What exactly is a heart rate monitor? What all does it calculate?
A heart rate monitor is basically a chest strap that has a small wireless transmitter and a wrist watch receiver. Depending on the device, the features, and the cost, it can tell you at minimum, your current heart rate, the maximum heart rate you have achieved during exercise, and your average heart rate during exercise. Optional features can keep track track of a preprogrammed target training zones, how much time in, under, and above the zone and more. It is also a convenient way to check your recovery rate, which along with your resting rate, is a good indicator of overall cardio health. Another feature often included is calorie burn. While this number isn't perfect, if it is programmed right it will be based on your age, sex, weight, and your heart rate making it a better indicator than a printed chart.
A reasonable heart monitor isn't extremely expensive, ranging from around $30 to $$$$. The more expensive ones have the capability to save and download the data to a computer program if you need that sort of thing. I would avoid the strapless type, while the can tell you your current heart rate, they can't keep track of your rate over time.
I am in my late 50s, and wanted to be sure I wasn't overdoing it when I cycle, especially on hills. I have caught myself pushing too hard and backed off on effort.
Here is a link to Amazon so you can check out the features yourself. Customer reviews are usually very informatative.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_18?u rl=search-alias%3Dsporting&field-keywords =heart+rate+monitor&sprefix=heart+rate+mo nitor
