Effective aerobic training requires that you maintain your
heart rate at the proper intensity level for at least twenty
minutes per workout. If your heart rate is too high, your
activity can be counterproductive. That's why getting
a polar heart monitor can be so helpful.
For most people, as your heart rate exceeds eighty to eight-five
percent, your workout causes the body to become anaerobic
and produce lactic acids. This in turn causes you to burn
less fat, which can cause strain within the muscles. It's
important to reach a level of intensity that is productive.
A polar heart rate monitor will tune you into your body's
internal activity level and help prevent injury.
Using a polar heart rate monitor can help you make sure your
exercise intensity is at a level that burns fat optimally
and keeps the body working aerobically (not anaerobic). A
regular exercise program performed at the proper heart rate
levels can help increase your metabolism. It's important that
beginners do not push themselves too hard. Exercise is meant
to be fun! The most important exercise factor for losing weight
is the duration of the exercise. In fact, studies have shown
that you get a similar caloric burn if you walk three miles
then if you were to run one mile.
For optimum results, it's best to work out at a level that
can be comfortably maintained for a longer period of time.
As long as you are maintaining a comfortable intensity within
your zone, you will be burning fat. Those just starting an
exercise routine or are out of shape, should always start
at a slower pace and concentrate on being able to exercise
for gradually longer periods of time. A polar heart rate monitor
will assist you in this endeavor.
For fat burning and weight reduction, the optimal zone is
fifty-five to sixty-five percent of your maximum heart rate.
This level consists of lower intensity, longer duration exercises.
For best results, increase the length of time gradually. This
range is particularly recommended for those who haven't worked
out for a while or if you are starting a new exercise routine.
This lower intensity helps you maintain your exercise for
longer periods of time safely. Again, you need to get a polar
heart rate monitor to ensure you stay in a fat burning mode.
A quality polar heart rate monitor should have these features:
Heart Rate to ECG accuracy
Easy to operate
Calendar with Daily alarm
Easy to read large numbers
Water Resistant
Scratch resistant glass
Scan Sequence
Press a button, unit will display average heart rate, highest
lowest heart rate and total exercise time.
Elapsed Time
Extra soft rubber strap, which should be very comfortable
to wear.