Heart Rate Monitors are literally for everybody

 I’m sure you’ve seen the bare-chested old guys running by the side of the road in the summer… completely outfitted in their running shorts, new running shoes, sweat bands and that strap around their chest. Although they look a little silly… and probably have a hilarious tan line… they are actually quite smart! They are maximizing their workout with those strappy things! Training with a hear rate monitor is actually quite simple.

First and foremost, ensure that your doctor has given you the thumbs up to do this type of training. Once you get the ok, it’s just a matter of getting a heart rate monitor… and most importantly… USING IT! Heart rate monitors can be relatively inexpensive (although complex models with lots of bells and whistles are available) and can really boost your cardio workout!

To get started, you need to calculate your Target Heart Rate. How to calculate your Target Heart Rate (THR) – First, you must establish your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR).

An easy way to estimate (this is only an estimate!) that is to simply subtract your age from 220.

So for a 30 year old woman, an estimate of her MHR is 190. But of course, you wouldn’t want to actually workout at that level!

I would recommend calculating your THR for working at 65%, 75%, and 85% of your MHR. So in the case of our 30 year old woman, this would look like: 190 x .65 = 123.5 190 x .75 = 142.5 190 x .85 = 161.5

How do I use all of this information to maximize my workout you may ask?

EASY! Before you train, decide how intense you’d like you’d like your workout to be. Slow and steady at 65%? Maybe you’d like to do some interval training ranging from 65% to 85%? Or perhaps a high-intensity workout for short duration up around 75% - 80%!

Now, all you have to do periodically monitor your heart rate during your cardio workout to ensure you’re are hitting your training goals for that day! Monitoring your heart rate throughout your workout will ensure that you aren’t slackin’ off and really getting the most out of your cardio time.

Now go out and get your heart a-pumpin!

A Heart Rate Monitors, polar watches review.