How to use a heart rate monitor, why you need it and how to choose - Setafi

There are some tips on how to use the heart rate monitor. To properly configure the device, you need to understand how it works, and what types it happens. In addition, you should calculate the maximum frequency of your heart rate and enter the settings into the gadget. How to do this is described in the material presented.

How the heart rate monitor works: basic functions

The heart rate monitor is a handy portable device that determines the pulse of a person in any state - rest, movement, moderate and intense exercise. Describing the device, we can mention the bpm indicator in the heart rate monitor, what is this heart rate value, i.e. the pulse itself. It is measured in the number of heartbeats per unit of time. The average rate is from 60 to 90 per minute.

The way the heart rate monitor works is due to the phenomenon of optical plethysmography. The device is equipped with LEDs that create a green glow. The rays are absorbed by the human body, with the main part falling on the blood and the smaller part on the skin. Depending on how much blood has absorbed, the volume of blood flow is determined. After that, the pulse is automatically calculated.

While learning how to choose a heart rate monitor, it is useful to get acquainted with another class of instruments that measure heart rate mechanically. Such devices are attached to the arm or other part of the body using elastic fasteners. The principle of operation in this case is associated with an assessment of pressure, on the basis of which the pulse rate is calculated. The instruments of this group are more accurate and expensive, therefore they are not so widespread.

Both the optical heart rate monitor and the mechanical heart rate monitor perform several functions at once:

• determination of heart rate;
• setting the optimal heart rate zone (depending on the load, goals, individual characteristics of the body);
• automatic notification of a change in heart rate zone;
• determination of average and limit values ​​of the pulse;
• counting calories.

As the name implies, the main function of the device is related to determining the heart rate - that's why a heart rate monitor is needed. Although some models have additional options. These are GPS for geolocation, various fitness tests, counting the number of steps, determining the optimal heart rate for different types of loads, etc.

Types of devices

It is clear what a heart rate monitor is for, and what types it comes in. Depending on the principle of operation, 2 types of devices are distinguished:

1. Optical - more common and affordable, but less accurate.
2. Mechanical - less common, more accurate, and therefore expensive.

From a practical point of view, it is useful to know such a classification. Depending on the place of attachment, there are models of the following types:

1. Chest - they are fixed under the chest, i.e. next to the heart. They measure and transmit data to a smartphone or smart watch via Bluetooth. This group includes digital and analog devices. The first ones are more accurate, but the second ones can really be synchronized with the simulator.
2. Knowing the name of the device for measuring the pulse, you can also consider models of the carpal type. They are attached directly to the chest and look like a fitness bracelet or smart watch. Such a heart rate monitor also collects data, but transmits them to a special smartphone application.

Among the wrist devices, 2 types can be distinguished:

1. Touch – they have a display that you can touch with your finger to read your heart rate and other indicators. This is not very convenient for constant monitoring, for example, for climbers, athletes and people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system.
2. Optic - makes measurements on the volume of blood flow. Allows you to constantly monitor the pulse, which is convenient for almost everyone.

How to choose a heart rate monitor

Now you need to understand which heart rate monitor to choose. The answer to this question depends on the purpose of the device, as well as on its technical and consumer characteristics:

1. Material - must be durable, pleasant to the touch and not cause allergic reactions. Also, the strap and latches must be moisture resistant. For example, metal products can quickly oxidize even with sweat. Therefore, it is better to choose straps made of polymeric materials - nylon, silicone or natural textiles.
2. The mechanism itself must be protected from water, especially if it is planned to conduct classes in the pool or on the street in rainy weather. The case made of plastic case must have a high degree of water resistance not lower than IP68.
3. Functionality - as already mentioned, modern models allow not only to determine the pulse, but also to calculate optimal load zone, determine the number of calories burned, etc. A photo of this type of heart rate monitor can be seen below.
4. Long battery life (without recharging). This parameter is of particular importance in cases where it is planned to train outdoors in different weather (in the cold, the battery runs out faster), as well as for a long period.
5. Additional features - screen backlight, touch screen, data transfer via Bluetooth.

How to use the heart rate monitor

The instruction manual depends on the type of device, its attachment to the body. But there are also general rules that boil down to the following:

1. If the model is carpal, the latches are fastened so that the optical sensor is on the inside and is adjacent to the surface of the hand.
2. When using a chest device, the sensor must first be connected to the belt (1) and the lock (3) - otherwise the readings will not be transmitted. Moisten the electrodes (2) and attach to the chest so that the logo is on top.
3. Turn on the device, enter the limit value of your heart rate in the settings. It can be determined by the simple formula 220-A, where A is the person's age.
4. Set up the load zone - therapeutic, light, aerobic, anaerobic and maximum. As a rule, the gadget does this automatically.
5. They set up the application on a smartphone, integrate devices via Bluetooth, and start a test session to evaluate the correct operation.

From this review it is clear what the device for measuring the pulse is called, and how to use it correctly. This is not very expensive and really convenient device that will be useful for patients with cardiovascular diseases, athletes and just lovers of an active lifestyle. It’s easy enough to set up the settings, after which you can start running or other exercises.