Heart rate monitors have gotten quite a bit of attention within the world of health and exercise since they first became popular back in the mid 1990’s. And now these relatively simple devices that monitor and track each beat of the heart have been integrated into all sorts of exercise equipment like stationery bicycles and treadmills as well as being sold on their own.
Today there are a variety of heart rate monitors to choose from, many of which are rather trendy looking and serve dual purposes, making them the “must-have” gadget among many of the health conscious. Some models are worn with a wireless receiver portion on the wrist with the transmitter strapped around the chest while others are completely strapless and resemble a small wristwatch.
A heart monitor functions by receiving the electrical signal that is emitted by the heart as it beats. Every time the heart, which is a large muscle, expands and contracts the electrical signal is picked up by the monitor’s electrodes which are then transmitted to the receiver. For the ultimate in accuracy, the electrodes must be kept firmly against the skin at all times. Continue reading ‘Using Heart Rate Monitors While Exercising’ »