Rating of the best heart rate monitors according to buyers. How to choose a heart rate monitor for training: tips and tricks

On the this moment many people understood the importance of maintaining good health compulsory physical education, and more specifically running. It has become one of the most democratic sports activities.

The main thing you need for your classes is special equipment. One type of equipment you can use is a running heart rate monitor. This accessory is quite an old invention. This device has been used for a long time and successfully by athletes. The number of types of such accessories at the moment is very large. It is not difficult to choose a device that will measure your heartbeat and pulse. For a large number of sports, there are special heart rate monitors and for several types of multisport.

Of course, the use of this accessory is required to establish the necessary rhythm of physical activity during training. specific person, and, importantly, with different physical training. There is a function in the modern developments of these accessories called "personal fitness trainer". Due to this function, the planning of physical activity occurs. These modern heart rate monitors designed for running prevent the possibility of exaggerating the load on the heart muscle above the norm, they are aimed at increasing the efficiency of training and good body tone.

Almost all heart rate monitors on sale have many important functions that allow you to keep your heart rate motility, heart rate, and heartbeat under systematic control. These indicators are quite significant in the analysis of the training process in order to obtain stable progress from running. Heart rate monitors for runners at the moment are not much different from professional ones.

Modern data accessories have gained popularity due to the accuracy of the data they receive. Ease of use and simplicity. They have next principle work. A special sensor that can be attached either to the earlobe, or to the finger, or to the chest, detects tremors of blood in the vessels. The data is then digitized and further processed. The values are displayed on the instrument monitor.

Of course, the type of signal plays an important role:

The heart rate monitor model containing a watch is quite popular now. It has the functionality of a regular watch and a heart rate monitor. These types of models also have a calorie counter, an alarm clock and a calendar. Demonstration of data is made by means of the display.

There is also a so-called mini heart rate monitor used for running. This device must be worn on the finger during running training. This device for its small dimensions has a relatively large functionality.

When you are serious about buying this running accessory, it is important to consider its specialization. It should be designed specifically for running.

It is important to consider the design of the heart rate transmitter. In many cases, this transmitter is attached to the chest with a flexible padded strap. Unwanted fasteners are various kinds of buckles and latches. A positive factor when choosing this device will be if it has such a mounting design when the transmitter is worn over the head.

You also need to carefully consider the nature of the replacement of batteries. The most promising in this regard will be a model in which these elements are located directly in the device itself and you can replace them yourself. Battery life for some models reaches 4 years.

When choosing a heart rate monitor for running, it is important to consider how convenient menu navigation is.

For those who are just starting to run, the simplicity and accuracy of the device is important. For those who resort to intense training, it is required to have an overtraining prevention function.

Additional features of heart rate monitors for running:

GPS
This navigator is necessary to determine the running speed and distance. Subsequently, the data is superimposed on the map in order to analyze the training. This feature, because it significantly increases the cost of the device. It is also not without faults.
Pedometer The main advantage over GPS is that this function allows you to measure the distance in indoor areas. To get accurate information with a pedometer, it is important to use the heart rate monitor in places that have a flat surface.

The primary focus when choosing a heart rate monitor for running should be the accuracy of your heart rate measurement. Without this priority indicator, other functions are meaningless.

When you buy a heart rate monitor, you need to see if it has a warranty card and what the warranty period is for the device. You also need to pay attention to the integrity of the packaging of the heart rate monitor.

Sports watch with heart rate monitor

Ordinary watches on the wrist and watches with a heart rate monitor differ from each other. A watch with a heart rate monitor for running has a wider functionality than a regular watch. This accessory is a heart rate monitor, a pedometer and a tonometer (designed to determine the level of blood pressure) in one device. As the advantages of this device, it is important to highlight such properties as a shockproof case, high accuracy, convenience and lightness.

There are many models that are equipped with a timer, stopwatch, flashlight and counter. Models with a higher price have more possibilities and they have additional features in addition to those listed: GPS navigator, heart rate monitoring, calorie burn counter.

A running watch with a stopwatch makes it possible to record intermediate results of a workout. The timer counts down the set intervals when you perform exercises or tasks. In addition, a sports watch for running can function as an alarm clock, you can see the current day of the week and the current time on their screen.

How to choose the right watch with a heart rate monitor?

Almost all sports watches with a heart rate monitor are presented on Russian market. This accessory is sold in sporting goods stores. You can also choose these watches for purchase in online stores.

