikeFuelBand is sold in four colors:

• classic black;
• hot pink;
• red-orange;
• light green.

Characteristics:

• The bracelet is more flexible.

He considers:

• Steps;
• jumping;
• waving hands, etc.

A charge of NikeFuelBand lasts for a little over a week.

What shows:

• glasses;
• time;
• progress track;
• load time;
• calories
• Steps.

Torneo H-102

Torneo H-102 is a heart rate sensor and wrist watch. This gadget will help not to overload the heart. Now your workouts will take place in a certain heart rate zone.

The user needs to adjust the upper and lower limits of the pulse. If you go out of this heart rate range, the gadget will beep.

Other features of Torneo H-102:

• time spent in a certain area;
• counting calories.

Prices

The cost varies from 2 to 34 thousand rubles.

Torneo H-102

• TimexTx 5k575 costs 18 thousand rubles;
• Polar RC 3 GPS HR blue costs 14 thousand rubles.

Where could I buy?

Where can I buy gadgets:

• in specialized stores;
• in household appliances stores;
• in sports stores.

Reviews

I have been using the Beurer PM 18 for two years now. He accurately counts the pulse. I really like.

Date: 08/23/2017 Time: 22:50 30992

If you want to better monitor your overall physiological capacity, you need to keep a close eye on your heart rate. As practice has shown, the best way this can be done with a chest heart rate monitor. In our review, we will help you choose the best chest heart rate monitor.

Heart rate trackers in chest straps provide more consistent and accurate heart rate readings than wristwatches. This is due to the higher reading frequency and less fluctuation on the body. However, not all athletes find the belt comfortable, even more so if the user does not know how. Most of all, it is suitable for runners or cyclists, but not for fitness rooms. Some swimmers use a chest heart rate monitor, although there are reports that it squeezes the chest and brings discomfort.

Nowadays, many fitness bracelets and smartwatches include an optical heart rate sensor. Instead of measuring electrical impulses like the belt does, it uses light to read the pulse of blood flow through the skin. While these gadgets are more convenient, optical sensors are not as accurate and are not always the best choice. They will not make a good companion for people who participate in high-intensity interval training and other workouts that experience sudden changes in heart rate.

There are three groups of heart rate belts: one wirelessly connects to a smartphone or PC, and the other uses a combination of two sensors that communicate with each other. In this case, it uses a device on the wrist - be it a sports watch or a fitness band - that provides a wireless connection to a chest strap. The third group is able to connect to both smartphones and PCs, as well as fitness bracelets and watches. Communication with peripheral devices is carried out using a Bluetooth or ANT + channel.

Using the belt of the first group, the athlete will not have immediate feedback when working with a chest heart rate monitor, since it does not have a display. All data from its memory will be transferred to a smartphone or PC after training. Otherwise, the phone will have to be taken with you for a run.

When exercising with a belt of the second group, it is possible to observe the heart rate and other data directly on the watch screen during exercise.

In any case, it is up to you to decide which type is preferable.

Top 5 chest heart rate monitors

There are many models of belts for accurate heart rate tracking on the market today. We offer an overview of chest heart rate monitors that provide the most accurate heart rate data compared to fitness bracelets and sports smartwatches.

The Tickr X belt includes a sensor that counts reps during strength training and records advanced exercise metrics such as body vertical oscillation and ground contact time while running, as well as speed and distance. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to experience cadence when using the Wahoo Fitness app.

This chest strap with heart rate monitor reliably tracks your heart rate during workouts and sends data via ANT+ and Bluetooth to any device you have at hand, be it an Android/iOS phone or some fitness tracker. The Tickr X has a built-in memory of up to 16 hours of information that you can view in the app later.

The device provides feedback to the user through two small blinking LEDs, one of which is red to indicate that a heart rate has been detected and the other is blue to indicate that the Tickr X is connected to another device.

Another type of feedback is vibration during certain user actions. For example, when the tracker is programmed to start or stop the music track when you touch it.

