How to choose an arm heart rate monitor: selection criteria, the best models for running

What does the use of a heart rate monitor give, and what indicators you need to pay attention to

The heart rate monitor is useful for those who are actively involved in sports and monitor the state of their heart due to malaise. "Advanced" models are able not only to capture the heart rate, but also to count the number of steps, calories burned, and the level of oxygen in the blood. Modern gadgets can even act as a means of communication - here's a clock for you. Who might need such a device? As already mentioned, these are people who, for health reasons, need to control their pulse.

Who else is a potential buyer of such a device? This is everyone who plays sports for the sake of a good figure. Calorie counting and physical activity will help you to correctly draw up a training plan. This tool is also needed for those who attend cardio training and are professionally engaged in strength training.

What does the definition of the intensity of the load give and how to calculate it? The formula is very simple: 220 - your years = maximum permissible heart rate (HR). For a simple warm-up and recovery of the body after illness or injury, 50-60% of the heart rate is enough. To lose weight, you need to load the heart muscle by 60-70%. To maintain the body in a constant tone and increase physical endurance, 70-80% of the heart rate is enough, and for the muscles to increase in volume - 80-90%. And the last level of full performance with a bias in professional sports activities - 90-100%.

The smart measuring device, of which we are talking, will help to keep in the right rhythm of physical activity.

Heart rate sensor device

Heart rate chest devices work on the same principle as electrocardiogram devices. At the heart of the device is invented by V. Einthoven at the beginning of the 20th century, a galvanometer. By the way, this invention brought him world fame and the Nobel Prize.

An EKG uses electrodes on the chest, legs, and arms to capture the rhythm of the heart muscle. But, in principle, they can be installed only on the arm or chest. The whole design, thanks to technical improvements, has been reduced to two tiny electrodes and a processor that processes the signal and transmits it to the watch display or smartphone wirelessly communication. Another type of sensors used in smartwatches is optical. Microscopic photodetectors detect changes in blood vessels.

Its purpose is periodic heart rate research. The pioneer in this direction was the Philips company, it was she who developed a miniature sensor for use in compact household appliances. And it is this modern technology that is used today in fitness bracelets and smartwatches with a wrist-based heart rate monitor. The green eyes of the LEDs on the inside of the strap are the very same photoplethysmographic sensors.

An honest look at a wrist heart rate monitor: pros and cons

There are plenty of arguments in favor of buying this smart gadget:

• heart rate control protects the heart muscle from overload;
• the effectiveness of the training process increases due to correctly distributed loads;
• the wrist device allows you to assess the progress in sports;
• you can easily calculate the number of calories burned and coordinate your diet.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

Fashionable cardio equipment is equipped with a heart rate measurement system, which is built into the handles. The measurement errors of such a device are too large to be guided by its readings in real training.

If you use the meter on your body, it is very convenient: there is no need to stop during exercise and break the rhythm.

In addition, the wrist devices have additional functions: blood pressure meter, stopwatch, clock, call and message alerts, GPS, alarm clock and much more. But it never happens that everything is perfect. There are some drawbacks in using this device. For example, if you use an optical sensor during your running workouts, it starts to false readings after reaching a heart rate of up to 160 beats per minute. The reason is too intense blood flow.

In general, it must be recognized that chest devices provide more accurate data than wristwatches for measuring heart rate. But wait just a couple of years, the developers continue to work on solving these problems.

Types of heart rate monitors and their features

Household heart rate meters are of two types: for mounting on the chest and wrist.

Another gradation is in the presence of an additional device for receiving a signal. Heart rate monitors can have their own monitor to display the signal and / or the ability to communicate with a watch or smartphone. If the second option is used, you need to install special applications for the analysis of readings. The type of information transfer can be analog or digital. The analog signal is an obsolete option and suffers from radio interference and other errors.

Running and strength training chest heart rate monitor

The chest heart rate meter has no equal in accuracy yet. It counts the pulse both in motion and at rest with practically no errors. At first, it may be difficult to get used to the device, because you need to put it on your naked body and get used to the pressure of the belt. Over time, the unpleasant sensations disappear, and soon you will stop noticing them.

Wrist heart rate monitors

Many skeptics argue that wrist heart rate monitors will not give you accurate results. But this is a moot point. Even if there is some error, you can find out empirically and take into account when taking readings. But it should be noted that eminent brands are constantly working on the quality of sensors and offer new models of watches with a heart rate monitor for running and fitness with good sensitivity.

Fitness bracelets with heart rate monitor and other functions

The fitness bracelet only has such a loud “fitness” prefix, but in fact, the heart rate monitor is suitable for literally everyone and even those who are far from sports. It cannot be called a medical device, but manufacturers equip such gadgets with very useful additions. One of them is the ability to measure blood pressure and oxygen in the blood. This is done using the same optical sensors.