Many companies specializing in the production of watches, at the same time, produce sports models. This watch is available for both men and women.

The cost of a sports watch with this accessory consists of the popularity of the manufacturer and the functions of the device.

Today we invite you to take a look at best-of-breed sports and fitness heart rate monitors from chest straps to headphones, and choose the best one for you. successful model for training.

Why you need a heart rate monitor

Heart rate monitors are a must for anyone who makes any time physical activity and sports in any of its manifestations: from cycling to intensive training in the gym, etc.

They are used to monitor the work of the heart, determine the permissible loads, pulse zones and go beyond these zones.

Traditionally, the following zones are distinguished:

Therapeutic area with a frequency of 60 - 70% of the Maximum Heart Rate (MHR). The safest area for untrained athletes. Such a pulse is typical for a morning workout or an intense walk at a fast pace.

Fitness zone with a frequency of 70 - 80% of the MHR. Such a pulse appears during jogging or going up and down stairs, and it is the loads characteristic of this zone that actively contribute to fat burning and weight loss.

Aerobic zone- 80 - 90% of MHR. An even more intense load, during which not only fats are burned, but also carbohydrates. Such a pulse can occur, for example, during sports dancing.

anaerobic zone- 90 - 95% of MHR. Carbohydrates are consumed. Such a pulse "trains" endurance, and occurs during serious activities: cycling, skiing, skating and other active sports.

Zone maximum load - over 95% of MHR. Professionals work in this area, and ordinary people subjecting yourself to such a burden may not be safe.

What is MCSS

Your maximum allowable heart rate during sports and target zones are calculated according to the method of the Finnish physician Martti Karvonen. To do this, you need to know your Maximum Heart Rate, or MHR.

The formula for determining the maximum heart rate: "220 is your age." Definition of upper and lower bounds.

How to choose a heart rate monitor

Today, the market is overflowing with offers for various types of gadgets, and this is not surprising, since almost forty years have passed since the appearance of the first "household" heart rate monitor.

The most common are considered these types of sports heart rate monitors:

Chest straps with sensors

The classic image of a sports sensor, consisting of one or two parts (strap and separate cardio monitor). These heart rate monitors are synchronized with special applications in the smartphone, where data about your workouts and heart rate is stored automatically.

Pros:

High accuracy

Measurement history

Minuses:

Required to have a phone with you*

Leaders:

First among equals seems to be Polar! Firstly, it is really the first in the consumer market - since 1965 the company has been producing gadgets for measuring heart rate for athletes. AT latest update Polar H10 is on the market!

The model has received a number of improvements that make it, perhaps, the most accurate in its niche: firstly, it is a longer tape with electrodes, which allows you to take the pulse more accurately, eliminating external interference. And, secondly, the built-in memory for one workout, so now there is no need to run with a smartphone. And of course waterproof!

Cheaper analogues:

- synchronizes with most well-known applications, including Runtastic, Endomondo, which is convenient. Sufficiently high indicators of accuracy and reliability, but at the same time - at a surprisingly attractive price! There is no application. And is it necessary?

Chest straps with clock

A class of sports devices that includes a watch and a sports chest strap that are linked together. Information about the work of the heart is sent to the wrist in real time.

A plus:

Convenient, always at hand (on hand)

Most models of this type have a colossal autonomy, since both watches and chest straps are powered by batteries, more often these are CRs.

Minus:

Dynamics not saved long term, since in most cases such models do not have their own application.

In this niche of devices, Polar should also be noted among the first - the .

Of the practical analogues - the German Sigma - ...

So are the novelties of this season: gadgets and

Heart rate watches

The most expensive options are optical heart rate monitors that scan the blood and, based on the data obtained, calculate the pulse in real time. Currently, optical heart rate monitors are also integrated into smart watches, but this class of devices is not very suitable for sports.

A plus:

No dependence on the strap and other accessories.

Minus:

With excessive sweating, the pulse can “lose”!

The best heart rate monitors are Mio brand models. Even Garmin used their experience when developing their first optical models!

The company has some cool products, both sports watches and bracelets.

- sports watch for training with precise optics.
is a novelty on the market with an innovative way of assessing the activity and the benefits of this activity (PAI). 24/7 heart rate monitoring included, of course!

Such models measure the pulse "on demand" and do not show it all the time. These are rather "household" models, but they can be used at low loads ^ and during training.

A plus:

Convenient and practical, most often such models have additional functions: a pedometer,
calorie counter, smart alarm, etc.