Fitness Tickr X not only positions itself as a running heart rate monitor with a chest strap, but it is also quite suitable for fitness enthusiasts. It offers more than any other chest heart rate monitor on our list, which is why we gave it the number one spot on this list.

• Work with a large number of applications
• Waterproof
• User feedback
• Has Bluetooth and ANT+

• On the connected device (sports watch or fitness bracelet), only heart rate data can be viewed - other indicators can only be viewed using applications
• Unsuitable for swimming

Designed specifically for triathletes, the Garmin chest strap with a small and lightweight tracker adjusts for comfort both in the water and on land. This strap can be used not only by swimmers, but also by athletes in the gym as a traditional heart rate monitor. The tracker sends real-time heart rate data to the paired watch using ANT+ wireless transmission technology (instead of Bluetooth LE).

When you swim, the heart rate sensor stores up to 20 hours of heart rate information, and then when you leave the pool, it transmits it to the connected Garmin watch. This is because ANT+ signals cannot pass through water.

The HRM Tri chest heart rate monitor is compatible with the following Garmin watches:

In addition to standard running heart rates, the HRM Tri provides motion dynamics including cadence, vertical oscillation and ground contact time (using it with the Epix, Fenix ​​3 and Forerunner 920 XT).

With the free Garmin Connect online community, you can store your data, plan your workouts, and share your results with others. You can view detailed swim metrics including heart rate graphs, swim speed, stroke type, mapping and more. And also track activity statistics: daily steps, distance and calories burned.

The Garmin HRM Tri is a great chest heart rate monitor for swimming, fitness, running and cycling with a durable build and accurate readings.

• Rugged construction
• Suitable for swimming
• Works with Garmin watches

• Expensive
• ANT+ only (no Bluetooth LE)

Beautiful and small, the Suunto Smart Belt chest strap pairs perfectly with the Suunto AMBIT3 sports watch using Bluetooth 4 Smart LE.

The main feature of this chest heart rate monitor is that it does not show real-time information due to the lack of a display, but writes all data to memory. You can turn on the heart rate sensor on the strap using the app, accessible through your smartphone or Suunto AMBIT3 smart watch. Then you can go to train: run, swim, do fitness. Accurate data on heart rate and calories burned will be transferred to the MOVESCOUNT software for logging and subsequent analysis. You must also turn off the device through the software.

Since the heart rate monitor has Bluetooth technology, it will also work with many other fitness apps on iOS and Android.

Suunto Smart Belt is the smallest Bluetooth Smart compatible heart rate sensor on the market that measures your heart rate with greater comfort and accuracy.

• Compact comfortable fit
• Provides accurate data
• Waterproof
• Compatible with both iOS and Android
• Works with a companion app on a smartphone

• Loses elasticity over time, resulting in poor skin contact and consequently inaccurate data
• Poorly designed and inconvenient MOVESCOUNT application

The Polar H10 chest strap heart rate monitor has built-in memory, with the ability to store a single training session for up to 65 hours before syncing with your phone. The sensor is turned on using the application in the smartphone, and then at the end of the workout you can view your heart rate data.

The lack of a screen on the belt device does not allow for real-time feedback. Therefore, you can use it with compatible Polar equipment for training equipment, as well as Polar smartwatches and cycling computers. H10 s via Bluetooth integrates with most modern smartphones (iOS, iPhone and Android) and works with fitness apps.

The Polar H10 does not track sleep, activity or steps, but when paired with a Polar sports watch it will greatly improve your performance reading. And with the V800, you can get heart rate data while swimming.

The company is known for the good performance of its products, so the Polar chest heart rate monitor has an excellent reputation for reliability and accuracy and an honorable place in our rating.

• Comfortable to wear
• Accurate heart rate readings
• Good battery life
• Waterproof
• Works with third party apps
• Does not require a smartphone
• Sends heart rate data to GoPro Hero 4 and 5 action cameras

• Paid general functions in your own application
• High price

The MZ-3 chest strap has a unique approach to using heart rate data. It uses heart rate to reward the user based on their individual effort levels. Essentially, you get points based on hitting different heart rate ranges. The number of points increases with your intensity.

