GETTY IMAGESMonitoring your heart rate during training sessions has two main uses: observation and control. Observation is the more straightforward of the two, and you can do it whether your heart rate monitor (HRM) is an entry-level unit

Q Following your advice, I did a treadmill test using a heart rate monitor to work out my maximum heart rate. The result was 177bpm. However, during 40-minute steady runs my pulse easily reaches 165bpm, about 94 per cent of max! Am I training too

. The instructions were clear and the functions (stopwatch, two interval timers, heart-rate zone) were easy to use. During your run, you can change to view beats per minute, the percentage of your maximum heart-rate, or calories burned. Although the time display

maximum heart rate. Now use this figure to calculate your three basic training zones:Low Intensity 60-70% of maxThis zone encompasses recovery and steady runs and should feel fairly easy. It encourages fat burning and a strong cardiovascular system. New

have heart-rate zones you can set to keep your run at the right level, and at the top of the scale, your HRM can act as a virtual coach. We tested eight models from across the spectrum.Dunlop Velocity, £60 Features 3 target HR zones, interval timer

money? Basic Models "Basic HRMs let you set limits and control heart rate intensity for individual training sessions, record exercise duration, calculate calories burnt and record the time spent in and above your set heart-rate zone

to take readings throughout it, as your heart rate may peak before the end.What Heart Rate To Train AtThere are three broad training zones:60-75% – easy75-85% – moderate85-95% – hardBut… don’t fall foul to a common misconception: these aren’t percentages

: The Basics Get started with this snappy, foolproof guide complete with heart rate training zones and sessions.Our Complete Guide to Heart Rate Training (non-subs preview)Learn to train with your heart rate, and it won't just be your pulse that races faster

Heart-rate monitors vary hugely in price and functionality. For less than £20 you can pick up an HRM that simply measures your pulse, while parting with £150+ will give you a monitor that will set training zones for you, tell you how many calories

are some of the biggest fans of heart rate monitors, for two main reasons. Keeping track of your heart rate ensures that you're working hard enough to reap fitness benefits. But setting a maximum heart rate zone on the monitor can also keep overzealous