If you want to lose weight, gain muscle mass, or just lead a he althy lifestyle and play sports, then the topic of heart rate monitors will surely be of interest to you. In the distant 80s, the first such devices for domestic use began to appear.
And since then, the pulse sensor has become an essential attribute of athletes. Gadgets of this kind allow you to track your heart rate, which is very important for achieving maximum efficiency in training.
Today's market offers a huge range of all kinds of heart rate monitors. Moreover, they all differ in functionality, fixation area, form factor and other characteristics. And if experienced users are still at least somehow oriented in all this diversity, then beginners shrug their shoulders and rely on the reviews of friends, as well as a consultant in the store.
It's good if the latter gets smart and, as they say, in the subject. Otherwise, you riskbuy far from the most useful heart rate sensor for you. So there are a lot of questions here. We will just try to answer them in our article.
So, let's figure out how to choose a heart rate sensor, what to pay special attention to and how not to miscalculate with a purchase. We also designate the most popular and sensible devices of different price categories. All the gadgets described below can be purchased both offline and online, so there should be no serious problems with testing.
Difficulties in choosing
To begin with, let's define what a sports heart rate monitor is and why it is needed. Such devices are necessary to monitor the frequency of contraction of the heart muscle, as well as to fix the maximum load on the body. All this helps the athlete during training to properly respond to the received data and make appropriate adjustments.
Every sport or physical activity has its own optimal heart rate limits. To achieve your goals and in order to avoid harm to your he alth, it is very important to monitor these limits and ensure that the pulse remains within the designated limits. Such a characteristic is usually called the target zone.
Target zones
Such zones are customarily calculated using the Martti Karvonen method. The formula is very simple: MHR (maximum heart rate)=220 - age. That is, for example, if you are 20 years old, then the critical parameter for you will be 200 abbreviations / min. (220 - 20), and if 40 years old, thenrespectively, - 180 (220 - 40).
Almost all sports heart rate monitors work in real time and notify the user when critical zones are reached. Parameters are adjusted according to your age and specific exercises.
Target zones (% of MHR):
- 50-60% - light exercise: walks at a fast pace, warm-ups, etc.;
- 70-80% - Considered a fitness zone comparable to jogging and climbing stairs;
- 80-90% - sports dancing, aerobics: burning not only fats, but also carbohydrates;
- 90-95% - skating, skiing, cycling and similar active sports;
- more than 95% - zone for professional athletes only: maximum and dangerous load.
It is to determine such zones that a pulse sensor is needed. With it, training is noticeably more effective, and most importantly, it is safer for the athlete.
Types of heart rate monitors
Today you can find two types of heart rate sensors - remote and built-in. In the first case, we have a device that receives heart rate information and sends it to another gadget for further processing. It can be a smartphone, a bracelet or a personal computer.
Varieties of devices with an external sensor:
- under the earlobe;
- on the finger;
- earphone;
- on the forearm;
- chest.
The most common and most effective option is a chest heart rate monitor. Regardless of the environment, it allows you to get the mostaccurate results. And if earlier such solutions were complained about for a constantly slipping strap, today designers use special materials that allow you to securely hold the sensor even with profuse sweating.
Sensor Features
A good half of the pulse sensors on the arm, wrist, forearm or chest transmit analog and / or digital signals. This allows them to work in tandem with more familiar gadgets like smartphones or smartwatches. The wireless protocol is either Bluetooth or ANT+ technology. The latter is more economical and supports a much wider range of mobile and specific devices.
Devices with a built-in heart rate monitor measure heart rate and process the data themselves. For active and frequent workouts, this solution is not the best option. Such devices are more suitable for single measurements, although there are exceptions. This group includes special rings and fitness bracelets.
Best heart rate monitors
Next, let's look at the most popular heart rate monitors, which are distinguished by their quality component, work efficiency and a large number of flattering reviews from users.
Polar H10
The brand can be called a pioneer in this field. The very first Polar heart rate sensor was introduced over 30 years ago. Today, the company offers the richest range of all kinds of sensors for both professional athletes and amateurs.
Model H10 is a chest version, where the sensor is attached to the body with an elastictape made of modern materials. The latter just do not allow the device to slide off, and a competent clasp holds it securely.
Distinctive features of the model
Model weighs only 60 grams and does not feel like some kind of foreign body. The sensor is designed for autonomous operation within 400 hours on one battery at a temperature of -10…+50 °C. In addition, reliable protection allows you to dive with a heart rate monitor to a depth of 30 meters.
The model does not have any screen, so it transfers all data to third-party devices - a smartphone ("Android" / iOS) or a fitness bracelet. It is also worth mentioning the possibility of working in tandem with GoPro cameras. The latter reflect all the heart rate data, which makes shooting even more natural and spectacular.
The estimated cost of the heart rate monitor is about 6500 rubles.