Minus:

No continuous real-time heart rate monitoring

The most famous and most accurate here will be.

Add to this the high reliability of the gadget itself, sealing and autonomy for up to a year, and for 3490 rubles you have an excellent fitness watch on your hand!

Also other models and all the novelties in the market of heart rate monitors Stay up to date.

Date: 08/15/2017 Time: 17:10 9212

Before choosing a sports watch or fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitor, read our recommendations to get the right heart rate device.

If you play sports, then you probably know that fitness is not only the amount of exercises that you perform, but also the intensity of their implementation. This is where your heart rate plays an important role. The heart rate monitor is the best assistant, telling you when to speed up or slow down when achieving results.

Types of data transfer devices

Most heart monitors use sensors located in the chest strap or on the wrist, as is the case with smartwatches or sports bracelets. Heart rate monitors in chest straps are more accurate and their results are comparable to ECG, since here the sensor is located in close proximity to the heart.

The electrodes in the strips of conductive material in the belts detect the pulse rate in in electronic format, after which the data is sent via Bluetooth using the ANT+ or Smart protocol to a smartphone or a receiver in a sports watch.

However, watches, bracelets and armbands much more comfortable: the chest during sports is not compressed and there is freedom of movement. Newer models of fitness devices do not need smartphones and show heart rate information directly on their display.

However, there are downsides as well. Wrist heart rate monitors that use infrared light get interference from muscles, tendons, and bones, while those that use only green light can be misleading due to dark pigments in skin, hair, or tattoos. In addition, when the heart rate rises, say, above 160 beats per minute, optical sensors simply cannot cope with tracking blood flow.

In this case, a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor requires special rules of use.

How to wear a chest heart rate monitor

To achieve the best results in heart rate readings, there are several factors that affect the accuracy of the data.

When using the chest belt, you need to correctly place it on your chest, under your chest, directly on the skin. The electronic element should be in the middle, between your ribs. The belt can be adjusted with a buckle to fit snugly but comfortably enough without causing discomfort or suffocation. Some companies before use chest heart rate monitor It is recommended to wipe the skin with a damp cloth. This will help better contact to read heart rate.

How to wear a fitness bracelet/sports watch

Here are 5 main factors that can affect the operation of the heart rate sensor.

The location of the sensor on the skin. It goes without saying that for the heart rate sensor to work as advertised, the device needs skin contact. For example, Apple explicitly states that the sensors will only work "when you wear your Apple Watch on top of your wrist." Better fit means best reading. Therefore, if the smartwatch is too loose and not fixed in one place, tighten the strap or bracelet comfortably.

An important role is played by the position of the device on the wrist. As the developers advise, a smartwatch or smartband should be slightly higher than the usual location of a classic watch: 2-3 cm from the bone, or 1-3 fingers from the crook of the hand.

The blood supply to the skin affects performance. Because the optical heart rate sensors of most sports watches primarily monitor blood flow, they are prone to inaccuracies. This is because the amount of blood that flows through the skin different people varies considerably.
Exercising at low temperatures can reduce skin blood flow, which reduces the accuracy of heart rate control.
Avoid irregular movements. Practice has shown that rhythmic movements, such as running or cycling, give better results compared to irregular movements, which are performed in sports such as tennis or boxing. Nevertheless, manufacturers of new models for athletes are trying to do everything to ensure that sports fans get the most out of training. They produce watches with a heart rate monitor that can distinguish between sports activity and read the heart rate correctly.

Connect to external heart rate monitors. You can still connect your fitness tracker to wireless heart rate monitors like Bluetooth chest straps and get the most accurate heart rate readings.

The main functions of a fitness bracelet / sports watch

heart rate monitor

The heart rate sensor on the back of the device flashes LEDs hundreds of times per second to help you accurately calculate your heart rate. It checks heart rate during workouts for overview both intensity levels and changes in heart rate over time.

As a rule, professional athletes prefer to use a sports watch paired with an additional heart rate sensor to get accurate heart rate readings. These can be either chest straps or sensors built into armbands.

Pedometer

With a pedometer, athletes record the number of steps taken while walking or running, and therefore the distance traveled and the number of calories burned. Using it is a way to track daily activity as well as set goals to take as many steps a day as possible and be more active.

It must be borne in mind that pedometers that convert steps into distance traveled can make mistakes, because if the device is not calibrated to the specific step of the user, as well as the length of his leg and foot, inaccuracies cannot be avoided. The exact process depends on the device itself, but in most cases it is necessary to customize the pedometer for the user.

