Treadmill Heart Rate Monitors – FAQ

A heart rate monitor is an important tool for any efficient and effective cardio workout.  The importance of a integrated treadmill heart rate monitor depends on your intended use and goals.

Treadmill users who typically only walk on their treadmill may not see the benefit of an integrated heart rate monitor.  There are many ways, and tools, to track your heart rate. Integrated treadmill heart rate monitors are only beneficial if they work with the treadmill programs.

A treadmill heart rate monitor is useful if it integrates with the treadmill program. Integration allows the program to control the intensity of the workout depending on your heart rate. There is little to no benefit from a treadmill heart rate monitor if it does not integrate with the program. You can monitor your own heart rate with your finger.

Treadmill heart rate monitors typically either use a side rail pad, or a chest strap. Side rail pads work by sensing the electrical signals generated by the heart, much like an ECG. Pads are not typically as accurate as chest straps. Chest straps wrap snugly around your chest just below your breast. Most integrated treadmill-chest-strap-heart-monitors are wireless, but some may still require a cable.

Tags: chest strap, heart rate monitor