The application has competitor statistics, where you can compare your points with friends and acquaintances. This playful approach can be applied to any exercise, whether you are a rower, runner or cyclist.

The tracker turns on when it detects skin contact. There will be no problems with battery drain if you forget to turn off the heart rate monitor through the application in your smartphone, as in other chest straps. But there is a risk to start the heart rate monitor, holding it just in the palm of your hand. In this case, the device gives a characteristic sound signal when it is turned on and off to notify the user.

Because the MZ-3 tracks your heart rate and not your movements or steps, it can pretty much be applied to any sport - even swimming, as it's water resistant to 5 ATM. The MZ-3 is ANT+ enabled, allowing it to work with third-party apps such as Strava or MapMyFitness, allowing them to send heart rate data and GPS directions while running or cycling. There's also a MyZone MZ-50 sports watch that can be paired with the strap to provide live stats during workouts.

If you're looking for motivation as well as an accurate indicator of how much effort you put in, we recommend the MyZone MZ-3. Efforts are rewarded. This makes the MyZone MZ-3 a solid choice for everyone from fitness beginners to pros.

• The competitive element of the MyZone platform motivates and stimulates
• Accurate heart rate readings
• Multisport versatility
• Long battery life

• It's not always obvious that the tracker is on
• Can slip during swimming and intense workouts
• Native app needs extra features
• High price

• Most heart rate monitors use rechargeable batteries. However, some use batteries the size of a watch battery, which sometimes need to be replaced.
• Not all heart rate monitors are waterproof. If you want to swim with a chest strap, choose one that's designed for in-water activities.
• To clean the monitor screen and heart rate sensors, gently wipe them with a soft cloth. To get rid of tough stains, lightly dampen the cloth first.
• Use warm soapy water to clean the straps. Air dry under the sun.

Comparison table of characteristics

Use horizontal scroll at the bottom of the table

Battery	Replaceable CR2032 battery	Replaceable CR2032 battery	Replaceable CR2025 battery	Replaceable CR2032 battery	USB, lithium battery
Battery life	Up to 12 months	10 months (three workouts 1 hour per day)	Up to 500 hours	up to 400 h	7 months battery life on a charge
Water resistance	IPX7 (Waterproof up to 10ATM)	5 ATM (50 m)	3 ATM (30 m)	3 ATM (30 m)
Sensor		Heart rate sensor, accelerometer	Heart rate sensor	Heart rate sensor	Heart rate sensor
Connection	Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ (dual band technology)	ANT+	Bluetooth	Bluetooth (supports simultaneous connections)	Bluetooth, ANT+
Internal storage		Yes	Yes. Up to 3 hours of workout data	Yes	Yes. Up to 16 hours of workout data
Heart rate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
heart rate variability	Not	Yes	Not	Not	Not
Tracking	Calories, vertical oscillation and ground contact time	Cadence, stride length, ground contact time, ground contact time balance, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio	Real-time heart rate and calories burned data	Tracks heart rate with multiple target zones as well as calories burned, steps taken and distance	Monitors heart rate, calories and time
Swimming stats	Heartbeat	Heartbeat	Heart rate	Transmits heart rate information while swimming to devices that support 5 kHz transmission	Not
Peculiarities	Works with apps like RunFit 7-minute workout and more Tracks cadence while cycling when paired with the Wahoo Fitness app	Specially designed for triathletes		Indoor Gym Compatibility Connecting a GoPro Allows you to choose your favorite activity from over 100 sports profiles and get real-time voice guidance during your workout	Live data display via mobile app, clock or exercise equipment in the gym Online journal with goal setting, biometrics, tasks, status and social channels

Remember: if you have any concerns about your health or fitness level, check with your doctor. And it's always a good idea to consult with a personal trainer when developing exercises and goals. Take care of yourself.

Heart rate monitors are a rare example of fitness gadgets that people buy not for fashion and convenience, but for real benefit. You won't find a bragging teenager on the streets of big cities telling a friend, "Look how awesome I got myself a heart rate monitor," or a glamorous chick taking a selfie with a brand new Garmin or Polar. But thousands of athletes regularly buy them for a simple reason: they make runners, cyclists, weightlifters and swimmers more efficient in their workouts.

