Today we invite you to look at the best-of-breed heart rate monitors for sports and fitness, from chest straps to headphones, and choose the best workout model for you.

Why do you need a heart rate monitor

Monitors heart rate are necessary for everyone who devotes at least some time to physical activity and sports in any of its manifestations: from walking a bicycle to intensive training in the gym, etc.

They are used to monitor the work of the heart, determine the permissible loads, pulse zones and go beyond these zones.

Traditionally, the following zones are distinguished:

Therapy zone with a frequency of 60 - 70% of the Maximum Heart Rate (MHR). The safest area for less trained athletes. This pulse is typical for a morning warm-up or an intense walk at a fast pace.

Zone "Fitness" with a frequency of 70 - 80% of the MHR. Such a pulse appears during jogging or climbing and descending stairs, and it is the loads characteristic of this zone that actively contribute to burning fat and losing weight.

Aerobic zone- 80 - 90% of the MHR. An even more intense load, during which not only fats, but also carbohydrates are burned. Such a pulse can occur, for example, during sports dancing.

Anaerobic zone- 90 - 95% of the MHR. Carbohydrates are consumed. Such a pulse "trains" endurance, and arises during serious activities: cycling, skiing, skating and other active sports.

Maximum load area- over 95% of the MHR. Professionals work in this area, and it can be unsafe for ordinary people to expose themselves to such a load.

What is MHR

Your maximum allowed heart rate during sports and target zones calculated according to the method of the Finnish physician Martti Karvonen. To do this, you need to know your Maximum Heart Rate, or MHR.

The formula for determining the maximum heart rate: "220 is your age." Definition of upper and lower boundaries.

How to choose a heart rate monitor

Today on the market there is an abundance of offers for different types gadgets, and this is not surprising, because almost forty years have passed since the appearance of the first "household" heart rate monitor.

The most common are these types of sports heart rate monitors:

Chest straps with gauges

The classic image of a sports sensor, consisting of one or two parts (a strap and a separate cardio monitor). Such heart rate monitors are synchronized with special applications in the smartphone, where data about your workouts and heart rate are automatically saved.

Pros:

High accuracy

Measurement history

Minuses:

The need to have a phone with you *

Leaders:

The first among equals, it seems, will be Polar! First, it is truly the first in the consumer market - since 1965, the company has been producing heart rate gadgets for athletes. The latest update brings the Polar H10 to the market!

The model has received a number of improvements that make it, perhaps, the most accurate in its niche: it is, firstly, a longer strip with electrodes, which allows you to take the pulse more accurately, excluding external interference. And, secondly, the built-in memory for one workout, so there is no need to run with a smartphone now. And, of course, water resistance!

Cheaper analogs:

• - Synchronizes with most well-known applications, including Runtastic, Endomondo, which is convenient. Quite high levels of accuracy and reliability, but at the same time - at a surprisingly attractive price! There is no application of its own. And is it necessary ?!

Chest straps with watch

A class of sports device that includes a watch and a sports chest strap that are linked together. Heart information is sent to the wrist in real time.

A plus:

Convenient, always at hand (on hand)

Most models of this type have tremendous autonomy, since both watches and chest straps run on batteries, more often CR-ki

Minus:

The dynamics are not preserved over a long period of time, since in most cases such models do not have their own application.

In this niche of devices, Polar should also be noted among the first - the model.

From practical analogs - the German Sigma - ...

So are the novelties of this season: gadgets and

Heart rate watches

The most expensive options are optical heart rate monitors, which translucent blood, and based on the data obtained, the pulse is calculated in real time. Currently, optical heart rate monitors are integrated into smart watches, but this class of devices is not very suitable for sports.

A plus:

No dependence on a strap or other accessories.

Minus:

With excessive sweating, the pulse may be "lost"!

The best heart rate monitors are the Mio brand. Even Garmin used their expertise to design their first optical models!

The company has some cool products, both sports watches and bracelets.

• Mio Alpha is a sports training watch with precision optics.
• - a novelty on the market with an innovative way of assessing the activity and the benefits of this activity (PAI). 24/7 heart rate monitoring is of course included!

Polar also has its own model of optical heart rate monitor. This is a bracelet, and an updated one under the number, and even a smart watch on Android Wear - model M600.

