We have reviewed the most popular heart rate monitors so that you have all the information before you purchase.

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What do I need to know?

Heart rate monitors how they work?

Basically, a strap fits across your chest fitted with the actual heart monitor and this sends a wireless signal to the receiver on your wrist. There are a wide number of receiver designs, with various features including, average heart rate over a set period of time, amount of time in a specific heart rate zone, how many calories burned, your rate of breathing, speed and distance log, and detailed information that can be downloaded to a computer.

What types are there?

You can spend £400 on a top-of-the-range model with lots of functions or about £25 on the most basic model. Choosing the right one depends on what functions you are going to need – and use. The more advanced you are with your running and training, the more you will use the functions on the heart rate monitor.

Basic Models
These HRMs let you set limits and control your heart rate intensity during training sessions, record how long you exercise, calculate calories burnt and record details about how long you spend in your set heart-rate zone.

Mid range models
These HRMs include all the features of the basic models with extra functions such as individual lap times and details and countdown timer. Additional features may include ability to set multiple target training zones, footpods and GPS units to give extra real time feedback and alarms to warn of various events.

Advanced Models
These HRMs can usually download your training data to your PC for analysis, have larger memories and smaller footpods and include GPS units, all of which can give more accurate information. They have functions to prevent over-or under-training, more complex timers & hold history of previous sessions to indicate when you need to rest etc.

See Reviewed Heart Rate Monitors