In our past texts, we often mentioned heart rate monitors as a separate feature of GPS watches or fitness trackers. But finally we got to the specific material dedicated to heart-rate monitors. From this text you will learn:

- how heart rate monitors help beginners and experienced athletes;
- what types and types of heart rate monitors can be found on the market today;
- which models most accurately measure the pulse;
- Do heart rate monitors have additional functions and how much do you have to pay for them.

And we will also show you the most budget and expensive HRMs, the most popular models and specialized heart rate monitors for cyclists and extreme sportsmen. We hope our material will make your heart beat a little faster!

Why do athletes need heart rate monitors?

Personally, I see even more benefit in the function of monitoring cardiac activity than in tracking movements or analyzing the level muscle mass. The heart rate monitor does not motivate or encourage (what the average person needs), but it teaches you how to dose the load during sports. There are many extensive treatises on the Internet about how heart rate (HR) affects the quality of training. We will try to explain all this in a few lines.
During sports, we do not feel 100% what our heart is experiencing at that moment. Is it exhausted after an hour of running, or is everything in order, and you can still torture yourself? Is it already possible to move from a warm-up to a hardcore workout or is it too early? In all these matters, people often have to rely on their feelings. And they regularly let people down. As a result - heart problems, too short or prolonged sports. And what does a heart rate monitor give us?

The heart rate monitor shows that line of heart contractions that it is better not to go beyond. At the moment when the pulse jumps too high, you need to slowly “round off” the exercise. Or reduce the load to a reasonable one. All the same, now it will only be to the detriment of the body. Here is a gadget that signals this to the owner: the heart is tired, it's time to sit down and drink some water ... This is very cool, because the myth that training should end in a state of complete exhaustion has long been debunked.

The heart rate monitor shows the "warm-up zone". You can not start serious physical activity without a warm-up - everyone knows this. But when does it end? And how to properly prepare for a fitness session? The heart rate monitor will monitor how your body is warming up, and will tell you when it will be possible to get down to business.

The heart rate monitor determines the zone of maximum training efficiency. Running your tenth lap in a city park and thinking you're awesome? Look at the pulse. Perhaps it has not changed much under the influence of your activity, which means that the body needs an additional load. If you catch this "optimal zone", then try to stay in it: do not exceed the heart rate and do not underestimate.

Heart rate monitors will open the way to sports for people of different health levels. It's a shame, but many "cores" believe that they have no place in sports ... This is a mistake: exercise therapy and light fitness have not harmed anyone yet. Only for such people it is better not to leave the zone of moderate loads! That's the whole secret. And heart rate monitors can become for such people the best weapon against complexes and delusions.

And gadgets with a built-in heart rate monitor more accurately calculate calories burned and develop a forecast for individual training. This is such a nice bonus!

Types, price and design

The designers came up with a lot different ways heart rate measurements, as well as form factors for heart rate monitors. Let's go over the main classifications of modern heart-rate monitors.

First choose pulse sensor which you like the most. Heart rate monitors of the 21st century read heart rate in two ways: optical measurement and using bioimpedance technology. In the first case, human skin is artificially translucent close to the capillaries, and an optical sensor captures the speed and characteristics of light reflection. Blood circulation directly affects what signal the meter receives.

But bioimpedance is a more complex technology. A special device sends electrical signals to the human body: these weakest electrical discharges help it learn a lot about a person. The level of sweating, the composition of muscle mass, and at the same time - and heart rate.

Which sensor is more accurate is a difficult question, we will talk about it below. Now let's talk about where and how the heart rate monitors are attached.

The most fashionable form dictated by time and trends - bracelet. It would seem logical to measure the pulse close to the vein, and most fitness trackers have long taught us that the bracelet is convenient. Its main competitor is chest strap. Runners usually vote for chest heart rate monitors: belts sit supposedly tighter, and still measure heart rate more accurately. True, pampered townsfolk and comfort fans complain about the low usability of such belts. Like, they rub, and they start to crawl from sweat, and in general ... not everyone has the opportunity to walk all day with such a thing under their shirt ... In short, this is more a professional device than a folk one.