Garmin Hrm Tri
The Garmin brand knows a lot about sports gadgets and offers users a modern and effective heart rate measurement tool - Garmin Hrm Tri. The model is attached to the chest with a comfortable strap. The latter is made of high-tech materials and does not slip off even during the most intense workouts.
Company recommends using the device with any smart watch with a heart rate and blood pressure sensor from Garmin. Then the model fully reveals its capabilities and makes training as effective as possible. Data transmission takes place via ANT + technology, so the device will work perfectly in tandem with other gadgets that support thisprotocol.
In addition to heart rate, the model can measure vertical oscillation of the body and cadence. The capabilities of the branded application are very wide and are suitable for almost all sports areas - from running to swimming. Moreover, the received data can be shared with like-minded people in real time.
The approximate price of a heart rate monitor is about 10,000 rubles.
Sigma PC 15.11
Here we have a set of watches and a chest strap with a sensor. Both accessories are waterproof, so you can safely swim with them. All data from the sensor about the current heart rate is transmitted to the watch using analog technology.
The device captures the normal, average and maximum heart rate and immediately displays the information received on the watch dial. If necessary, you can set up an audible alert when the heart rate has exceeded or, conversely, dropped below normal.
The model does an excellent job of grading target zones and along the way will calculate the steps taken, circles and calories burned. There is also a display of the usual hours - time, date and stopwatch. The heart rate monitor has a smart backlight, so there will be no problems reading the information on evening runs.
The estimated cost of the model is about 5000 rubles.
Xiaomi Mi Band 2
The Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet from a well-known Chinese brand is enviably popular with domestic consumers. The model has an optical heart rate monitor and, in addition to measuring heart rate, offers a lot of accompanyingfunctionality.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet will calculate the distance to the point, calories burned, steps taken, and also monitor your sleep and wake you up in time if necessary. The model is fully revealed, working in tandem with a smartphone, especially if the latter is also a Xiaomi product.
Features of the model
Watches with a heart rate sensor received a convenient and understandable OLED screen, where the control is via the sensor. The manufacturer claims 20 days of battery life, but with active use of the battery lasts a maximum of a couple of weeks. But this is a very good result.
The watch case is made of polycarbonate, and the strap is made of thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate. The protection class of the device meets the IP67 certificate, so the model is not afraid of rain or dirt and operates at temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees. Bluetooth protocol version 4 is responsible for wireless communication. Owners speak very warmly about this device, especially non-professional athletes and amateurs.
The approximate price of a heart rate monitor is about 1500 rubles.
Wahoo Fitness TICKR X
The Wahoo Fitness TICKR X chest heart rate monitor turned out to be balanced in all respects. The intelligent sensor is attached to the strap and analyzes the pulse, taking into account the peculiarities of the movement. Relevant conclusions not only about the intensity, but also about the correctness of the training will be transmitted both through the usual bluetooth protocol and through the more advanced ANT+.
The device shows not only the pulse, but also counts calories burned, and also controls the duration of training. The sensor is provided with its own memory, but is paired with a smartphone with much greater efficiency. The manufacturer has taken care of a proprietary application where you can choose an individual load for each athlete.
It is also worth noting the good protective performance of the model. The device is not afraid of dust, dirt and moisture, but you can dive with it to a depth of no more than one and a half meters. So for swimmers this is not the best option.
The estimated cost of the heart rate monitor is about 4500 rubles.
Nexx HRM-02
This is a budget option, but that doesn't make it bad. This model is perfect for those who are just starting to conquer sports peaks and strive to lead a he althy lifestyle. There is a minimum of features, but beginners do not need more.
The device is mounted on the chest with a comfortable and durable strap, but for full operation it will need the help of a smartphone running on the Android platform. The model works great with a good half of specialized fitness applications, and no critical flaws were noted during use.
The only thing worth clarifying is that the gadget does not work correctly with Samsung mobile equipment, especially with the version of the Android 5.1 platform. What is the reason for this, the manufacturer does not explain, but a similar problem is “treated” by the firmware of the smartphone. However, athletes andowners of Samsung devices should definitely keep this in mind.
The approximate price of the model is about 1500 rubles.
Ozaki O!Fitness Fatburn
Another very affordable option for beginners and amateurs. The model is made in China, but judging by the reviews, the build quality is at a very decent level. The device transmits data via Bluetooth protocol and will be most effective when paired with a smartphone.
The model, in addition to monitoring the pulse, can count steps, monitor calories burned and notify the user of critical changes when the heart rate becomes high or, conversely, low. Actually, more is not required for a beginner.
One of the notable features of the heart rate monitor is the voice assistant. The manufacturer has developed a branded application for the gadget, which allows you to get your own fitness instructor, albeit virtual. After entering the input data, the assistant will suggest the best training plan for you.
The only critical disadvantage that consumers often complain about is the decent weight of the device - 140 grams. Users with a modest build sometimes have a feeling of discomfort during classes. But you can close your eyes to this by looking at the cost of the device.
The estimated cost of the model is about 1000 rubles.
