Many now suggest using perceived exertion (listening to your body) to supplement heart rate monitor readings - the subject of another post.

Many of us have used heart rate monitors in gyms on treadmills, exercise bikes, and steppers.  The personal monitors, which sell for under a $100 to much more, usually have a chest strap sensor (although there are models that don’t) and a wrist or handlebar readout.  Most have alarms you can set to alert you when you are below or above your training zone.

I remember a run years ago on a trail in upstate New York where I was chugging along, just in the range I wanted with my heart rate, when suddenly the watch started beeping and the readings went haywire.  I thought I was having a heart attack but then it stopped and I walked for a bit -- and then remembered that I had just crossed under a major power line.  Well, since then we’ve heard of cows being hurt from electromagnetic radiation and I tell you, it was a vivid demonstration to me of what was emanating from those wires.  Radio towers, some exercise equipment, and microwaves are some of the other sources of interference.

So, why does a 69 year-old guy need a heart rate monitor?  Well, I don’t use it to do the high quality training workouts I once did.  For me, it’s more a case of monitoring effort -- to keep my workouts in the aerobic zone -- to back off when I’m tending to overdo it.  It’s also a great help when doing inside exercises, like rowing or cycling, when your heart isn’t really in it. (Sorry for the pun)  A monitor shows that you’re dogging it and is a reminder to crank it up a bit to get a good workout.  Lastly, a heart rate monitor shows you the exertion level of various exercises -- low for walking and paddling, higher for cycling, and higher yet for running or cross-country skiing.

There are heart rate monitors with GPS units and all sorts of data-collecting features.  For most exercisers, a basic model is fine.  Buy a quality unit from a sports shop and you’ll probably find that it will become an important part of your workouts.  Just remember to moisten the sensors before you head on out.  And avoid transmission lines.

In future posts, we'll talk about how to use heart rate monitors in your exercise program.  In the meantime, how do you gauge your workout intensity?

pushup photo by superfantastic        bike photo by davidlendrum

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