At one time were popular and extravagant attachments on the finger (heart rate monitors-rings) and earlobe. They appeared before the introduction of bioimpedance sensors, when developers were trying to achieve maximum accuracy from optical heart rate monitors. On the earlobe and index finger, the capillaries lie as close to the surface as possible - this is convenient for reading heart rate. Accordingly, such gadgets measure the pulse a little more accurately. But strange appearance did not allow them to gain a foothold on the shelves of special stores for a long time :).

In addition, HRM sensors can be found in fitness equipment for gyms (usually these are bioimpedance sensors on the handles), "smart scales" and bicycle computers.

Well, one more important difference by which modern heart rate monitors can be divided. This is actually the one the period in which they are able to monitor the data. The most old-fashioned HRMs capture heart rate only at a specific moment when you press them to the skin and press a special button. Most modern monitors "listen to the heart" all the time, but give out general data, such as "lowest heart rate, highest and average heart rate for the selected period." Well, fancy models can give a complete report for the entire monitoring period in the form of infographics.

What's the price? The heart rate monitor has never been considered an expensive device. The most budget options can be bought for 600-800 rubles. High-quality mass heart rate monitors can be bought at prices ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles. Professional cycling or running devices can cost more than 20,000 rubles.

Which ones are the most accurate?

It is generally accepted that optical chest heart rate monitors have ideal accuracy. Still, the heart is near, and their contact with the body is harder. In second place, popular rumor has placed uncomfortable HRM on the earlobe / finger. Following are classic bracelets with bioimpedance and optical reading.

You can find many tests on the Web, where either one model or another wins the battle for accuracy. Moreover, most of the jambs occur precisely when the HRM measures heart rate at maximum physical exertion. In a state of rest and warm-up, almost no one mows. However, life is not so simple. And even the obvious question: "which is cooler: bioimpedance or "optics"?" not resolved yet. Moreover, many users even blasphemously question the benefits of chest sensors. If you delve into the reviews of experts and users, you can collect real dirt on any type of heart rate monitor.

Do you want negativity optical heart rate monitors? Get it! Even on the wrist, they are not immune to stupid jambs. At least due to the fact that optics perceive different skin colors differently. For dark-skinned people, they can underestimate the indicators; for too pale people, they can overestimate. In the guest books you can find a lot of complaints about this factor from people of different ethnic groups.

Wrist heart rate monitors with bioimpedance seem to have advantages, such as easier access to continuous heart rate measurement ... But here a lot depends on the quality of the sensor and the software for it: the electronics in cheap Asian models very often mess up. And it’s also better not to use them for people with a sick heart and pregnant women (although they should also play sports and measure their pulse !!!). In general, the more complex it is, the more difficult it is to manage.

At chest optical heart rate monitors there is a minus that arises when working with hairy men. Even if they shave their chests regularly, small hairs can affect the quality of the pulse reading. And they are not good friends with sweat. The back and chest of runners sweat more than the wrists and earlobe. This results in loose contact and may even cause the sensor to slip. And for the chest bioimpedance to work properly, it must have good electrical contact with the body. The skin dried up or did not have time to sweat - there may be incorrect data.

It turns out that in search of the ideal hear-rate monitor, one should bet not on a certain type of sensor, but on the quality of a particular model. If the developers provide for all the pitfalls, then the result of the gadget can be relied upon.

How to choose a heart rate monitor: models with GPS and tracking function

What benefits should an HRM have other than a reliable and accurate sensor? Good battery? Smart software? Additional features?

Well, the battery lasts a long time on most heart rate monitors. If the GPS sensor is not turned on there, then the HRM lives almost in wristwatch mode. But well-thought-out software and bonuses such as an accelerometer or navigation will not interfere with such gadgets.

