Running Heart Rate Monitor - Running Will Never Be The Same

First introduced by Polar Electro in 1977, the heart rate monitor has since grown in popularity amongst fitness fanatics and sports athletes for obvious reasons.  After all, cardiovascular endurance is one of the most important determinants of excellent athletic performance and fitness level. 

Despite such popularity, however, there are still pockets of the population that are unconvinced about the merits of a running heart rate monitor.  Or if they are already using the monitor, they have yet to properly use the device to make significant progress on their training.  Well, this article will seek to properly educate these sectors of the population so as to make full use of the heart rate monitor, especially the runners amongst us.

Accuracy of Measurements

Let's face it.  Before the advent of heart rate monitors, you have to stop, measure and log your heart rate at certain points of your training.  Not only was this method inconvenient but it was also highly inaccurate. 

With a heart rate monitor, however, you have the benefit of accurate measurements at pre-set times.  No stopping, no counting and no mistakes about the heart rate.  Your training log will always be updated especially with the upload and download features available in even a standard running heart rate monitor. 

And with the GPS function on hand, you will also be provided with accurate measurements of your speed, distance and time spent on each lap.  This is highly useful when tracking your progress in relation to the training goals. 

Easy Monitoring of Progress

There are two ways in which a heart rate monitor allows for easier tracking of training progress. First, you will be able to track your cardiovascular fitness, which is a primary determinant of competition performance especially during long-distance races.  Second, you are in a better position to develop a customized training program based on your present cardiovascular fitness level with the purpose of improving on it.  

Now, contrast that with other methods where imprecise measurements are used.  Or more appropriately, where subjective measurements like how tired or energized you feel, which makes for a guess-and-adjust scenario.

Avoidance of Under and Overtraining

All runners are either guilty of under or overtraining at one point or another.  With a running heart rate monitor, it is possible to avoid such instances simply because you already have an objective point of reference. 

When you are under training, you should push your body harder to achieve optimal performance.  You will know if you are, indeed, under training if your pre-set minimum heart rate goal is not reached - an alarm will sound off telling you of this fact. 

When you are overtraining, you are at risk for more injuries.  The heart rate monitor will also sound the alarm if and when you are placing too much stress on your body one too many times.  Of course, what may be considered overtraining for others may not be so for you, which means setting your own desirable training and resting heart rates. 

Soon, you will find yourself achieving the right pace during competitions.  So, if you have yet to use a running heart rate monitor, it's the right time now.