Inexpensive sports bracelets with optical sensor -. They showed themselves quite well last season and made good competition with Xiaomi's “toy” gadgets.

Occasional heart rate watch

Such models measure the pulse "on demand" and do not show it constantly. These are rather "household" models, but they can be used at light loads ^ and during training.

A plus:

Convenient and practical, most often such models have additional functions: pedometer,
calorie counter, smart alarm, etc.

Minus:

No continuous real-time heart rate monitoring

• The most famous and most accurate here will be.

Add to this the high reliability of the gadget itself, sealing and autonomy for up to a year, and for 3490 rubles you have an excellent fitness watch on your wrist!

Also other models and all novelties on the market of heart rate monitors. Stay informed.

Set of chest strap, headphone receiver and Runtastic software. The heart rate sensor is synchronized with the transmitter using its own protocol. Heart rate data is combined with additional data (tracking speed, pace, altitude, distance, training duration) and displayed in the form of informative graphs on a smartphone.

Unlike many other fitness accessories, this device can be used for more than just running: thanks to the Runtastic apps, this heart rate sensor is useful as a recorder even in cycling. And compatibility pleases: the device can be connected to almost any smartphone. It is compatible with Android 2.1 and above, Windows 7.5 and above, iPhone 4s and above.

Cielo WT010

The gadget from the Chinese company is an ordinary (but not bad) sports watch with a complete synchronized heart rate monitor on the belt. The watch, in addition to displaying the time, can show the duration of the workout (like a timer, in fact), control the calorie consumption and heart rate. And if you take off the heart monitor, you will just have a nice watch. And the cost of this two-in-one solution is very nice.

Alcatel OneTouch Watch

A complete smartwatch from famous brand... The device can be placed on a silicone or metal bracelet, which will allow it to be worn with any clothing. There is moisture protection according to the IP67 standard. In addition to heart rate, OneTouch Watch tracks the number of steps taken, calories burned, and sleep time. And, of course, it can display notifications from a smartphone (work with both Android version 4.1 and higher and iOS is supported).

Samsung Gear S2

And this is a real wrist computer. A dual-core Exynos 3250 processor, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory, a 1.2-inch super-bright AMOLED display - all this splendor is enclosed in a stainless steel case and runs on Tizen OS. True, there is also a fly in the ointment: Samsung Gear S2 only interact with smartphones running Android 4.x. But it's worth it: you can view the map, listen to music directly from the watch itself (only a proprietary Bluetooth headset is required), track the progress of your workout, and much more.

Wireless bike computer Meratti

For tough cyclists who are not impressed by newfangled trends, there is also an interesting gadget. For example, a wireless cycling computer with a built-in heart rate sensor. Knows how to measure heart rate, current and average speed, distance and travel time, counts calories. Nothing superfluous - and the price is much lower than that of competitors in the form of belts or bracelets.

IHealth PO 3 Pulse Oximeter

This gadget is designed for real athletes who care about performance, not fashion. The iHealth PO 3 Wireless Pulse Oximeter is a shoulder-mounted wireless pulse oximeter that works in conjunction with iPhone, iPod and iPad to record heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. The measurement results can be viewed on your own screen of the gadget and the display of your iOS device.

Jawbone UP3

One of the most advanced sports gadgets. Everything about it is cool: a bracelet made of hypoallergenic TPU with a medical certificate, a stainless steel buckle with titanium nitride coating, stylish design and functionality - a thermometer, pedometer, heart rate monitor. The device can notify about events, track sleep. In addition, it is his smartphone application that is considered the most advanced: a bracelet, like personal coach, gives advice to improve your well-being.

Runtastic RUNBT1

This gadget from Runtastic uses Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone - much more convenient, but slightly more expensive. But in general, the device can do everything that the first proposed model of this manufacturer can do: record heart rate, speed, pace, altitude, distance and duration of a run.

Fenix ​​3 sapphire

The king of sports gadgets. The Fenix ​​3 smartwatch combines two complete devices in one. As smart watch the gadget is able to notify the user about incoming calls, SMS, emails, calendar events, as well as messages from social networks and other mobile applications.