Let's start with software features. An ideal HRM should:

* Maintain training history: a convenient activity log on your computer or smartphone will help you track your progress! The more detailed the fitness diary, the better;

* Have memory for training zones. Over time, you will learn in which zone calories are burned better, in which muscles grow, and in which you need to prepare for the end of the workout. Ideally, the gadget should remember them (from 3 to 5 zones) and provide the owner with comfortable prompts;

* Warn host. About danger (too high heart rate), about ineffective training (too low heart rate), about changing the training zone.

* Convenient to connect with computer, smart phone and fitness app. Pay attention to the ANT+ protocol. It is much more efficient than ANT and means that your device can "make friends" with other fitness gadgets.

It is important to know something else: an uncoded or coded heart rate sensor is in front of you. The first transmits an open signal, so it is more prone to interference, but sports heart rate monitors with it are also cheaper. The second transmits an encrypted signal, protected from lags.

Many athletes use heart rate trackers without any additional features. But in our time, a mass buyer is always looking for bonus features in any gadget. And in modern heart rate monitors there are many pleasant surprises that will also work to increase the effectiveness of training. Here they are - services that "certainly won't harm" your heart-rate monitor:

• Pedometer-accelerometer: with it you can calculate the number of calories burned and keep a personal activity diary, tracking your own progress or degradation;
• GPS sensor: a must have for running and cycling fans. It monitors your travel speed, track elevation and performs basic navigational functions;
• Extensive bioimpedance options: Recall that these miniature electric shocks allow you to roughly determine the ratio of muscle and fat mass in the body, as well as track changes in this ratio. A good feature for those who started running to fight excess weight.

Of course, the idea of ​​combining all these features into one device looks very tempting. Therefore, more and more not heart rate monitors in their pure form, but hybrid devices appear on the market. Both those and others will be included in our review of the most popular, budget, expensive and specialized heart rate monitors.

The most popular gadgets with a heart rate monitor

So, the two most popular gadget models with HRM on - Fitbit Charge HR and In the first case, we have before us - a mixture of "smart watches" and a fitness tracker. But Polar is a heart rate monitor in its purest form. Let's take a closer look at them.

Fitness bracelet with Fitbit Charge HR heart rate monitor. This is a fairly expensive fitness bracelet with a built-in heart rate monitor, priced at $149. He is friends with all existing mobile operating systems, can count steps and calories burned, monitor sleep phases and altitude levels. And "Fitbit" signals received SMS, incoming calls and emails. But how good is the heart rate monitor of the device?

The Fitbit sensor itself is made according to own technology PurePulse. It can only distinguish three zones of activity(not enough!). The results are displayed on a smartphone in the form of infographics, and also links them to indicators of "calorie burning" and physical activity. Here is what users write about his work:

“The pulse is delayed, especially when the hand is sweaty or wet. If you need to monitor your heart rate while strength training or running, then this bracelet is not for you!, - writes Andrew Andrew.

And the next speaker disagrees with him:

“Firstly, it allows you to evaluate the work of the heart in the daytime mode using the “Rest Pulse” parameter. I was allowed to see that regular sports (running) really reduce the resting heart rate, which indicates the strengthening of the heart muscle. Secondly, it allows you to adjust your workout in an optimal way, using the online heart rate zone you need, and also gives very detailed statistics on the results of the workout (by the second: changes in heart rate, calories burned, heart rate zone).”

Many admit that the gadget loses its pulse from profuse sweat, but in this case, loosening the strap on the arm helps.

The accuracy of "Charge" cannot be called ideal: in a state of load, the gadget still gives deviations. However, most often these are not critical deviations of 3-5-7 strokes. And Derek Klemons generally assures that he compared the Fitbit readings with a chest sensor from another company, and they coincided almost everywhere. In general, for a mass audience - a ride.

And what will impress us with a bracelet with a heart rate monitor

Here, after all, the heart rate monitor is not a side service, but the main function! This gadget is almost three times cheaper: only 54 dollars. Polar also reads heart rate 24 hours a day and analyzes the approximate number of calories burned. But there is no pedometer and height detector, call alerts and fitness gadgets here. And you also need to consider that the device only works with a chest sensor. In theory, this should provide the buyer with increased reading accuracy. A popular rating of 4.5 stars confirms this rule best. According to buyers, the gadget perfectly counts the pulse and calories burned.

