When I first started regularly using my gym I decided to have a session with one of the in house trainers. It was very interesting to discuss the correct ways to get fitter and losing weight, and believe me it's best to increase your fitness sensibly and then set your targets for losing weight. The main suggestion from the trainer was to use a heart rate monitor and to learn how train your heart, therefore increasing your overall fitness. The monitor involves wearing a chest strap that transmits your heart rate to the cardio vascular machine you are using. Taking this advice up I rented a monitor from the gym and really started to enjoy my training sessions, as there was a real purpose and target for the exercise.
I was given my own heart rate monitor for my Birthday, the York Trainer 220. This is one of the more reasonably priced products costing around £50. You can spend less on a HR monitor, however you generally get fewer features. For £50, the York Trainer kit comprises of a lightweight chest strap and a sporty watch. The functions of the trainer include the ability to set your minimum and maximum HR, therefore it will monitor your training level and bleep to indicate if you need to increase or decrease your activity to be in your training zone. In addition to the HR functions the trainer has a clock, alarm and light, it is also water resistant.
I have found that the main advantages to owning your own HR monitor are that you have the ability to monitor your HR when doing exercise that does not involve a machine that will read your HR, e.g. weights, swimming, jogging etc. Also, it means that you do not have to rent the gyms chest straps that are very sweaty and smelly!!
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I'd love to "keep fit" and possibly take up some form of martial arts. If only I could get off this chair and away from this computer. My current heart rate is probably as it was for the last few years. lol. Great op.
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