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Exercise Watches / Heart Rate Monitor Watches

heart rate
noun
Abbr. HR

The measure of cardiac activity, usually expressed in number of beats per minute (or BPM)

A Heart Rate Monitor Watch is a device that allows its' user to monitor their heart rate, while (at the same time) exercising.  There are two components to this devise; a sensor and a receiver.  Currently, there are three types of sensors; the chest strap sensor, the wrist sensor and the finger sensor.  The receiver is worn as a watch-like wrist band.  Initially, on earlier models, the receiver only displayed one's heart rate.

The heart rate monitor was invented by the Australian physicist, Robert "Bob" John Treffene.  He and his invention, which was initially intended for swimmers, appeared on the Australian ABC television show The New Inventors (1970 - present).

Polar Electro, founded in 1977, and now known (singularly) as Polar, developed the first accurate, wireless heart rate monitor as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team.  Today, cardio-training has become a staple for professional athletes, as well as for every-day, active people who are focused on their health and well-being.

For years, cardio-monitoring technology has been an added feature of cardio-respiratory equipment, such as treadmills and stair climbers.  Typically, heart rate information is collected via a finger sensor, which transmits a signal to the receiver, or monitor.  The monitor records one's BPM, thereby illustrating to the user whether one should increase or decrease activity to reach their desired target rate.

The sensors (finger, wrist or chest) have built-in electrodes, that are in constant contact with the wearer's skin during exercise.  The electrodes monitor electrical voltage, originating from the heart.  When a heart beat is detected, a radio signal is sent to the receiver.  More expensive heart rate monitors send coding signals to prevent the user's wrist monitor from receiving signals from other, nearby exercisers. The receiver computes the heart beats to determine the current heart rate (BPM).  Based on the  BPM and the information entered by the wearer, the monitor can display a myriad of information, such as; upper and lower heart rate limits (known as the Target Heart Rate Zone and the Maximum Heart Rate), average heart rate over an exercise period, time in a specific heart rate zone, calories burned and how your heart rate changes with altitude, just to name a few.

The Maximum Heart Rate formula is generally used to set the training or exercise zones, according to your fitness goals and limitations.  Should you reach a level outside of these zones, some monitors will sound an audible alarm.  Certain heart rate monitor watches even allow you to upload your training data to your home computer.  Many of these watches include software and USB cables to aid in this connection and home information sharing.  Once connected, you will be able to compare, analyze, and save your training stats.

Finding Your Target Heart Rate*

* Before beginning any exercise, consult your physician.  The above chart is meant as
  a guideline and Timepieces-2-Watch.com accepts no responsibility for the use thereof.