Having decided to go in for sports, many beginners, especially those who want to lose weight, study the recommendations of experienced athletes in the media. In addition to comfortable running clothes and sneakers with shock-absorbing soles, many are advised to purchase a heart rate monitor. A wrist device can not only demonstrate heart rhythms, but also control a constant load, giving the owner information on calories burned. In this article, the reader will receive a lot of information on heart rate monitors, find out what they are, get acquainted with the reviews of the owners and current prices for devices.
“Please announce the entire list!”
The principle of the heart rate monitor is unlikely to interest anyone, but its functionality will be very useful to the future owner. Indeed, in addition to the basic function of reading the heart rate, there are many useful things that a heart rate monitor can do. A wrist device, depending on the manufacturer and modification, can:
- When setting thresholds for the lower and upper values of the heart rate, warn the owner about going beyond the established boundaries with an audio signal. It is very convenient when losing weight, because training should be carried out with a set intensity of heart rhythms.
- The built-in pedometer allows you to calculate the distance while jogging over rough terrain.
- Calorie Counter keeps statistics on energy expenditure during a workout.
- The GPS tracker allows you to plot new routes or follow the set earlier.
- Synchronization with other devices enables the exchange of information. Data for careful study can be saved on a computer or information can be obtained from another device for your own processing, for example, from a bicycle computer.
The main thing is to please the buyer!
Not only the functionality of the device affects the price. Much depends on the installed sensor, which reads information about the heartbeat and transfers it to the base device. Therefore, the focus is another parameter that needs to be paid attention when studying heart rate monitors - views. The pros and cons of installed sensors are evaluated taking into account the convenience of gadgets, as their functionality is completely identical: read data and transfer it to a heart rate monitor.
- The sensor built into the bracelet is considered the most convenient. Put your watch on your hand - and enjoy your workouts. However, due to the loose fit of the bracelet to the wrist, the measurement accuracy will be very low.
- The chest sensor, which is worn on the chest in the form of a nylon hoop, creates some discomfort in the initial stages of training. However, the accuracy of such measurements is very high.
- The sensor on the earlobe or on the finger cannot be called accurate, but there are exercises when only such measurement is possible.
In addition, the sensors are wired and wireless, and are also able to transmit information in digital or analog form.
Cheapest segment
Chinese devices in the domestic market have always been considered the most affordable for Russian citizens. Moreover, the presence of a quality certificate from the seller clearly proves to all buyers that there should be no problems with quality. An example is the Sportmaster wrist heart rate monitor, which has excellent functionality that is available only in expensive devices:
- pedometer,
- calorie counter
- GPS tracker
- display backlight
- sound indication.
Judging by the numerous reviews of the owners, the biggest drawback of the Chinese device is the accuracy of measuring heart pulses, because the information is taken from the wrist. The problem can be solved by tightening the strap, only this can lead to numbness of the wrist.
Pulse Meters
For most beginners, the priority will be the price of the heart rate monitor. After all, there is no point in overpaying for functionality that will be unclaimed. Therefore, the market has a special price niche for buyers who need the simplest and most affordable device (up to 3,000 rubles). And if the reader thinks that this device will be of poor quality, then he is very mistaken. After all, heart rate monitors are medical measuring devices that undergo rigorous testing and have an international quality certificate.
There are few options in this niche, but the assortment is enough to make the right choice. It is not necessary to expect that the wrist heart rate monitor will have decent functionality. The price category assumes the usual measurement, which the buyer should count on first.
Recommendations of professionals in an inexpensive segment
The simplest device should be able to read the heart rate and provide the information received to the owner. All other functions that the heart rate monitor has can be regarded as a pleasant gift from the manufacturer.
- Any newcomer knows about a wristwatch with a heart rate monitor from a Taiwanese manufacturer Sigma PC 3.11. The model in various colors of the body is available in any sports store. Heart rate measurement, clock, stopwatch and the ability to dive 30 meters - all the necessary functionality for a beginner.
- The Germans were always distinguished by their scrupulousness in the manufacture of measuring instruments, therefore, the Beurer PM15 heart rate monitor was no exception. Heart rate, watches and water resistance are considered basic features. But a nice bonus is to set the upper and lower values of the heart rate with an audible alarm when leaving the "training zone".
- The German Sanitas SPM10 wrist heart rate monitor, unlike its competitors, reads data from the touch of a finger on the sensor. It is clear that there may be problems with the accuracy of the data, however, the absence of a chest belt adds comfort to the device.
Consumer class
The category of heart rate monitors from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles includes devices that are designed to attract a buyer with their appearance. In fact, this is a niche of beautiful pulse meters with simple functionality. Although a potential buyer may also find a wristwatch with a pedometer and heart rate monitor in this category.
- The legendary heart rate monitor Sigma PC 22.13 does not have any additional functionality, unlike the younger model, but it looks much more attractive.
- German Beurer devices (PM18, PM25 and PM26) began to look more attractive, and their functionality was replenished with a calorie counter and a training calendar.
- The legendary Finnish brand Polar, which is represented by FT1-FT4 models and their various modifications, also fell into this category. The heart rate monitor looks very stylish, but the functionality has the usual: heart rate, calorie counter and watch with a stopwatch.
- The LifeTrak C300 has a built-in pedometer in addition to the usual heart rate monitoring features. The heart rate monitor can synchronize and transmit information to Apple devices.
Business Class for Real Sports Gurus
All devices over 6,000 rubles are considered to be multifunctional devices, and their price directly depends not on the information provided, but on the brand, material of manufacture and appearance. The buyer himself decides what to choose: a wrist heart rate monitor without a chest sensor in a titanium case or a navigation system in one device with a built-in thermometer and barometer.
Three serious players in this segment share this market: Polar, Garmin and Mio Alpha. Moreover, the first brand is focused on the business style of the owner, and the second player is positioned as a device for sports and outdoor activities. Mio Alpha has a youth style, and the devices of this manufacturer are more popular among creative personalities. More recently, the business device market has replenished with Apple Watch, which can measure heart rate and transfer it to iOS devices. Judging by the reviews of the owners, this is an ordinary sensor, but it is still unknown how far the manufacturer will go using its capabilities.
Finally
In fact, choosing a heart rate monitor is not so difficult. The main thing - before buying to determine its purpose. Having found out what functionality will be in demand, and having counted finances, you can safely go to the store for a purchase. Most athletes just need to see the pulse. Weightlifters can benefit from setting heart rate thresholds with audible alerts. But cross-country runners away from the city will need a wrist pedometer with a heart rate monitor.