By the way, a special screen created using Chroma technology is used, which made it possible to achieve full readability even in bright sunlight. As a sports accessory, the device will replace almost all accessories. For example, navigation features include a 3-axis compass, GPS / GLONASS module, altimeter and barometer, TracBack and Sight'n Go.

The functions of the fitness bracelet are performed thanks to a complete set of sensors, including a complete rubber band-heart rate monitor. It is worth mentioning that the watch is not only for running - a special set of functions also allows you to use the device during swimming and ski training... In addition, you can use the gadget as a remote control for an action camera and control the watch without taking off your gloves.

The heart rate monitor is a device that is important not only for tracking health status, but also a device that allows you to achieve maximum effect from training. For example, to lose weight, you need to keep track of how fast your pulse is beating, as fat begins to be burned at a certain heart rate. But only a well-chosen tool will guard your health and beauty. In this article we will tell you how to choose a heart rate monitor for training and more, so that it does not lie and brings maximum benefit to its owner.

Heart rate levels in training

Pulse is the heart rate (heart rate), depending on which the body will use different sources of energy during training. There are several levels of stress on the body, as a result of which the heart rate increases, and, consequently, the effectiveness of sports activities changes.

Each age has its own maximum heart rate. Calculated by the formula: 220 (maximum possible heart rate) minus the age of the athlete

At a certain level of heart rate, you can get different effects:

• Very light exercise - 50-60% of the maximum heart rate according to age, typical for warm-up and charging
• Light load - already 60-70% of the maximum heart rate, at which we increase the body's endurance, and the process of burning fat starts
• Average load- 70-80% of the maximum heart rate. As a result of such training, the aerobic capacity of the body develops.
• Heavy load - 80-90% of the heart rate, at which there is an increase in muscle mass, the development of explosive strength
• The maximum level of load - the pulse reaches 90-100%. The ultimate development of strength and speed occurs, which are characteristic of the competitive level.

Thus, a 27-year-old person who wants to burn excess fat should exercise in such a way that his heart rate is:

• (220-27) x 0.6 = 115 (lower bound)
• (220-27) x 0.7 = 135 (upper bound)

If the same athlete needs to increase muscle mass and develop strength:

• (220-27) x 0.8 = 154 (min.)
• (220-27) x 0.9 = 173 (max.)

So it turns out that the heart rate monitor is not just a newfangled gadget, but an indispensable tool for an athlete or an amateur, because manual heart rate measurements during training are impossible. And keeping your heart rate under control is extremely important.

Do you use a simulator with a built-in heart rate sensor and think that the question of how to choose the right heart rate monitor does not concern you? And in vain, because the heart rate monitors, which the simulators are equipped with, do not display the most accurate information. Moreover, the sensors are built into the handles of the sports units, and in order to receive information about the heart rate, the user's hands must be constantly on the handles. In this case, the built-in sensor will begin to determine the heart rate not immediately, but after a few tens of seconds.

Only a specialized device can provide the most accurate information about the heart rate.

How to choose a heart rate monitor

The heart rate monitor is a monitoring device for determining the heart rate. It also has a second name - a heart rate monitor. It is necessary to control the work of the heart, monitor efficiency physical activities, load analysis. During sports training the device will help keep the heart rate within the necessary limits for an effective and at the same time safe for health level of exercise. It is also necessary for the most accurate calculation of the spent calories, since the rate of their burning depends on the heart rate. A heart rate monitor will be useful for both strength and cardio workouts.

The device performs several functions at once:

• Actually, heart rate control
• Sets the heart rate zone
• Informs about changing the heart rate zone with a special signal
• Calculates average and maximum heart rate
• Counts calories burned
• Equipped with timer and stopwatch

Particularly "advanced" models can also be equipped with a GPS sensor, an alarm clock and a pedometer, they can calculate the heart rate for each lap, and are automatically calculated training zones and even know how to sync with a smartphone and fitness apps.

Naturally, each additional function, or sensor, costs separate money. Therefore, when wondering which heart rate monitor is better to choose, think about whether it makes sense to overpay for a function that you personally only need “for show”. And what function will be useful to you more than once. It makes no sense to choose an expensive fancy model if you don't plan to use half of the functions.