Eric J writes:

“The watch is incredibly easy to use. When you first open the window, you go through the setup wizard, enter your weight, gender... and you're good to go. They automatically determine the comfort zones for you, all functions are called up in a couple of button presses ... I am a core person, and it is especially important for me not to overload the heart. So, every time I get into the risk zone, he just beeps and I reduce the load. The perfect purchase for me!”

What is the negative comment about? Lack of connection with smartphones (all data must be searched on a small display), frequent replacement of a removable battery (every 6 months) and too loud warning signals... Decide for yourself whether this will stress you out :).

But the real plus of the gadget is that it connects and works with GymLink series machines. The FT4 is also water-resistant enough to take it to the pool or swim in a shallow river (although if heart rate tracking is not that important to you, we recommend using the swimming fitness trackers from our review for this purpose). The model is also popular with girls: it is sold in light green, pink, silver and black colors.

All in all, universal choice for beginners and experienced athletes.

The best budget heart rate monitors and the most expensive HRM

Does the price affect the quality of HRM? Let's compare one of the cheapest heart rate monitors and the most expensive one.

The best heart rate monitor for cyclists

Let's start with budget watch models with heart rate monitor HDE Fitness Sport for 7 dollars. SEVEN BUCKS!!! It's a full meal at a fast food restaurant... or a dozen metro rides in the capital. Or... a fitness tracker???

Nobody hides that HDE is stamped in China. Well, how could you hide it? But he knows something. Counts laps completed by a runner or cyclist. It shows the current time quite accurately ... It even monitors calories burned! In general, such a simple Chinese watch with HRM. Which still for some reason give a two-year warranty.

HDE owners literally yell in surprise in the comments:

“It really works. I bought it for fun, did not believe in a gadget for 7 bucks. But it turned out that he was very good. I compared the results with the indicators of medical equipment and they almost always matched!!!”, - writes Rick.

And others are quick to disappoint them. Adim assures:

“The watch looks good and works well. But the heart rate monitor is useless. I took 10 consecutive heart rate measurements while sitting, and got 10 different results, ranging from 45 beats per minute to 87 beats per minute. Some kind of Russian roulette.

Yes, roulette. But why not play it for 7 bucks? It's not as hard as deciding to buy watch with heart rate monitor Polar V800 GPS, whose official price of the device is $500. True, on sales you can find it for 350 "green".

The most expensive heart rate monitor in the world is positioned as a "multi-sport device". Ideally, the V800 should bring any athlete to euphoria: a football player and a diver, a fitness lover and a weightlifter, a runner and a jumper! The developers have generously shared with their offspring functionality that can meet such a goal. According to the guys from Polar, this model was tested by professional triathletes and track and field athletes. Not in vain here advanced GPS-mode is provided for connoisseurs of running cross country and extreme tourism.

This gadget monitors the heart rate and the distance traveled, the speed and pace of movement, the level of altitude and physical activity. With it, you can test the state of the body: how ready are you and your heart for a serious workout! The owner of the heart rate monitor will receive an answer to such a question in a few moments.

The Polar battery lasts 14 hours at full load and 50 hours in low power GPS mode. Almost a record figure for GPS-devices! The screen of the Polar V800 GPS is covered with reinforced Gorilla Glass, and the mechanics is protected from immersion even at 100 meters! The device can be synchronized with anything and anything, it even provides for the addition of special bicycle sensors, such as a cadence analyzer. This model already includes the "smart coach" familiar to fitness trackers, who analyzes your past results and suggests how to achieve new records in the future.

Owners of Polar V800 are predictably delighted with their purchase. Although, they find fault with trifles more seriously.

“For some reason, work with mountain bike and mountain driving style. Until now, there is no connection with Android ... Well, the sensors for exercise bikes are so-so, guys. writes Monteiro.

