Help I need to know what the best heart rate monitor is for running.
Not sure exactly what a heart rate monitor does? The monitor comes in two different parts: a chest belt detects your heart rate and transmits it to a receiver on your wrist, which looks like a watch. It's a useful addition to any runner's kit because it provides an accurate reflection of how hard you're exercising - our own guesses are usually unreliable and mean that we can all too easily end up running faster or slower than is good for us.


Have you been considering buying a heart rate monitor and been confused with the mountain of information and the many different types of monitor that are available. Listed below are the main types of monitor available.


Simple, easy and low cost These monitors are the simplest to operate and least expensive to buy. The displays are big and easy to read. In many cases these heart rate monitors also include a stopwatch and time of day. If you want a basic starter monitor this is the one to choose, these heart rate monitors will work for any of the following activities, swimming, walking, aerobics, cycling.


The next step up is multi purpose heart rate monitor and sports wristwatch. These will generally have the following features as standard Target Zone, Time, and Heart Rate These monitors combines a sports wristwatch with a hear rate monitor. You can pre install your exercise Target Zone, display the time of day and also use it as a stop watch. Many models will calculate exercise recovery time. You can wear these heart rate monitors as sports wrist watches when you aren't exercising. These monitors are very popular due to the features and functions.


The more advanced monitors will include features such as a Memory facility to review Workouts & Calories BurnedThe calorie calculation is based on your body weight, gender and exercise heart rate Some models display calories burned during exercise session or total calories burned for the entire exercise session. All of these monitors have time of day and most include calendars. These monitors are ideal for some one on a weight loss work out program.


Next comes the monitors that can give advanced exercise feedback. This information is saved in the memory of the monitor and can be reviewed after your work out.This type of monitor gives you lots of information of your workout that are stored in the heart rate monitor memory. This includes: average heart rate lap times, time spent in,above,below your target zone and in some cases calories burned. Most of these memory heart rate monitors also have interval timers so you can really fine-tune your workouts. This type of heart rate monitor is excellent for looking back at your completed workouts and keeping track of your progress.


Moving on to the heart rate monitors that can give you optimum results. The information gathered during a work out will be downloaded to a computer.These heart rate monitors allow you to download the information to a computer to review and analyse your exercise sessions. Exact training info for amateur and professional athletes, or for any one interested in storing and analysing their exercise information. You can also manually recall the data on the face of the watch.

The Correct heart rate monitor can improve the effectiveness of your exercise routine.


There is one available to suit any athlete's needs.Like to find yours? CLICK HERE

Running Drills Improve Form

Those who engage in running on a serious basis, whether for recreation/health or for competition, know that there is a limit to what the human body can provide and what it can stand when under stress. If, during practice and training, the runner does not stretch to reasonable limits in a well-planned way, the individual may reach what some call a "plateau." This means that, when it counts most, the runner will not be able to perform at a top level because the body is not prepared to go further.

Practice and training running should naturally include an increase in pace as well as an increase in the intensity of running (uphill, surface changes etc.). But many coaches, trainers and experienced runners include well-designed drills into regular work sessions, for the sole purpose of improving results and form. Many of these individuals include a quality heart rate monitor watch in the plan for these workouts, to better understand how the individual body is reacting to drills and workout schedules.

The Drills

Some feel that running "sideways" is productive and relatively easy, while providing improved balance, foot coordination and so on. Experts remind the runner that these drills should be performed without crossing over the legs/feet. Running backward has long been a preferred method of exercise, balance improvement and stamina increase. Trainers often encourage athletes and others to incorporate a careful change of direction, running forward occasionally to improve starting quickness and speed.

Some coaches and trainers include the rather unusual method of running while putting slight resistance on the head with the runner's own hands. This method does prove to be a challenge, especially if the training is performed on an incline or in difficult footing, such as on sand. The arms and hands are quite important in helping move the body forward. Taking them out of the picture can improve leg strength, among other things.

Kick Some Butt

Many of the drills and training methods mentioned above can be done safely and at a proper pace with the use of a good heart rate monitor watch. Another, somewhat unusual style of training includes "butt kicks." The individual starts with legs straight and then attempts to touch his or her own buttocks with a backward kick. Expert coaches and trainers advise the individual to make this a smooth motion. Gradually increasing speed of kicks is part of a good training plan.

Other great methods include walking in a crouch, thighs parallel to the ground or training surface. Fast baby steps on the balls of the feet should help speed and foot agility. These and other drills should be tracked carefully, using a heart rate monitor watch and other accessories. A good drill plan can yield tremendous improvement.

Alison Addy is the copywriter of many online magazines.

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