A good set of functions affects the cost of the bracelet. Some bracelets are not equipped with a sound signal and can only give vibration, but this is quite enough. The bracelet will not only notify you of the end of the measurements, but will also inform you of a call received on your phone and show you who the SMS came from. It is important that during active sports training, moisture does not get into the case, so you should opt for moisture-resistant models.

Smart watch with pedometer and wrist heart rate monitor

At the pinnacle of the evolution of wrist heart rate monitors smart watch. The number of functions is simply amazing: there is also a pedometer, which will count the number of steps, the mileage you wind up per day, and a tonometer, and a heart rate monitor, and, of course, a watch. № 11. In addition, such devices have Internet access, the ability to install a SIM card, which turns a wrist tool into a phone with the ability to receive calls, SMS messages and communicate in messengers

Such a gadget will count the calories spent, play your favorite music, take a picture and send an image, show a calendar, a 3D compass and wake you up at the right time as an alarm clock. And all this - at least one and a half days without recharging. Needless to say, a smartwatch for fitness and everyday life with a heart rate monitor and other useful functions is just a miracle. While they have their drawbacks, and the main one is the size of the screen, but the appearance of projection technologies in everyday life is not far off, which will make the screen, in principle, unnecessary.

Compact and accurate: finger heart rate monitor

A tiny device that simply slips onto the tip of a finger is also called a pulse oximeter. The pulse meter has a small display on the finger, which displays the measurement data. It is not overloaded with additional functions and has only a couple of control buttons. The finger heart rate monitor is capable of remotely communicating with a computer and transmitting information to the attending physician or trainer.

Our editorial advice: how to choose a wrist heart rate monitor

The web is overflowing with tips for choosing a wrist heart rate monitor. This is not surprising, because these devices are a real find for those who are not indifferent to their health. But many enthusiastic opuses have real customers who are interested in selling you their own product.

What is really important in choosing a device? Measurement accuracy is in the first place, and rightly so. Who needs a device that displays fake data instead of heart rate? The essence of the choice is in determining the type of sensor used. Optical or bioimpedance? Optics malfunction on the hands of people with dark skin and overestimates in pale-skinned northerners.

The intermediate conclusion is this: if you have a European appearance, doubt the health of your heart or are expecting a child, choose an optical sensor, but not of Chinese origin. And if you are healthy and regularly visit the solarium, it is better to take a watch with built-in electrodes. And the second, really important, according to our editorial staff, selection criterion is the software capabilities of the gadget. You shouldn't choose a cheap device with hundreds of functions. Most likely, most of them are unlikely to be useful to you, but the really important ones will not work well. Here's what, in our opinion, is really important:

• the ability to keep a workout log on your phone or computer;
• warning the owner about the possible danger associated with exceeding the permissible load;
• the presence of a pedometer and calorie counter;
• the ability to memorize laps and training zones.

Wrist heart rate or chest strap: which is best for running training

In the opinion of professional athletes, an arm running heart rate monitor is not the best option. Intense exertion greatly increases the heart rate, and we talked about the fact that wrist devices fail when readings are above 160. So as much as you like smartwatches, the answer to the question of which heart rate monitor to choose for running is the chest strap.

Heart rate monitor on hand: editor's choice for 2018, prices and real customer reviews

The main indicator of the quality of the device is high demand. People buy devices, test them in practice and recommend them to their friends and acquaintances. Our editorial team conducted a study on which models became especially popular in 2018, and is ready to offer you three of the best of them.

Polar M430 watches

Polar has tremendous experience in the production of electronic gadgets.

The gadget is capable of monitoring sleep and wakefulness, as well as notifying about calls, counting calories and much more. The device has a powerful 240 mAh battery. You can buy such a watch in 2018 for 13,290 rubles. Here's what buyers write about it:

Garmin Forerunner 35 watch

Garmin is a company that really understands sports.

Its measuring devices are used for amateur and professional athletes. Price - 10 800 rubles.

Samsung Gear Sport watches

Samsung is renowned for its strict quality control over its products. With the Gear Sport smartwatch, you can safely take a shower or swim in the pool.

In addition, it has an accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter and many other useful features. The issue price is 15 300 rubles.

In addition to the listed models, there are other worthy copies, but these are now at the peak of popularity. In conclusion - a small video review of one of the presented models.

The heart rate monitor, without a doubt, is a smart device, and in a company with a smart watch, they are completely irreplaceable. Monitor your health, exercise and share your successes in the comments!