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| KIT | RW Oct 08 |
Heart Rate Monitors - The BasicsBy David MitchellDo you need a £360 heart rate monitor - or will £30 be enough? Here's how to buy a versatile training ally |  | ||||||||
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The conundrum: push yourself too hard and run yourself into the ground. Don't push yourself hard enough and never improve. The answer: start listening to your heart, not your head, by using a heart rate monitor (HRM). What does a HRM do? Training using an HRM makes sure you don't train too hard or too easily by setting limits, making sure you get the most out of your training for the least amount of effort. Once you've worked out what your limits are and have started training with an HRM you'll have clearer targets, more focus and better results. When would I want to use a HRM? The first step is to think about what you want to achieve - whether you'd just like to improve your aerobic fitness or have a specific race goal in mind. This will dictate how you will use your HRM and what functions yours will need. The monitor will play a key role once you start following a schedule, specifically if you start threshold training (running at your maximum aerobic steady state to improve your speed in races). Coming back into full fitness after a lay-off is also made much easier with a structured heart-rate training programme. It will keep you focused and stop you from being results driven by keeping your heart rate down until you've recovered sufficiently to train harder. Can I use a HRM to perform better during races? Yes! Wearing an HRM during a race helps prevent you from going off too fast in the early stages - by keeping your heart rate low - and more advanced models can tell you when you're running at your target pace. How will I know if I'm using it properly? You will need to calculate your target heart rate before you start using your HRM. One you've done this and have stuck to training within your limits you'll know you are using it properly when you start seeing the results of better fitness and faster times. How does an HRM work? If you haven't used one before having a basic understanding of how a heart rate monitor works will help you to get the best out of yours. There are two parts to most models. The chest strap you wear while you are running - this reads your heart rate - and the receiver you wear on your wrist that stores and displays the data. This also doubles as a watch. More advanced models use GPS technology or foot pods to measure your speed and distance and give a range of more detailed and highly accurate statistics on your performance.
How much will I need to spend? You can spend £360 on a bells-and-whistles, top-of-the-range model or £30 on the most basic model. The key to choosing the right one is to ask yourself what functions you are going to need - and use. The more advanced your running and training becomes the more your HRM will come into play. What will I get for my money? Basic Models Intermediate Models The Most Advanced Models
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