But all this is covered by the obvious concern of developers for the convenience and comfort of their customers. The model has a built-in cool backlight, vibration alerts, a large and high-contrast display. Optical sensors are very well located here and Bluetooth works almost perfectly. It perfectly reads the pulse under water ... In short, this is a quality gadget that is worth the money.

Ideal heart rate monitor for cyclists

Our story would be incomplete without information about cycling heart rate monitors. As a rule, they cost an order of magnitude more expensive than running or fitness devices. If you want to buy one for yourself - get ready to invest from 5 to 30 thousand rubles!

But each bicycle HRM is a small on-board computer. It can work with an exercise bike, and with a city bike, and with a cool mountain bike. The leaders among manufacturers are still the same: Garmin, Polar, Suunto. Perhaps the best way to tell us about the advantages and features of cycling heart rate monitors is the model Polar CS300.

Yes, it is quite expensive - you have to pay for the Polar 11900 rubles. But for a bike computer, this is a very budget model. Especially if you take into account the high ratings of the device: from 4 to 5 stars on different markets.

The feature of the CS-300 is that you can put it on the steering wheel and take it with you to the gym for fitness classes. It gives out heart rates in the form of a detailed cardiogram and accurately measures the speed of your iron friend. The gadget has an amazing memory and the ability to record up to 14 training stages. We did a warm-up, then more active exercises, pulled ourselves up on the bar, ran, sat on the bike ... all these fragments will be sorted and analyzed. To all the tests already known to us, here we have added an aerobic test for endurance during rest and a test for the body's ability to absorb oxygen. An important function: after all, the effectiveness of training depends on the level of oxygen in the blood, and your internal state.

Auto start and auto stop functions allow you to program the cycling computer to automatically start and stop training recording when you start or stop pedaling... and at the end of the race you get a report: how well you pedaled at different stages of the track (uphill, downhill, on the plain).

By the way, about bikes: the device remembers the configuration and characteristics of two bikes at once. Before starting a workout, you can select a bike with the right settings for a particular workout. And there is also a very cool battery, built-in workout reminders (get behind the wheel, lazy ass) and much more. No wonder cyclists regularly rank this device among the best bike heart rate monitors!

“I have almost every Garmin, three Suuntos, a complete Polar collection! but this thing will no doubt be cooler than all of them. All tests are performed quickly, everything is done very simply. A person of any age will master this thing, and most importantly, it is very reliable and accurate. writes anonymously on the Amazon portal.

The best heart rate monitor with pressure measurement function - Smart Bracelet Jet SPORT FT-7 Gray

Smart bracelet Jet SPORT FT-7 Gray has a modern design. Discreet touchscreen monitor and rubberized dark-colored strap fits perfectly on the hand, does not interfere in daily affairs.

In addition to the basic built-in functions - sleep tracking, a calorie counter, notifications of messages and calls, measuring the number of steps, the bracelet has several additional ones. These include a built-in heart rate monitor. You can check your heart rate and blood pressure at any time. This is very convenient for people with tachycardia or those who are very active in sports.

It can be connected to a smartphone of any manufacturer. regardless of the type of operating system (Android, ios). The owner of the bracelet will always be aware of the emails, incoming messages, and calls received on the phone.

Summing up

At one time it seemed to me that the trend to combine different functions in one device would kill good heart rate monitors. In the beginning, things really went towards this: fitness trackers with a heart rate sensor entered the market with multiple jambs ... They were wrong in their readings, they could not measure their pulse 24 hours a day ... But people still bought Fitbits and Jabons. Because they are more fashionable and pumped. But manufacturers of heart rate monitors slowly began to respond to this threat. Now they are adding less important pedometers and SMS and call alerts to their heart rate monitors. And their accuracy and reliability remained the same.

Therefore, athletes have someone to rely on. All the models that we have listed in this review are worthy gadgets that will earn their money. Even a penny Chinese for $ 7. And insanely expensive Polar. Their key to success is simple: simple technology + decent implementation = user love and accurate data.

Oh, I wish all developers worked on this principle!