Types of heart rate monitors

There are two large groups of heart rate monitors:

• Equipped with an external or external sensor - they receive heart rate data and send it to other devices for processing. It can be smartphones, computers, fitness bracelets.
• Having a built-in sensor

Each of these groups has several types. Remote / external heart rate monitors:

• Mounted on the earlobe, they are comfortable to use and do not interfere with your workout. But they can cause unpleasant sensations, squeezing the earlobe. And in subzero weather on the street, they can measure the pulse with a noticeable error
• On the finger - the device is attached to the middle and nail phalanx, and the heart rate is calculated by the strength of the blood pulsation in the finger. Miniature and comfortable, but in frosty weather it can also report inaccurate data
• Heart rate monitor headphones - equipped with an in-ear heart rate sensor and are especially convenient for runners, since they not only monitor the heart rate, but also accompany the workout with music
• Chest - attached under the bust with elastic band... Equipped with multiple electrodes that record every heart beat. For accurate measurements, maximum contact of the electrodes with the skin is important. Modern models do not shift from the chest even during active activities, since their straps are made of special materials, and their size is easily adjustable. Such devices are securely held even on the sweaty chest of the athlete. Chest heart rate monitor provides the most accurate data regardless of weather conditions
• For the forearm - can be worn on the forearm or shoulder, and in terms of data accuracy is an alternative to a chest heart rate monitor

External heart rate monitors transmit information to gadgets using Bluetooth technology, where the data is automatically saved for further analysis. There are two types of data transfer:

• Analog - uncoded. Such heart rate monitors "know how" to transmit data to simulators, but in group workouts they are inconvenient because they can accidentally transmit information to the wrong simulator. Also, your simulator can read "someone else's" information. This type is subject to interference, especially near power lines. Slightly less accurate digital, but in the area of ​​insignificant error
• Digital - uncoded. It is more expensive, but the data is also more accurate. At the same time, it is not subject to interference, but does not know how to transfer information to simulators

Both options convey fairly truthful information, so it's better not to overpay for digital without the need. The type of data transfer does not generally affect the measurement accuracy.

The second group consists of devices with a built-in sensor that independently measure heart rate and process data. These are trendy fitness bracelets and a heart rate ring. Such options are more convenient for one-time measurements, but not for regular training.

How to choose a heart rate monitor for training

Pay attention to the presence of additional device functions:

• Calculating your speed and distance traveled is an important feature when choosing a heart rate monitor for running or skiing.
• Calories burned - it is based on heart rate data. The results are arbitrary, but still make it possible to at least approximately determine the effectiveness of training for weight loss
• Monitoring of the number of laps, the time spent on overcoming this lap and the average heart rate. This heart rate monitor is useful for skiers and runners.
• Fitness test - a device with this function will become your personal "virtual" trainer - it will help you determine your physical fitness
• The Post-Workout Heart Rate Recovery Check option allows you to determine how quickly your heart rate will return to normal after physical activity... This function is useful for those who are engaged in interval or sprint training.
• Almost all modern heart rate monitors have the ability to synchronize with tablets, smartphones and fitness bracelets.
• The GPS module will determine with maximum accuracy the distance traveled by the athlete, as well as the speed of movement. At the same time, he will take into account all slides, ascents and descents.

Studying the additional options that the device is equipped with will allow you to choose the right model for specific types of workouts.

Which heart rate monitor should you choose for running? A model that will display the total training time, will remember the lap time, determine the average and best result, will calculate the running speed and record the distance covered. It is also desirable that the model "be able" to record the recovery time of the pulse. A special plus will be the presence of a GPS sensor. It is better to choose such a heart rate monitor for skiing. At the same time, skiers are better off avoiding devices that are attached to the earlobe or finger, since they can provide inaccurate data in cold weather. For runners and skiers, choose a chest heart rate monitor or one that attaches to the wrist. When choosing such devices, evaluate the quality of the belts, pay attention to their width and ease of fastening. It is also worth giving preference to waterproof models.

How to choose a heart rate monitor for fitness

This is perhaps the most versatile device of its kind. They will allow you to find out the number of calories burned, the amount of fat burned, and determine your personal level of stress. Choose a device that can memorize measurements and training results - later this information will help analyze the effectiveness of training.

Physical activity affects the work of the heart, so it is better to give preference to models with instant measurement output. These are mainly fitness watches and fitness bracelets. But the watch is not always convenient to wear on the wrist during intense exercise, and smart bracelets fit well on the wrist and do not cause any inconvenience.

