If your anything like me then your tired of buying things that promise to work but inevitably don’t. Whether your into the latest nutritional supplement or exercise accessory, it can be frustrating. Especially if your intrigued by these two elements, fitness and technology. Never before have these two realms been so fused and within reach of the average consumer. Personally, I’m about two years into my fitness journey and am constantly curious how technology can help improve and track performance. I’m always looking to close my rings, if you know what I mean. The one category of these available products you would expect to work are heart rate monitors. The information they are supposed to provide is kind of important right? I’m in my 40’s, but if you are over 30, I would guess that you’ve started paying closer attention to stuff like this. That being said I’ve tried all sorts of heart rate monitors, so you don’t have to, and landed on one clear choice.
Why do you need a heart rate monitor and what does it do? A quick search on Wikipedia will tell you this, “A heart rate monitor is a personal monitoring device that allows one to measure/display heart rate in real time or record the heart rate for later study. It is largely used to gather heart rate data while performing various types of physical exercise. Measuring electrical heart information is referred to as Electrocardiography.” Your individual heart rate is truly the most vital, realistic, and accurate way to identify and measure your workout intensity in any given exercise you may be engaged in. Moreover, you can use this information to figure out on any given day whether your body is running at your peak levels or exceeding the current fitness level. When it comes to physical activity, you really get to know yourself. Tracking this information is crucial and valuable when assessing your overall physical condition and fitness level on going.
With the introduction of theApple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular, 40mm) – Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band (Renewed)” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”> Apple Watch and other products like it, you’ll hear more and more stories on how people are being alerted of irregulates or heart events that don’t seem right. These notifications are prompting visits to the doctors office that are preventing problems from getting worse or even life-threatening. This technology is actually saving lives. According to the CDC, “For moderate-intensity physical activity, your target heart rate should be between 64% and 76% of your maximum heart rate. You can estimate your maximum heart rate based on your age. To estimate your maximum age-related heart rate, subtract your age from 220.”
The type of activities that you do will have an impact on picking the right one. I wanted a heart rate monitor that I could use with everything and was non intrusive and trust worthy. For me, I run and cycle on a Peloton, as well as lift weights (not as much as I should). When I first got my Peloton I ordered it with the heart rate monitor that they provide. I would use that while I cycled and my Apple Watch while I ran. Unfortunately, the original bike does not support the Apple Watch. Switching between these two worked for a little while but then then the monitor started getting a little wonky. It either would give me trouble pairing or would give me weird readings. I changed the battery on it and it that lasted a few more weeks but would eventually fail. The device was also a little uncomfortable because is it a strap that goes around your torso. So, if you are moving around a lot, this is not the best scenario, especially if sweat is involved.
I started researching and trying a few different brands. Eventually landing on the Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband- Optical Heart Rate Armband Monitor with Dual Band Radio ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart – Bonus Pack includes Additional Free Armband” title=”Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband- Optical Heart Rate Armband Monitor with Dual Band Radio ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart – Bonus Pack includes Additional Free Armband” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Scosche Rhythm. This thing fires on all cylinders. Fulfilling all my criteria, no nonsense, accurate, and pairs every time. It’s durable and I’m able to utilize it during all my activates seamlessly. It’s much more comfortable to wear, can be worn on your forearm, and it’s out of the way so you can move freely.
“Traditional chest strap heart rate monitors have to be tight-fitting to maintain full
Scosche Industries
contact with your skin in order to work accurately, but they often slip as you move
or sweat and can restrict deep breathing. The Rhythm+2.0 fits securely and
comfortably on your arm, to your preferred location of upper forearm, biceps, or
triceps. You can fit it and forget it as the armband design keeps it in place and
safely out of harm’s way. The comfortable, stretchy, washable, replaceable and
easily adjustable armbands are suitable for men, women and children.”
This device is also compatible with most modern equipment including the Peloton. It was extremely easy to pair and links up every time. Rhythm+2.0 Waterproof Heart Rate Monitor Armband – Optical Heart Rate Armband Monitor with Dual Band Radio ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Scosche Rhythm+2.0 is rechargeable so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries and provides up to 24 hours of workout time between charges. It is also very accurate and dependable. The optical sensor technology in the Rhythm+2.0 utilizes green and yellow LEDs to measure blood flow for a highly accurate reading with all skin tones. A built-in accelerometer further assists in providing hyper-accurate measurements. The design is also has dustproof and waterproof construction that can be submerged up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes making the Rhythm+2.0 waterproof and sweatproof for your toughest workouts. At his price point you won’t be spending hundreds of dollars either.
After using this daily for a few months now I can say, I am fan. I have had no issues to date with pairing or battery life. Sometimes, I even forget that I have it on and the information that it provides is priceless. If your in the market for a heart rate monitor let me take the guess work out of choosing. For me, this is the only clear choice. As the months go on I will update you on any changes in behavior, but for now I am very pleased.