Learning How to Use Polar Heart Rate Monitors
Heart rate monitors have become extremely popular with people who love going to the gym to keep their body fit. They are also used by strength training enthusiast who prefer using a heart rate monitor to monitor their cardiac rate when they workout in the gym. Monitoring the cardiac rate when working out in the gym will help in determining the recovery period.
Importance of monitoring heart rate
Monitoring your heart rate is important because your recovery period will differ from the recovery period of your gym buddy or friend. People who work out in the gym regularly have a lower heart rate when compared to people who have just started working out in the gym. You should not get discouraged if your friends or gym buddy have lower heart rate because your cardio-respiratory endurance can improve if you continue to work out in the gym.
Polar Heart Rate Monitor
If you are planning to buy a heart rate monitor, make sure you check out the models that are marketed under the brand name “Polar”. Even though there are several models of Polar heart rate monitors, the operating principles of all models is the same. Some higher end models may have some additional features but the basic features that you expect in a heart rate monitor is available in all models.
Using Polar Heart Rate Monitor
Even if you buy a basic model of Polar heart rate monitor, you will get all the features that you expect from a good heart rate monitor. If you have a Polar heart rate monitor at home, here is a guide that will help you in using the monitor.
To start using the monitor the strap must be attached to the transmitter module. After the straps are firmly attached to the modules, you must moisten the contact points or electrodes using water. You must moisten the contact points properly if you want the monitor to give correct readings. Also, make sure the logo is facing you when you attach your heart rate monitor.
There are several straps in the kit to suit the requirement of the user. The large strap can be stretched up to 54 inches in length, while the short strap can be stretched up to 6 inches. Straps that can be stretched up to 2 feet 8 inches can be used for the chest. Larger straps are designed for people who weigh up to 240 pounds.
Like any other monitor, Polar heart rate monitors have two parts – the receiver and the transmitter. The receiver will display the heart rate and the transmitter is placed in chest area to transmit the heart rate. Initially, you can place the transmitter and the receiver close to each other.
Once the device is activated, it will prompt the modules to calculate and display your heart rate. Make sure the heart rate symbol is visible when you do your exercise or work out. If the heart rate symbol in the receiver flashes at regular intervals, it means that the device is working properly. However, if the symbol flashes erratically, it means that contact points are not moistened properly.
Almost all Polar heart rate monitor come with alarm feature. To set the daily alarm, you must press both the buttons of the receiver at the same time. You must then press the right or the left button to adjust the heart rate and to disable or enable this feature.
Category: Health Tips