For more accurate indicators of the distance traveled, athletes use the built-in GPS system in orienteering smartwatches. But the consumption of calories by the number of steps taken is considered only approximate, because each organism is individual and unique.

Tonometer

In 1992 Casio invented measuring blood pressure using a wristwatch. It was convenient and fashionable, however, they attracted gadget lovers, but not the mainstream market due to the inaccuracy of the indicators.

Today on the market you can see a few models of smart watches with a tonometer, because each of us understands that for the correct measurement of blood pressure, we need special apparatus, and it is also necessary to take into account physiological features each person, such as, for example, weight, age, and even gender.

Battery life

An important criterion for a device for sports is the life of the battery. Therefore, when choosing a device, you need to keep in mind that the operation of the heart rate monitor and the pedometer consume a large number of energy. Especially if GPS is used.

Manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the capacity of the battery and its life. It is important to keep the battery charged regularly and not to use the GPS system unnecessarily if you want to extend the operating time of the device.

Additional functions of smart watches/fitness trackers

In addition to a pedometer, heart rate monitor, and blood pressure monitor, smartwatches for sports can offer various useful features that help you track and control your activity. These include:

Sleep monitoring. For people who spend a lot of energy on fitness, it is very important to monitor the amount of rest and the quality of sleep. With this function, the user makes an assessment of his sleep, and using a special application, he can view his statistics.
Multisport tracking. Most fitness smartwatches can automatically distinguish what sport the user is doing to keep track of all their activities. For example, the number of strokes of a swimmer, the cadence of a cyclist, or the strokes of a tennis racket. So, you can save time when setting up for a particular sport.
Smart Notifications. Move more, change pace, sleep better, and so on - these are prompts that encourage the user to stick to the recommendations to achieve good results.
Launching health apps. Here it is easy to observe your growth and achievement of various goals: graphs and charts help you visually evaluate your workouts, and also provide an opportunity to compare results with other users of sports communities. There are applications for proper nutrition, training or data collection about any physical activity with statistics and subsequent analysis.

There are many more additional features that can be listed. The main thing is that when choosing a sports watch with a heart rate monitor, you pay attention to what goals you are pursuing and what is most important in achieving them.

It should also be noted that the wrist-based heart rate sensor is a fairly inaccurate device and should not be 100% relied upon. For a qualitative assessment of the state of the heart, counting steps and measuring blood pressure, there is a special niche of devices on the market, to which smart watches are connected and act as an additional tool.

Have you tried the heart rate monitor in your watch and is it accurate, and if you have any questions about choosing a fitness bracelet or a watch with a heart rate monitor, write in the comments.

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. Most The right way using a heart rate monitor - training 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 full information about your movements during 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.

For many, the choice of a multifunctional device turns into headache. After all, you really want to buy a decent device with a large set of useful functions for a symbolic cost. What about a heart rate monitor? Judging by the reviews of the owners who purchased such a device for themselves, many functions of the heart rate monitor remained unclaimed. How to make the right choice? The focus of this article is the heart rate monitor. Feedback from buyers and sellers will help you decide on the choice of devices that currently exist on the market.

List of device requirements

Before choosing a heart rate monitor model, you need to familiarize yourself with the functionality. It is clear that the more features a device has, the higher its price. Therefore, the list of requirements will be compiled by the usefulness of the functions from top to bottom. Dividing the list into groups will allow you to define three price categories - cheap, medium and expensive.

Measurement method and signal type. Wrist watch with analog and wireless chest strap have a low price. The sensor built into the watch and taking readings from the wrist is more expensive and inaccurate. And digital data transmission requires decryption on a computer, but it is not subject to interference from electrical appliances.
Operation thresholds. By setting the upper and lower heart rate thresholds, you can devote yourself to training. An overload or weakening of the load on the heart will notify the owner with a sound signal.
A pedometer is useful for calculating the distance traveled. However, watches with a heart rate monitor and a pedometer do not count the distance when skating and cycling.
The calculation of calories is interesting for people who are losing weight, but it is not always accurate.
Speedometer, barometer, altimeter, odometer - for many, in general, new words in circulation.

A simple solution for a reasonable price

According to statistics, the Sigma PC 3.11 heart rate monitor is considered the best-selling device on the Russian market. Reviews about it are mostly positive. It does not shine with the presence of great functionality, but for most it is enough:

analog wireless data transmission from the chest sensor;
huge and clear display;
built-in stopwatch up to tenths of a second;
waterproof aluminum case.

