Benefits of Using a Heart Rate Monitor During Workouts

Heart rate monitors are becoming an extremely popular choice among fitness enthusiasts for monitoring the impact of their workout. Whether you’re just getting into exercise or have been running marathons for years; are pushing through high-intensity workouts or focusing on the power of yoga; or are taking group classes or setting your own regimen, a heart rate monitor is a fantastic option for any kind of workout.

Depending on your age, your body has a target heart rate. This number is how many beats per minute you should have throughout your workout. For people who are in good physical shape, your target heart rate should be at 70 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate in order to benefit the most from your workout.

A heart rate monitor can also help you measure the amount of effort you’re putting in to each workout. By simply glancing at the display, you can determine whether you need to slow down, push harder, or maintain pace without having to stop in the middle of an exercise to take your pulse. Utilizing a heart rate monitor can also prevent you from overtraining. If you find that your heart rate is higher than usual during a particular workout or after you’ve finished up at the gym, you may need to reevaluate your schedule to ensure that your body is getting the rest it needs to perform at full capacity.

Another reason these gadgets can be so beneficial is because they can help you set realistic goals and provide you with the data you need to determine whether you have met those goals. Many fitness trackers can store your information from previous workouts so you can easily see how far you’ve come over an extended period of time, keep you on track with your plan, and help you make any adjustments necessary. Having solid numbers as proof of work that are so easily accessible often pushes people to perform well, too.

Do you use a heart rate monitor to enhance your workouts? Which one is your favorite? Share your opinions in the comments below.