Thursday, November 1, 2007
The Basics of Heart Rate Monitors
Innovations in heart rate monitors in recent years have meant that it is now possible to continually measure your pace (speed) and distance alongside your heart rate and have them display on your monitor as you exercise. This is possible through two very different technologies (GPS and Footpod) and you generally need to make a choice between them depending on your exercise needs.
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. With GPS heart rate monitors an antenna on the monitor receives a satellite signal of your position as you move and constantly computes and updates your speed and distance data from this so that it can be displayed on the monitor during your fitness session.
With Footpod technology you wear a small device - the footpod - on your shoe and it computes your pace and distance by making thousands of measurements of your stride pattern as you move. It doesn't just measure stride length but uses the same kind of technology found in ultra-accurate industrial robotic and space positioning systems encased in a small plastic unit.
Given the two different technologies to measure your speed and distance, which one should you buy?
Choose GPS if:
- if most of your activity is outdoors as GPS systems do not work indoors
- if you exercise in wide open spaces. Many systems struggle with finding a good signal if you run between tall buildings or under dense tree coverage
- if you want to use the pace and distance functionality for sports other than running such as skiing or rowing - GPS monitors in contrast to the Footpod technology do not rely on foot movements
Choose Footpod technology if:
- your exercise is mainly running or walking indoors or out
- you are a runner and cyclist and find an option that offers both footpod and equivalent bike accessories
Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway ::
9:50 AM ::
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