Fitness lovers who are accustomed to playing with music can appreciate the models made in the form of headphones.

But the chest version is not very convenient for fitness, since it will not be possible to see the measurements directly during training. In fitness training, the error in measuring the heart rate of heart rate monitors on the wrist, ear or finger does not play a big role. Therefore, it is optimal to take a closer look at such small and convenient models.

In favor of choosing a fitness bracelet, its functions speak:

• Monitors heart rate, thereby helping to determine the right level of exercise
• Some models take into account not only spent calories, but also replenished ones, which is important for people who monitor weight
• Measures pressure, temperature, sweating intensity, and displays the data in the form of graphs
• Smart alarm clock will track sleep phases and wake up stress-free in a fast phase
• Built-in pedometer measures kilometers traveled per day

How to choose a fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitor?

• Pay attention to the material from which the device is made: aluminum, rubber, plastic, hypoallergenic silicone, polyurethane. The composition should not cause irritation, allergic reactions. The fitness bracelet is worn all day long, so it is important that wearing it does not cause discomfort
• If you love a bright design, take a look at the models that have interchangeable straps.
• Duration of work from a single charge or from a battery. There are models that work on a single charge from several days to several months. Devices that need to be charged every day are not the best choice for heart rate monitor
• The backlight function will be useful for those who are used to practicing in the dark or at dusk.
• Pay attention to the degree of protection against moisture if training takes place even in cloudy times, or if you go swimming. Remember that during active exercise, the athlete sweats a lot, so the device must be reliably protected from moisture penetration
• There are models of fitness bracelets with the ability to attach not only to the arm, but also to the chest. This option will be relevant for those who are forced to observe a strict dress code at work.
• Some models, synchronizing with the phone, inform about incoming calls. And the most technologically advanced devices even allow you to answer a call without taking out your phone.
• Please note that there is a power saving mode

Popular brands of such devices are Xiaomi, Fitbit, Sony, Huawei, Polar. The price range, depending on options, characteristics and brand, is different - from 2,000 to 11,000 rubles.

How to choose a chest heart rate monitor

It is imperative that your heart rate monitor has the option to alert you when your heart rate is out of range. The chest heart rate monitor is most often used when jogging, athletics, ski and cycling swimming. Therefore, it is very important here to monitor the load and the state of the body.

It must also have a high degree of moisture protection. For many, the synchronization function with the simulator will be useful. It is worth paying attention to the calculation of the heart rate for a separate circle and the GPS sensor. Sigma, Oxygen, Clear Fit chest heart rate monitors are popular.

How to choose a heart rate monitor for cores

People with diseases of cardio-vascular system you need to monitor your heart rate and stress on the heart muscle. Therefore, the heart rate monitor is the most important thing for them. Unlike the devices of choice for sports, the heart rate monitor for cores does not have to be so feature-rich. There is no need for a stopwatch timer or calorie burner, but accuracy is important.

The core heart rate monitor can also be a chest strap, or can be attached to the wrist, earlobe, or finger. But let's not forget that it is the chest models that provide the most accurate data.

Such a heart rate monitor can be:

• Wired, showing the most accurate measurements, but not the most convenient to use
• Wireless - comfortable to wear, but they can accidentally transfer data to other people's devices if there are people with similar devices nearby. There are wireless models that encode the signal in a certain way - only “their” device can recognize it. But such models are much more expensive.
• The most accurate heart rate monitors are two-piece. The sensor itself is attached to the chest, and the monitor is in your pocket or worn on your hand. The data obtained in this way will be as accurate as possible.
• Heart rate monitors that indicate acceptable heart rate limits. When the minimum or maximum values ​​are reached, the device gives a signal - sound or vibration. The user understands that he needs to take medicine or reduce the load, rest
• The function of measuring atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity of the air will be useful, since people with heart disease, as a rule, are weather dependent
• Popular heart rate monitors for health are Polar, Suunto, Sigma, Beurer.

When choosing a heart rate monitor for any purpose, do not chase the price. And inexpensive models are capable of showing accurate results, and the high price sometimes speaks only of the newness of the product. But do not ignore the characteristics that are important to yourself.