Today’s training methods are about efficiency and functionality.  Wrist worn heart rate monitors are one offering that is fast becoming popular for their good looks, functionality and technological advances.  They are perfect for everyday wear, no matter whether you are training or not.  There are a host of manufacturers on the market who offer varying degrees of technology and functionality.

However there is still a need and a place for chest heart rate monitors as well as new technology that offer a strapless solution.  Wireless solutions are available too which work through Bluetooth technology.

Bluetooth fitness heart rate monitors offer a solution for real time monitoring via the internet.  Using Bluetooth and mobile phone networks they remotely transmit heart rate information back to a professional who in turn assesses the results.  These heart rate monitors are being used very successfully for cardiac patients as well as elite athletes as they provide real time data which can be used for maximum benefit.

Strapped and Strapless Heart Rate Monitors
Working in conjunction with a receiver the strapped chest heart rate monitor consists of a transmitter fitted to a strap and worn around the chest.  The receiver is usually worn on the wrist and receives the data collected by the transmitter.  Many of these devices are also offering Bluetooth technology where the receivers are being replaced by mobile phones.  Whether the receiver consists of a mobile phone or a wrist worn device its function is to display and record the data received.  

Modern receivers are often able to transfer data into a computer, which makes monitoring easier.  There are some who advocate that these chest strap models are more accurate than others due to the strategic placement over the heart.  However older models were susceptible to crosstalk from other monitors or equipment.

Strapless heart rate monitors on the other hand, offer the convenience of being worn on the wrist, much like a watch.  They require no chest strap but are only able to measure heart rates when a special sensor is held down. They do not provide continuous monitoring and as a result are not able to provide highly accurate results.  For many during training it is not possible to keep this device constantly activated.   

There are two different offerings in these devices.  The first monitors heart rates via electrical impulses which are very accurate while the other measure heart rates via optical sensors that detect a pulse.  They are less accurate as a result.

Wireless Technology

Polar Heart Rate Monitor Watch
Polar are said to be pioneers in the field of wireless electrocardiogram technology.  Their new model the Rs200se Heart Rate monitor offers a quality device that is durable and attractive.  The Rs stands for running sports and the sd refers to speed and distance. Whether a beginner or an elite athlete the Polar provides crucial information pertaining to fitness based on heart rates.  The data it provides includes speed and distance while other features include alarms that provide signals when needed.  Even while asleep Polar’s new offering is able to switch into sleep mode and track resting heart rate.    

Yet perhaps one of its unique features is its breakthrough foot pod technology which can be comfortably and securely attached to the shoe.  When motion is not detected it switches off and in doing so provides energy saving capabilities.

Timex Ironman Heart Rate Monitor
Another wireless offering is the Timex Ironman heart rate monitor.  Consisting of a chest strap it sends data wirelessly to a device worn on the wrist.  This device offers levels of accuracy demanded by world class athlete’s yet easy to use functionality.  

Timex is relatively new to the industry yet they are credited for developing the first watch heart rate monitor using digital FM signals.  Digital FM has become more popular today as eliminates any crosstalk from nearby equipment or electrical devices so you never have to worry about any interference impeding the accuracy of the data.
 
Nike Heart Rate Monitor
Nike is one more selection of wireless heart rate monitors.  Nike has long had a reputation for high quality, durability and comfort.  They offer stylish designs and when not being used to track heart rates their wireless wrist devices can be worn like any other watch.  

Their Triax and Imara series offer devices to suit basic and intermediate tracking and can provide features such as training zones, time in training zones, multiple session data, digital transmission, speed and distance and time in/above/below target zones.

CardioSport Heart Rate Monitor
CardioSport HRM has long been a standard in the industry.  Their CardioSport Fusion 10, First Rate Heart Monitor and Go Sport Heart Monitors offer high value for the money and ease of use for chest heart rate monitors.  100% digital they offer no crosstalk and accurate heart rate monitoring. Their batteries are interchangeable between receiver and transmitter and the chest straps are lightweight and soft and can be adjusted to fit most body types.  The wrist devices have been designed to suit both men and women.   They offer single button navigation and extra large LCD displays.  

The Go Rate Heart monitor offers new features such as targeting training to a single heart beat instead of a broad range of training zones.  This means that the wearer need not be subject to out of zone alarms nor do they need to set broad training zones.

Wrist Heart Rate Monitors
A heart monitor of note that offers no chest strap and is designed to be worn on the wrist much like a watch is the Oregon Scientific Heart Rate Monitor.   Oregon has long been known for their ability to lead the industry with their high tech products.  

Included in their offers is the HR Series which offers basic and intermediate heart rate monitoring and the AH Series which offer basic chest heart monitoring devices.  

Their SE Series offers basic, intermediate and advanced heart monitoring capabilities as well as heart rate training, speed, distance and vibration alerts.  Their SE211 offers both analogue and digital transmission.