Why do you use a heart rate monitor?

sbwood888
sbwood888 Posts: 953 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I see lots of posts about HRM's, but I am not sure what they do. Tell me why you use one, please. Thanks. Also, where did you buy yours and approximately how much did it cost? Thanks again. :smile:

Replies

  • jewelzz
    jewelzz Posts: 326 Member
    I USE MINE FOR ACCURATE CALORIE COUNTS:bigsmile:
  • tsimehc2000
    tsimehc2000 Posts: 80 Member
    For my my HRM tells me not only how many calories I burn during a workout, but also where my heart rate is during my workout. If it is too low, it lets me know when I have to give it a little push. When it is too high, it is telling me I should slow down a little bit. For me, it has never been too high, close, but not over.
  • wriglucy
    wriglucy Posts: 1,064 Member
    Can you wear them all day to get a full day of calorie counting? Or is it just for exercize?
  • ErrataCorrige
    ErrataCorrige Posts: 649 Member
    I use mine because I do a lot of classes. It does two things for me. I get an accurate calorie burn amount. (Suprise! Contrary to what the teacher might tell you I have NEVER had Xumba burn off 500 calories per hour). Also, during the class I can glance at my heart rate and know when I have to push harder. If my heart rate drops I step it up and work a little harder.

    Also, I have discovered that what my elliptical machine at home, the one at the gym, and MPF says I burn are all pretty varied. And for me pretty high. I use my HRM to get the most accurate calorie count I can for my body.

    Hope this helps!
  • fuzzymel
    fuzzymel Posts: 400 Member
    I got mine to monitor my heart when exercising. I have a minor heart issue and wanted to start doing some more intense classes at the gym. I was not always the best at listening to myself when I am tired so its handy being monitored.
  • whittrusty
    whittrusty Posts: 533 Member
    Most HRMs are only accurate for use during exercise. I think you are supposed to use the BodyBugg, for instance, all day. That's what the contestants on the Biggest Loser use.

    I use my HRM to get an accurate calorie count, especially when doing plyometrics and because it gives me a guide as to how hard I'm working. If my heart rate is only 120, I'm NOT working hard enough. If I'm in in the 160-170s I'm working hard.

    I think it's an excellent tool and I would thoroughly recommend one.
  • snoopyclarke
    snoopyclarke Posts: 1 Member
    Hi

    Well apart from the obvious, tracking your heartbeat, they help you keep within either a lower range which aids burning fat or higher range for cardiovascular work outs. The ideal beats per minute (bpm) min/max range is dependant upon your age.

    Unfortunately I have high blood pressure and have only just gone back to the gym two weeks ago, so I have to keep my heart beat below 160 bpm until I'm fitter.

    Hope this helps - not that I'm an expect - LOL
    :0)
  • skyski_tige
    skyski_tige Posts: 67 Member
    I wear mine to make sure my heart rate is pumping while I work out. Over an hour period, I try and average 145 bpm. The higher the heart rate, the more calories burned!

    I don't really trust the accuracy of the total calories burned on my HRM(Timex Ironman).
  • JMun
    JMun Posts: 409
    I use a heart rate monitor when I work out. In fact, I won't work out without it anymore.

    It keeps me motivated. I can watch my heart rate the entire time I work out and when the number goes too low I know its time to push myself harder to bring the number back up. My HRM has intensified my work outs to maximize time spent sweating my pudgey butt off.

    I hate exercising. My HRM helps keep me motivated.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories