Gear
Heart Rate Monitors: The Beat Goes On
April 20, 2009By Gus Alexandropoulos
Training with a heart rate monitor is beneficial for runners of all levels. Competitive runners can carefully gauge their progress and tailor their training for peak performance while more fitness-oriented runners can assure training runs are spent in the optimal zones. But with the large number of heart rate monitors and an even greater number of features, choosing the right unit is not easy. Before spending money on a new heart rate monitor, consider the following:
Size
Although most heart rate monitors are a reasonable size, some units may seem uncomfortably large for runners with small wrists, and could be distracting on longer runs. Luckily, some companies offer smaller watches better suited to smaller runners.
GPS vs. Foot Pod
GPS-enabled units and foot pods are useful for tracking distances, measuring pace and graphing running routes. The GPS units are incredibly accurate, but they can sometimes cut out when running under heavy cover, such as bridges or dense urban corridors. Foot pods lack these issues but require calibration that’s best done on a track and can lose accuracy when stride length changes. Both systems have their fans, and when used with realistic expectations provide valuable training information.
Screen and User Interface
A clear, easy-to-read screen and accessible buttons are vital during difficult oxygen-starved interval workouts.
Software
More advanced units have complex software for monitoring training and allow runners to download workouts onto their home computer. Runners can then analyze this information and tweak their training for race-day peaks. Recreational runners simply looking to improve fitness and lose weight may find these features unnecessary.
Complexity
The more sophisticated watches provide excellent training support, but require a greater commitment to exploit all the features and analysis software. Runners lacking the time or inclination to learn how to access these functions might prefer simpler, less feature-laden watches.
5 Tips for Using a Heart Rate Monitor
Find your correct training zones: The 220-minus-your-age formula for calculating your maximum heart rate is notoriously inaccurate, especially for fitter athletes. While there are many formulas coaches and athletes use to figure out the maximum heart rate and anaerobic threshold (the point at which you stop using fat as your main energy source), it’s worth a trip to a reputable testing facility to get some accurate numbers to make using your heart rate monitor more worthwhile.
Train in different zones: To get the most out of your heart rate monitor, you should be using it to make sure you’re training at the right intensity for each workout. If the workout is supposed to be hard, your heart rate monitor will be a great tool to make sure you’re pushing as hard as you should be. If you’re on an easy, fat-burning run, the heart rate monitor is a great help to make sure you’re going easy enough.
Keep it simple: While many heart rate monitors provide an extensive list of features, including alarms and memory functions, sometimes all you really need is to be able to see is the heart rate. If you typically shy away from complicated gadgets, don’t feel you need to pick up a technical heart rate monitor.
Analyze the data: If you do have a heart rate monitor that provides memory functions or can be downloaded into a computer, use that function to keep track of your workouts. That information can prove invaluable as a gauge of your fitness.
Don’t be a slave to your monitor: Some days, especially when you’re tired, it truly is best to take a day off from analyzing your heart rate during training. If you’re having one of those days, leave the monitor at home and listen to your body during that day’s workout.
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Forerunner 405 - $439
Garmin
Loaded with features, the F405 is a top choice for runners wanting maximum feedback from their heart rate monitor. An innovative bezel-mounted switch provides access to all the watch's features without the fumbling of traditional buttons. Garmin's built-in GPS allows for accurate pacing and distance tracking, while the optional foot pod provides similar benefits when GPS signals are blocked. All this information is transmitted wirelessly to a computer, where runners can review their training intensity and time spent at target heart-rate zones. Unlike many heart rate monitors, the F405 avoids the flashy sport-watch aesthetic and instead embraces a quiet and sleek organic look, allowing it to easily transition into less sweat-laden activities. This is an excellent watch for the committed runner seeking advanced heart rate monitor functions, timing and GPS or foot pod information.
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IRONMAN Race Trainer - $239
Timex
The terms sophisticated and easy-to-use are rarely seen together when discussing heart rate monitors, but the IRONMAN Race Trainer, with its simple interface and long list of powerful features, deserves these descriptions. As with most full-featured HR monitors, the Race Trainer provides training zones, various alarms, recovery times and interval workouts, and downloads all of this information to a PC for analysis.
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Personal Pacer - $99
Timex
This inexpensive heart rate monitor delivers a surprising number of top-end features, ideal for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners. Programmable training zones ensure workouts are effective, and are stored for later analysis in the built-in Workout Review mode. An easy-to-read display, large buttons, programmable recovery timer and calorie counter round out this affordable and full-featured monitor.
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N5 Max - $110
New Balance
This smartly designed heart rate monitor packs all the necessary training features into an easy-to-use watch that will appeal to most runners. The combination of a large watch face and easily activated buttons provides access to valuable information like heart rate, zone alarms and calories burned, and is easily viewed even during tough workouts. With its accurate heart rate transmission, water-resistant construction and comfortable chest strap, the N5 Max is a great option for recreational or serious runners seeking a less complicated monitor.
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Motiva - $129
Mio
The innovative Motive is a top choice for less competitive runners who aren't comfortable using traditional heart rate monitors and chest straps. The Motiva monitors heart rate with two watch-mounted sensors, which must be touched with the runner's opposite hand. This process completes a circuit and accurately registers the user's heart rate. The system works, delivering accurate readings, but is difficult to use while running and requires an ungloved hand for the circuit conductivity. This might be a touch limited for serious runners, but the Motiva is an interesting and viable option for those who are starting up a fitness program for the first time.
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T6C with Foot Pod - $549
Suunto
The T6C is Suunto's most advanced HR monitor, with high-end features valued by runners committed to serious training. Clearly marked functions on the watch case make it simple to switch between the three displays showing chronograph, heart rate and speed (the speed display requires the use of the foot pod), even on the run. The Comfort Belt monitor is sleek, unobtrusive and light, and clips conveniently in the front. The watch can also monitor a runner's training effect, article-exercise oxygen consumption, calorie use and the distance climbed or descended during a run. The information can be downloaded and analyzed on a computer, yielding further training insight. This is an advanced, technical training tool that rewards those who familiarize themselves with its capabilities with a wealth of information.
