If you are serious about fitness, then a heart rate monitor is as important as the right pair of shoes. And like shoes, a heart monitor isn’t one size fits all. Women need different things in a monitor than men do. The best heart rate monitors for women are very different from monitors that are best for men.
Let’s face it. Most men can comfortably wear a regular heart monitor watch with a chest strap and get an accurate reading. This is more of a challenge for many women.
Chest straps transmit data to the heart monitor watch. They do that when they pick up impulses sent from the heart. They then transmit this information to the watch. A problem can occur when there is not good enough contact with the skin.
Women who are relatively flat chested can probably get that good contact between the strap and the skin. So they will be able to successfully use a monitor that comes with a chest strap.
But for women who have bigger cup sizes, wearing a strap can present problems. To get solid contact with the skin, the strap has to be worn very tightly which can be quite uncomfortable.
If you fall in this group, there may be a suitable alternative to the traditional heart rate monitor. The strapless heart rate monitor is becoming increasingly popular among women in particular. This type of monitor measures heart rate and does it without the need to wear a chest strap.
You should be aware that reviews about heart rate monitors are mixed. Some fitness experts are of the opinion that they do not provide the accuracy of a traditional monitor. Other experts, on the other hand, think that the technology is almost as good as you’d get in a traditional monitor. Most agree that models manufactured today are of far better quality than earlier models.
So if for any reason you can’t wear a traditional heart rate monitor, then look for a strapless model that has high recommendations and is manufactured by a company that specializes in the manufacture of heart monitors. There are a lot of different designs to choose from when looking for a strapless heart monitor.
Many of the strapless type of monitors are worn on the wrist. Other types may have a ring type sensor which is worn on a finger. Other models are designed with a strap that is worn on the upper part of the arm. Lastly are those strapless monitors that can be carried in the hand.
With a wrist heart rate monitor, there is usually one or two sensors located right on the watch. Putting a finger on the sensor lets it collect and then display this data on the watch.
It’s not easy to say what the best heart rate monitors for women might be. But we know for sure that comfort and accuracy are among the most important factors. If you don’t have these, there may be little point in having a monitor anyway.
Whether you are a serious athlete or a casual exerciser, heart monitor watches can help boost performance and improve fitness levels. Although monitors can be worn by anyone, women may find it more comfortable wearing a wrist heart rate monitor.
Mail this post
?>
Posted under Heart Rate Monitor
This post was written by Chris Station on August 5, 2010