An inexpensive device suitable for all athletes who just need to see the heart rate. In terms of price-quality ratio, nothing is better than the PC 3.11 heart rate monitor. Reviews negative character, such as the provision of false data in close proximity to the orbit track, are not taken into account, since this is officially declared by the manufacturer in the certificate for the device.

Since we are talking about Sport, reviews of which for the most part describe the advantages of the device rather than the disadvantages, you should pay attention to the models of the tenth series (10.11) and higher (14.11, 15.11). Yes, the price has doubled compared to the cheapest model, but the functionality has increased significantly:

response thresholds for a given range of heart rate with audible alarm;
lap counter, calories, training time outside the training zone;
stopwatch, backlight of a huge screen, and in some models, the presence of a vibration signal.

Of all the listed functionality, only the possibility of installing a training zone deserves attention. Having calculated your maximum age and heart rate for effective fat burning, you can train more productively.

21st century device

About the Polar heart rate monitor, the reviews of owners and sellers contain more indications of advantages than disadvantages. The functionality of the device fully corresponds to the price, and if you compare it with Sigma Sport, you will find that the devices are almost identical. The difference is only in appearance. The Polar heart rate monitor looks like a device from the distant future - the futuristic look of each model is unique and, judging by the reviews of sellers, attracts the attention of buyers.

Pleasant functions, in addition to the set heart rate thresholds, can be considered the presence of an alarm clock and the relationship with a personal computer. Working with a PC is not only about keeping a training log and compiling reports. Proprietary software allows you to create entire training programs and record them on a heart rate monitor.

German quality

Affects the review and German Beurer heart rate monitors. Reviews about these devices are quite interesting both from the sellers themselves and from the buyers. The advantages include ease of use. What from the sensor, that from the watch on the hand there is no discomfort - put it on and forgot about their existence. Some models of devices (updated series) are equipped with a measuring sensor on the watch case, which allows you to read data directly from the athlete's finger. The upper and lower limit of the heart rate with an alarm in the middle class of heart rate monitors is the norm, but the difficulty in setting up and managing causes negative users. It is unlikely that it will be possible to set up the measuring device the first time, even if there is a Russified instruction. Also, users note the poor quality of chest sensors, which often refuse to work when swimming underwater. The same applies to the control buttons of the wrist device, when you press them underwater, the dial of the device fogs up, which indicates the ingress of moisture inside. In such cases service center refuses warranty.

Serious Approach

Devices from the expensive segment deserve special attention. The heart rate monitor, reviews of sellers about which are only positive, has a built-in navigation system, moreover, of its own design. We are talking about the famous American brand Garmin. It is easier for happy owners of a heart rate monitor from this manufacturer to write what functions are missing than to list all its advantages. In fact, a fully functional laptop is on the athlete’s hand, which, thanks to the built-in sensors, is able to perform all kinds of calculations and display the result on the screen surface.

However, judging by customer reviews, interest in the functionality of the heart rate monitor is quickly disappearing. Actively used is only a warning about the pace of the training and reporting on the distance traveled, measured using GPS. If you read the instructions in more detail, everything will become clear. It is incorrectly positioned on the Russian market, because its main consumers are travelers, not athletes.

Apple fans will be pleased

Smart Watch is also able to read the wearer's pulse. Only, unlike the heart rate monitors from the review, the data on the device comes directly from the wrist, on which the watch is fixed. Apple has a very smart heart rate monitor. Reviews in funds mass media regarding the use of this device in the process of training is far from positive. First, the price of the device is high, and the protection against moisture and shock is too low to use the Apple Watch during intense workouts. In addition, the entire functionality of the heart rate monitor depends directly on software, which must be installed on a phone, tablet or laptop of the same name, because the watch is just a sensor. For use in sports, the device looks very doubtful.

Finally

In fact, it is impossible to find the perfect heart rate monitor for yourself. User reviews are subjective and not always helpful. But it is worth noting that all the reviews in the media and the reviews of potential owners agree on one thing - good heart rate monitor must have a threshold function for triggering preset heart rates. Everything else is waste Money which is not substantiated. Also, regardless of the brand, it is worth paying attention to models that have a durable case and protection from moisture, because in the gym, in addition to the fact that intense exercise causes profuse sweating, immersing the watch and the sensor in a humid environment, it is quite possible that the heart rate monitor accidentally hits foreign objects.