The heart rate monitor is a device used to measure heart rate during activities under strain, which is why it is widely used in gym-goers and athletes.
Knowing your heart rate is key to maximal optimizing your races and workouts, but it’s also important to keep your heart in check and avoid straining too much.
Basically there are two types of cardio frequency meter, the band cardio that is placed around the chest and the wrist, the latter is a watch that collects all the information regarding heart rate and heart strain.
Both models work with sensors that detect the heartbeats and process all the data collected through electromagnetic signals.
In band heart rate monitor meters, the exchange of signals between electrodes occurs between a transmitting part and a receiver, the first is placed on the band, and the second is a device to which data is sent.
In wrist heart rate monitor, the whole mechanism is included in a single device, so you don’t need to use the band. The heartbeats are detected by the optical sensor in the watch that comes into contact with the wrist.
Cardio band
The thoracic cardio band is placed at the height of the sternum, reacts to the electrical impulses of the heart as it does with an electrocardiogram, calculates beats per minute and sends data to the heart rate monitor with an ANT radio signal or via Bluetooth.
It is a valid tool widely used in gyms, especially by those who practice high-intensity cardio training and need to monitor heart beats to lose weight.
The band heart rate monitor is very precise, some models allow you to detect additional data on the stroke, such as, for example, the contact time on the ground and the cadence and length of the pitch.
Pulse Rate Monitor
The wrist heart rate monitor has the optical sensor built into the watch’s back case, it can detect the heartbeat thanks to the analysis of the volume of blood flowing through the veins and that varies with each pulse.
This tool is very good during daily use, but it has some limitations due to the optical sensor. In fact, the measurement can be altered by the presence of tattoos, the coloration of the epidermis, low exposed veins and the size of the wrist. In order for the measurement to be accurate, it is important that the watch is firmly on your wrist.
Following these measures, the heart rate monitor without a band offers a perfect measurement and is ideal especially for those who practice running and want to know in real time all the data related to its performance.
Differences between the two types of heart rate monitor
Those who want to train with the heart rate monitor need to know the differences between the one with chest and wrist band, in order to choose the best solution.
The cardio beam is considered more precise but very uncomfortable and invasive, especially for those who practice sports for prolonged periods, although in recent years much more delicate materials have been used that have made it lighter and more manageable.
Although more inconvenient, the heart rate monitor with band is preferable to the wrist one, especially for professional athletes who need precise measurements, but also for those suffering from heart disease and must constantly and accurately monitor the heart.
Wrist models, as mentioned above, are considered less accurate because they can be subjected to interference due to hand movement and other factors and, in general, are not recommended for those who play sports in a professional manner.
Undoubtedly, it is a more comfortable device that leaves more freedom of movement, but it is not suitable for those who need constant and in-depth monitoring.
Another important factor to evaluate is the sport activity to which the wrist heart rate monitor is intended, on the market there are models with different characteristics according to the sport and disciplines to be practiced.
The choice should be made according to the type of training to be faced, in the gym usually personal trainers recommend the use of the cardio band, to have accurate data and carefully monitor the activity of the heart.
The cardio band can be superfluous for those who do sports only in their free time or a run every now and then, in these cases the wrist heart rate monitor is the most suitable choice.
