Polar Heart Rate Monitor

Whether you're an experienced, professional runner or simply run for pleasure and fitness, it's vitally important that you keep track of your heart rate during exercise. Being able to measure your heart rate quickly and easily can not only encourage you to push yourself harder and for longer, it can also let you know when you need to take a break to avoid harming yourself.

One of the easiest ways to have this information to hand is to buy a running HRM watch such as a Polar heart rate watch. The watch essentially comes in two parts: a transmitter, which is worn on a comfortable, specially designed belt around the waist; and a computer, which is worn as a watch on the wrist. The waistband measures your heart rate and transmits this to the wristwatch computer, enabling you to see at a glance how your heart rate is changing.

Polar running watches come in a wide range of varieties, to suit every degree of runner and every budget. Most models will tell you how much your heart rate has increased from your average resting rate, giving you a 'target zone' heart rate to aim for as well as letting you know how many calories you have burned during the session. Advanced running HRM watches by Polar HRM UK, particularly those which are designed for a specific sport such as cycling or cardio, will also give you other information, such as technique tips or workout suggestions. Some watches can also be linked to online fitness plans, helping you to constantly keep on top of your workout.