heart rate monitor

[cathykazbar]

Hi Everyone, I'm new to Cathe ... waiting for my first DVD! Now to my question ... for Xmas my husband got me a heart rate monitor. Since I'm new to using them I was just wondering if anyone could give me tips on using it ... I get the basics of how it works but I guess I'm just trying to figure out things like how long I should be in my target zone etc... Actually anything that people could share would be helpful
Thanks in advance
Cathy

 

[tina72382]

HIya Cathy, welcome to the forums! I have a heart rate monitor, and I love it. I can really chart my progress aerobically. Target zone training is aerobic training, and is best for burning fat. To train anerobically, you would train on the high end and a bit out of your heart rate zone. So, if you goal is to burn fat, 30 minutes a day in your heart rate zone, 3-5 times per week, should do it. (Along with a sensible diet). I'm no expert, but that's what I know about hrms. I hope it was helpful! -Tina

 

[jtlane25]

Welcome to the boards!

I have a monitor...it's a fabulous tool! I have the Polar A5. It tracks your calories burned during your workout along with the duration. It's great and totally accurate because you have to program in your age, weight, height and it does the heartrate. It's a great weight loosing tool because you have an idea of your calorie burn...but I actually got mine for the opposite reason. I actually have lost 80 pounds and have maintained it for 5 years now....but I teach fitness classes myself. So, I have to make sure I take in enough calories to compensate my calorie burn. I NEVER in my life would have thought I would have to think of it from the other end. But, either way...it's a great tool!

Tanya

:+

 

[cathykazbar]

Thank you Tina and Tanya-
Mine is a polar A3 I think. It doesn't have the calories but gives you the range you should be working out in. I think I've finally figured out all the buttons! I am glad to hear that it is accurate for the heartrate ... I've used it a few times already and am starting to get used to it! I am thinking it'll give me some good feedback on how hard I am really working! Thanks again! Cathy