Sunday, August 2, 2009

Using A Heart Rate Monitor

By Henry Calhoun

There are some things to keep in mind when using a heart rate monitor during a workout. It is much easier to buy one than using it properly from the start when exercising. One thing that should never be forgotten is that the heart rate monitor helps you maintain a level of exercise that your heart can keep up with.

You need to be able to calculate your maximum heart rate, also known as MRH, plus the heart rate you wish to work on. To achieve this, a certain formula has to be followed. To start with you need the difference between your age and 220. Once you have that number multiply it by the percentage that would serve as the lower in your exercise range. The next step is to again multiply the difference between your age and 220 with another percentage, this time at the higher end. For your training these two results will be your heart rate for training.

To further illustrate this formula, take a 25 year old person as an example. The difference of 220 and 25 is 195. If 195 were multiplied with 65%, you would get 126.75, or 127. Multiply 195 again with 80%, you would arrive at 156. Therefore, the heart rate during training must be 127 to 156 beats per minute.

In regards to the percentages, not just any random number is chosen. These percentages used are based upon training boundaries. The first range of 50% - 60% is to maintain a healthy heart and is what can be considered good for daily exercises. The second range of 60% - 70% is for aerobics or for fat burning, and the 70% - 80% range is considered necessary for any endurance training. Finally, the 80 - 90% range, also known as the anaerobic threshold zone, is used to greatly improve cardiovascular fitness.

Once these heart rate ranges have been determined, then you can use your heart rate monitor. First the back of the transmitter should be dampened. This way it will snugly fit against the skin where contact is supposed to be made. Then it is adjusted, but without any deep breaths being taken. For women the ideal spot to place a heart rate monitor would be under the bra and under the breasts.

After that, start the monitor and then adjust accordingly if the readings a rather abnormal. If you get hyper readings or dead readings right after putting it on, relocate it to a better position. It would also be a good idea to have lots of space around as heart rate monitors have a tendency to pick up other's transmitters.

A heart rate monitor also requires that it be taken care of properly. Most of these devices are water resistant, but nonetheless they should be placed in dry places with enough room around them. They can be cleaned with warm water and soap and then dried of with a soft towel. No alcohol should be used and batteries need to be replaced every now and then.

With the right heart rate calculations, along with proper use and proper care, heart rate monitors will be great companions in healthy workouts. Working out with the right tools and knowledge is the best way to achieve a heart-friendly life.

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