Answers (9)
1
I recommend that my post-cardiac-rehab clients and diabetic clients use a good heart rate monitor during cardio workouts as a constant reminder of fluctuations in heart rate. I also tell these clients not to get too attached to the numbers, and I teach them to use RPE (rating of perceived exertion) along with heart rate. It is important in these populations to use both methods, given the higher risk of cardiac events and the effects of medication on heart rate.
For other clients, I do not rely on monitors as the best means of assessing intensity. The reason I do not want my clients measuring exercise intensity solely with heart rate monitors (especially ones built into cardio machines) is that they can be inaccurate and improperly used. Heart rate monitors often measure pulse rate for 5- to 15-second intervals and correct to the pulse rate for a minute. This method creates a small margin of error. Some people have undiagnosed dysrhythmias, such as premature ventricular contractions, and a monitor will fail to count them and give an inaccurately low number. Some people will then mistakenly increase intensity to stay at the target heart rate with dangerous results. Also, some medications alter heart rate, and I do not want clients to increase intensity inappropriately. When I feel heart rate is important to keep track of, I also teach RPE and common sense. I tell my clients that even if the monitor is telling them that their heart rate is too low, they should not increase intensity if they feel their exertion is high on the RPE scale. To be at the right intensity, they should be able to say a phrase but not carry on a conversation. I use palpation for 30 seconds rather than relying on a monitor (even if my client is wearing one) during exercise testing. This method has enabled me on at least two occasions to detect possible dysrhythmias. I was able to suggest that my clients see their doctors before a cardiac event could occur. Needless to say, my clients were grateful when their conditions were caught in time.
For other clients, I do not rely on monitors as the best means of assessing intensity. The reason I do not want my clients measuring exercise intensity solely with heart rate monitors (especially ones built into cardio machines) is that they can be inaccurate and improperly used. Heart rate monitors often measure pulse rate for 5- to 15-second intervals and correct to the pulse rate for a minute. This method creates a small margin of error. Some people have undiagnosed dysrhythmias, such as premature ventricular contractions, and a monitor will fail to count them and give an inaccurately low number. Some people will then mistakenly increase intensity to stay at the target heart rate with dangerous results. Also, some medications alter heart rate, and I do not want clients to increase intensity inappropriately. When I feel heart rate is important to keep track of, I also teach RPE and common sense. I tell my clients that even if the monitor is telling them that their heart rate is too low, they should not increase intensity if they feel their exertion is high on the RPE scale. To be at the right intensity, they should be able to say a phrase but not carry on a conversation. I use palpation for 30 seconds rather than relying on a monitor (even if my client is wearing one) during exercise testing. This method has enabled me on at least two occasions to detect possible dysrhythmias. I was able to suggest that my clients see their doctors before a cardiac event could occur. Needless to say, my clients were grateful when their conditions were caught in time.
0
My client and I wear a Polar F series model so I can monitor heart rate without having to take the client’s pulse, grab his wrist or stop him from exercising. The heart monitor also shows the client his average heart rate, maximum heart rate, calories expended and percentage of those calories that came from fat. This information educates the client as to what activities or positions burn the most calories, the concept of anaerobic threshold (AT), how it feels to train at or above the AT and how to determine rest periods between sets. In addition, the monitor helps me make better choices in program design. I can tell when a client has adapted to a particular mode or intensity and when it's time to change it up. The monitor also presents a clearer picture of the relationship between volume and intensity. As intensity increases, volume will decrease. As the client’s fitness improves, I slowly add back volume while maintaining intensity.
0
Heart rate training in combination with perceived exertion is an excellent way to monitor exercise intensity, and just as importantly - recovery! The importance of recovery HR is sometimes overlooked. The first minute post-exercise HR can give you an indication early-on if you're over-training, or maybe fighting off a cold, or just in need of some extra rest.
Phil Maffetone has some excellent material about HR monitoring. His website is:
http://www.philmaffetone.com
Phil Maffetone has some excellent material about HR monitoring. His website is:
http://www.philmaffetone.com
0
Yes, Heart Rate Monitors are very effective. I have been using them for many years. I have an extra one that I let my client use early on, with hope that they too, will purchase one. Best $60 spent in my opinion.
0
In my opinion, there isn't one correct answer for all situations here. That being said, I like using a heart rate monitor, and I recommend one to my clients. Not only does it give them instant feedback on the intensity of their exercise, but it also serves as a motivator and trainer when I'm not working with them.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
0
It would depend on the person. If I had a client who thinks they are working out "hard enough"but not achieving results, I will insist on having them workout while wearing a heart rate moniter to check it out.
I think they are imperative for "cardiac patients" or high risk clients.
I don't wear one, I rely on the talk test
I think they are imperative for "cardiac patients" or high risk clients.
I don't wear one, I rely on the talk test
0
While I personally wear a Garmin Forerunner 405 heart rate monitor, it is important to keep in mind that a client on certain meds i.e. Beta Blockers, or suffering from a known or unknown cardiac condition will show a lower heart than they would if not on the meds or without the medical condition. If you push this client to go harder in their workout to reach some atrificial heart rate zone, you could put yourself and your client in a very regrettable situation.
Be VERY sure of your clients medical history before pushing them into too high of a heart rate zone. It is much better to use RPE with a client you aren't 100% sure about. When I trained as paramedic over 25 years ago, I had to learn and recognize 40 different cardiac rhythm and how they would present in a patient. Some of these conditions would cause a lower heart rate and the patient had no idea they suffered from this condition.
Be VERY sure of your clients medical history before pushing them into too high of a heart rate zone. It is much better to use RPE with a client you aren't 100% sure about. When I trained as paramedic over 25 years ago, I had to learn and recognize 40 different cardiac rhythm and how they would present in a patient. Some of these conditions would cause a lower heart rate and the patient had no idea they suffered from this condition.
